Receiving a notice about changes to your Medicare Advantage plan can feel confusing and even a little frustrating. But don’t worry—this is a normal part of how Medicare Advantage (and Original Medicare) works, and you have options. At SelectQuote, we believe in making sure you have the right coverage for your health, needs, and budget, especially when your current plan is changing.
Whether your doctors, costs, or coverage have changed, we'll help you understand your choices so you can find the right plan for your needs and have peace of mind.
What is an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?
Every year, the private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans can make adjustments to coverage. These changes might include a different network of doctors, changes to the plan’s costs, or a change in which prescription drugs are covered (if that’s included in your plan). These changes are all summarized in a document called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
The ANOC is a letter that your insurance company sends every fall, by September 30. This letter is very important because it provides a summary of changes to your plan for the next year. It will list things like:
Changes to Your Premium: Your monthly cost might go up or down.
Changes to Your Copays and Deductibles: The amount you pay for a doctor visit or a hospital stay might be different.
Changes to Your Doctor or Hospital Network: Your doctor might no longer be in your plan's network, which is a big deal if you want to keep seeing them. Please refer to the resources provided in your ANOC to ensure your needs are still being met.
Changes to Your Prescription Drug Coverage: Your medicines might have a new cost or not be covered at all. Refer to the resources provided in your letter to make sure your healthcare needs are still being met.
You should always read your ANOC carefully to ensure you understand any changes to costs and/or providers, and when you’re able to make a change.
What should you do about Medicare Advantage plan changes?
The good news is that you can make a change during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period—also known as AEP.
AEP happens every year from October 15 to December 7 and is your chance to review Medicare Advantage plan options available in your area. During AEP, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can:
Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage (or add or drop drug coverage).
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare.
Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re on Original Medicare.
If you don't do anything during AEP, you will be automatically enrolled in your same Medicare Advantage plan for the next year.
When can you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or make a change?
In addition to the Annual Enrollment Period that takes place every year from October 15 to December 7, you may also be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or make a change during:
Initial Enrollment Period
Your Initial Enrollment Period (also known as IEP) is the seven-month period that surrounds your 65th birthday. Enrollment starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65.
Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period (also known as SEP) is when specific major life changes or events occur, giving eligible beneficiaries the chance to change their plan. You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you’re new to Original Medicare, recently moved, or are losing coverage.
Working With a Knowledgeable, Licensed Insurance Agent
This is where a licensed insurance agent from SelectQuote can support you. You don't have to go through your ANOC alone. Our licensed insurance agents can help:
Understanding Your ANOC: We can help you understand all the changes listed in your letter.
Comparing Plans: We can shop and compare plans from many different insurance carriers to find one that better fits your needs.
Saving You Money: We can help you find a plan with affordable premiums or possibly better coverage for your prescription drugs.
Making Sure Your Doctor is Covered: We'll help you check that your doctors are in the network of any plan you're considering.
Working with a licensed insurance agent makes the process simple, so you can feel confident you're making the right choice for the next year.
Get Help From A SelectQuote Licensed Insurance Agent
Don't let Medicare Advantage plan changes leave you with coverage that is no longer right for you. Our licensed insurance agents can help you understand your ANOC, compare Medicare Advantage plans available in your area, and make sure your healthcare needs and budget are considered when finding a plan for you.
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