Medicares Annual Roadmap: Understanding Your Annual Notice of Change

Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): What You Need to Know for 2026

Review Your 2026 Medicare Plan Changes Now!
Use the Free FinStream Medicare ANOC Review Assistant:
www.finstream.tv/anoc

Why Your ANOC Matters

Now that we’re in the Fall Open Enrollment Period, it’s time to review one of the most critical Medicare documents of the year: the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

This notice tells you exactly what’s changing in your Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug Plan for the upcoming year — including your costs, provider network, and drug coverage.

If you haven’t received your ANOC, contact your plan right away to request a copy. You must receive it by September 30th each year.

Three Key Areas to Review in Your ANOC

1. Costs

Check for changes to:

Premiums

Deductibles

Copayments and coinsurance

Example:
Your plan may raise your deductible or copay in 2026. Even small changes can mean hundreds of dollars more in out-of-pocket costs next year.

2. Provider Networks

Your doctor, specialist, or pharmacy could be out-of-network in 2026.

That could lead to:

Much higher medical bills

Limited access to care

Even no coverage for certain providers

Double-check that your preferred doctors and pharmacies are still in-network for 2026.

3. Prescription Drug Coverage

Review your plan’s drug formulary carefully. Look for:

Medications that were covered in 2025 but aren’t in 2026

Price tier changes

New prior authorization requirements

Your prescriptions may cost more or become uncovered next year — so verify your medications.

What to Do Next

Read your ANOC carefully.

Compare 2026 details with your current healthcare needs.

Decide whether to keep or switch your plan before the Open Enrollment deadline.

And for a simple, guided review…

Use the FinStream Medicare ANOC Review Assistant:
www.finstream.tv/anoc
This free tool helps you:

Upload and analyze your ANOC

Spot key changes in costs and coverage

Get plain-language explanations of what’s new for 2026

Need Personalized Help?

If you’d like one-on-one support, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):

877-839-2675
shiphelp.org

SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased guidance to help you compare Medicare options and make confident decisions.

Take Control This Enrollment Season

Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is the roadmap to understanding your coverage — and avoiding costly surprises.

Before making any plan decisions, make sure you:

Review your ANOC thoroughly

Compare your options

Use FinStream’s trusted review tool

Start here: www.finstream.tv/anoc