Every September, your ANOC shows what’s changing next year. Ignore it and you might wake up in January with higher costs, different drugs, or doctors suddenly out-of-network. This post turns that “junk mail” into your early-warning system.
Watch: How to Read Your ANOC (Step-by-Step)
Key Takeaways
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Your ANOC = your roadmap for 2026. Costs, drug tiers, networks, and extras all change here.
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Deadlines are real. Use AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) to switch if your 2026 updates aren’t good.
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Small line items ≠ small impact. A $20 co-pay bump can add hundreds across the year.
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Drug tiers move. A Tier 2 → Tier 3 shift can double a co-pay overnight.
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Networks tighten. Always re-check your PCP, specialists, and hospital for next year.
The SNIFF Method: 5 Insider Steps to Read Your ANOC
S — Scan the comparison charts
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Circle any increases (premium, deductible, ER, urgent care, specialist, hospital).
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Multiply each change by how often you used it last year.
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A $20 urgent-care jump × 5 visits = $100 more next year.
N — Note drug list changes
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Check if each medication is still covered and in the same tier.
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Look for new prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits.
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If a brand drug moves from Tier 2 → Tier 3, compare alternative plans now.
I — Inspect your provider network
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Verify your PCP, specialists, and preferred hospital for 2026.
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Don’t assume “it’s fine.” Call offices or use the plan’s 2026 directory.
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Out-of-network surprises turn routine care into big bills.
F — Find benefit cuts
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Dental max drops, OTC allowances cut, vision frames reduced, gym removed.
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Highlight anything you use. If it matters to your health or wallet, shop.
F — Figure out your next move
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If everything checks out, you can stay put—with confidence.
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If not, compare options during AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7). Don’t wait until December.
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If your MA plan is exiting your county, ask about a guaranteed-issue Medigap window (no health questions, time-limited).
What To Do Next
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Find your ANOC (arrives in September). Don’t toss it.
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Run SNIFF on costs, drugs, doctors, and extras.
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List non-negotiables: doctors, meds, hospital, budget, travel.
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Compare during AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) or a Special Enrollment if you qualify.
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Document proof if you’re working past 65 (creditable coverage, etc.).
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Get unbiased help if you prefer a coach over a sales pitch.
FAQs
What if my plan changes and I do nothing?
You’ll automatically be re-enrolled in your current plan for 2026. If your plan still exists, it renews itself. No action needed.
But that doesn’t mean you’re getting a better deal. Costs might go up. Benefits and drug coverage could get cut. Even your docs might drop off your network.
Bottom line: Doing nothing is a decision—and it could cost you.
Will I be auto-moved to a better plan?
Short answer: No. You stay in the plan you have unless you take action.
Better plans won’t find you. You’ve got to shop it or ask to switch during the open enrollment window.
How do I know if my drugs changed tiers?
Your ANOC has the formulary notes, flagging if your drugs are dropped, moved to a higher tier, or suddenly need prior authorization.
But here’s the kicker: the ANOC might not list every detail, especially your exact meds. You’ll often need to cross-check the full formulary or EOC to see how your prescription costs are truly affected.
What if my doctor leaves the network?
First—don’t ignore it. If your doctor or hospital drops your plan, you still have coverage—but your access to care changes.
- Emergency rooms are still covered, but routine visits? Those could cost more or simply not be covered.
- If you’re not happy, shop for a plan that keeps your doctors in network—during AEP or the early-year Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31).
And be aware: losing your doctor doesn’t trigger guaranteed issue Medigap protection. You’d likely have to pass a medical exam to get a new Medigap plan.
Schedule Your FREE Medicare Consultation
Whether you’re new to Medicare, turning 65, retiring, or looking to change plans, the licensed agents at Brickhouse Agency offer free, no-obligation consultations to walk you through your options.
Required Medicare Disclaimer: No obligation to enroll. Brickhouse Agency does not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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