How to Read Your ANOC in 7 Minutes (with a checklist)

Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) arrives each September. It lists what will change in your

Medicare Advantage or Part D plan next year—premiums, copays, drug coverage, provider networks, and more. Spend 7 minutes with this guide before Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) so you’re not surprised on Jan 1. Medicare+1

Minute 1–2: Monthly costs

• Premium (this year vs next)

• Deductible & copays (primary, specialist, urgent care, ER)

• Max‑out‑of‑pocket (MOOP) for in‑network care in MA plans

Tip: Costs listed in ANOC start January 1 of the new year. Medicare

Minute 3: Doctors & hospitals

• Any change in network rules (HMO vs PPO, referral rules)?

If you see us at The Modern Medicine Group, call 559‑369‑7787 with your plan name & member ID—we’ll confirm network status from our side before you switch.

Minute 4–5: Drugs & pharmacies

• Formulary moves (tiers), removals, or new prior authorizations

• Preferred pharmacy status changes that affect your copays

  
  

Minute 6: 2025–2026 drug‑cost protections to remember

• Part D has a $2,000 annual cap on out‑of‑pocket drug costs in 2025 (indexed to $2,100 in 2026). After you hit it, you owe $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of that calendar year. CMS National Training Program+1

• Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) lets you spread your drug costs monthly through your plan (it helps cash flow; it doesn’t lower total cost). Medicare+1

  
  

Minute 7: Extras & potential deal‑breakers

• Dental/vision/hearing benefits can change

• Deal‑breaker checklist: Your key med is dropped • Your doctor/hospital is out • MOOP spikes • New referral rules don’t fit your care

What to do next (Fresno “Fit Check”)

1. Shortlist plans in Medicare Plan Finder (ZIP 93720) and compare total yearly cost. Medicare

2. Call our clinic with your ANOC and meds—we’ll sanity‑check your short list.

3. Need unbiased help? HICAP/SHIP Fresno‑Madera 559‑224‑9117. Valley CRC

Enroll during Oct 15–Dec 7; changes start Jan 1. Medicare

Have your ANOC handy? 

Call 559‑369‑7787 

and we’ll help you check fit before you switch.

Resources:

• ANOC overview (what it is, why September) Medicare+1

• Medicare Plan Finder (compare plans) Medicare

• MPPP basics (monthly billing) Medicare

  
  

FAQ

• I didn’t receive an ANOC. Contact your plan; they must provide it in September. Medicare

• Can I switch after Jan 1? If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, Jan 1–Mar 31 you can make one change (MA‑OEP). Medicare
  

Call: 559‑369‑7787 • We don’t sell insurance. We provide medical care and education. For unbiased plan counseling, contact HICAP/SHIP Fresno‑Madera at 559‑224‑9117. Valley CRC