The easy way to read your Annual Notice of Change
Your ANOC shows what will change in your Medicare plan for the next year, so it’s important to read it each fall before Annual Enrollment ends on December 7.
Watch this video to learn:
When to expect your ANOC
What changes you may see in your plan
Why your plan may change
How your costs may be different for the upcoming year
Simple steps to take after reading your ANOC
Well, whatcha got there?
I'm not sure. I'm trying to figure it out.
Why don't you give them a call?
Hmm. Hi! I just got something in the mail called an Annual Notice of Change. Can you help me figure out what I'm supposed to do with it?
Oh, absolutely! Your Annual Notice of Change may also be called an ANOC. It's a document your health plan sends each September to update you on what's changing in your Medicare plan for the upcoming year.
What kind of changes are we talking about?
Well, changes may include updates to your benefits, monthly plan premium, deductible, out-of-pocket costs, etcetera. The ANOC gives you a clear picture of how your current plan benefits compare to your plan benefits for next year so you can decide if your Aetna Medicare plan still meets your needs.
Why do these changes happen every year?
Great question. Each year we have to balance health care costs and new government requirements while still offering you the best coverage we can. So sometimes adjustments are necessary.
That makes sense. So where do I begin with the document?
You can begin with the Table of Contents. It acts like a roadmap and allows you to skip directly to the sections that matter most to you.
And what's this “Summary of Costs” about?
The “Summary of Important Costs” section is a side-by-side comparison of your current plan costs and what they will be next year. This is where you can get a quick overview of any changes to your monthly plan premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs.
What's the most important thing that I need to understand about the document?
You should pay close attention to the Changes to Benefits and Costs for Next Year section. That section goes into detail about any updates to your plan name, out-of-pocket costs, and medical or supplemental benefits like dental, vision and more.
So, if I still like my plan, what do I need to do?
If everything still works for you, you're all set. Your plan will automatically renew for next year.
And if I do want to make changes?
You'll find answers about that in the “How to Change Plans” section in your ANOC.
Thanks. This is really helpful. I feel a lot better about reading my ANOC.
We're always here to help.
About your ANOC
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Members get their ANOC document in the fall. You may get it by mail or email. Your plan may also tell you where to find it online. If you read it online, save it so you can check it later.
Want to check your Aetna® Medicare plan documents now? Review your ANOC. -
Health care costs and plan guidelines can change from year to year. Because of that, plans may update benefits, costs and rules so they can keep offering coverage that meets member needs. That’s why it helps to read your ANOC each year, even if you liked your plan this year.
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If your ANOC didn’t arrive by Sept 30, first check your mailbox and email inbox. Next, log in to your secure member site to look for plan documents. If you still can’t find it, call Member Services. The number is on your member ID card.
If you are an Aetna Medicare member, log in and review your Medicare ANOC. -
Your ANOC is a list of what’s changing for next year. Your EOC is the full book of plan rules, what’s covered, and what you pay. If you have a question after you read your ANOC, your EOC can help you find the full details.
Reading your ANOC
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Use the Table of Contents to find topics. Use it to find the page or section you need. You can easily skip to costs, drug coverage or a benefit you use.
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Look for the section that lists key costs for next year. ANOCs show this year and next year side by side. This is a fast way to spot changes to your premium, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
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Look for the section on changes to benefits and costs for next year. It gives details on what’s new, including plan rules that may affect how you get care. It may cover your plan name, monthly premium, provider network and more.
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It’s OK if a section feels hard to read at first. Mark the part that’s confusing and write your question down.
Qué debe hacer:
- Use the Table of Contents to find the full section
- Compare next year’s Medicare coverage changes to what you use most, like doctor visits, prescriptions or dental care
- Call Member Services and ask them to go through your ANOC questions
What might change
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Plans can change each year, and your ANOC will show what’s new and what benefits have changed. In general, the biggest updates show up in your costs, covered services and plan rules. Look for updates to:
- Beneficios dentales, de la vista y de la audición
- Prescription drug coverage, if your plan includes it
- Allowances or benefits available through the Extra Benefits Card, if offered by your plan
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, coinsurance and your maximum out-of-pocket amount
- Provider and pharmacy networks
- Added, removed or updated benefits
- Plan rules and coverage requirements
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It might, depending on your plan. Some plans change the drug list, what you pay, or which drug stores are in network, so your ANOC is a good place to start. Use it to check that your medicines will still be covered next year.
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It depends on your plan. Your ANOC will show any changes to your dental benefit like what is covered, how often you can get services or what you may pay.
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Your ANOC will explain any changes to your plan's costs, coverage, benefits or rules for the coming year. As you review the document, pay close attention to the benefits you use most.
For example, you may see updates to benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental benefits or other supplemental benefits offered by your plan. If your plan includes an Extra Benefits Card, review your ANOC carefully to understand whether any related allowances or benefits are changing for the new plan year.
Next steps and help
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After reviewing your ANOC, consider whether your plan still meets your health care needs and budget for the coming year. The document can help you understand what is changing and whether you need to take any action during Medicare enrollment periods.
What you should review:
- Changes to your costs, including premiums, copays and coinsurance
- Changes to prescription drug coverage
- Changes to the benefits and services you use most
- Changes to provider or pharmacy networks
- Questions you may want to discuss with Member Services
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If you're happy with your plan, you don't need to do anything. Your plan will automatically renew on January 1. Reviewing your ANOC can help you understand any changes to your costs, coverage or benefits before they take effect.
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Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. If you want to change plans for next year, act by December 7 so you don’t miss the deadline. Changes you make then start January 1.
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Member Services can go through your ANOC with you, so you know what’s new. The number is on your member ID card. If you want to start on your own first, review your plan documents online.
