Newsletter

YOUR MEDICARE ANNUAL NOTICE OF CHANGE (ANOC): WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS

Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees receive a document that’s easy to overlook—but essential to understand: the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It’s not just paperwork—it’s your personal preview of how your plan will change in the coming year, and whether it will still meet your needs.

What Is The ANOC?

The ANOC is a required document sent by your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan provider by September 30th. It outlines key changes that will take effect on January 1st, 2026. These changes may impact your coverage, costs, and access to care.

What The ANOC Includes

Your ANOC will highlight updates such as:

• 💲 Premiums, deductibles, and copays

Whether your monthly premium is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same—and how much you’ll pay for services and prescriptions.

• 💊 Drug coverage changes

Updates to your plan’s formulary, including tier shifts, new restrictions, or removal of certain medications. If a drug you rely on is affected, this is your early warning.

• 📌 Network updates

While the ANOC doesn’t list every provider or pharmacy change, it will notify you of significant network updates—such as doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies leaving the plan. You’ll be directed to check your plan’s directory or website for full details.

• 🗺️ Service area adjustments

If your plan is expanding or reducing its geographic coverage, the ANOC will flag it.

• ⚠️ Plan discontinuations for 2026

In 2026, many carriers will be reducing their Medicare Advantage offerings,       especially in regions where plans have underperformed or become financially unsustainable. These reductions will affect an estimated 1.5 to 2 million beneficiaries nationwide, who will need to select new coverage during Open Enrollment. If your plan is being discontinued, your ANOC will clearly state this and guide you on next steps.

Think of the ANOC as your plan’s ‘year-ahead forecast.’ It doesn’t tell you everything—but it tells you what’s changing, and where to look deeper.

📅 When To Expect It

You should receive your ANOC by September 30th, either by mail or electronically. If it doesn’t arrive, contact your plan immediately—it’s your right to review it.

✅ What You Should Do

• Read it carefully—especially sections on cost and coverage
• Check your medications against the updated formulary
• Verify your providers and pharmacies are still in-network
• Confirm your plan is continuing in 2026
• Compare your current plan to other options during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7)
• Reach out for guidance if anything is unclear or concerning

As your advisor, I help you interpret your ANOC, assess your options, and make confident decisions—so you’re not just covered, but prepared.

MEDICARE AND PRECISION MEDICINE—TAILORING CARE FOR EVERY MEDICARE BENEFICIARY

Medicare isn’t just about coverage—it’s about confidence. And as healthcare evolves, precision medicine is leading the charge toward smarter, safer, and more personalized care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Precision medicine uses your genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment to guide treatment decisions. Instead of trial-and-error prescriptions, it helps doctors choose the right medication the first time. For Medicare beneficiaries managing chronic conditions, this means fewer side effects, better outcomes, and more peace of mind.

How Medicare Is Adapting:



• Genomic Testing Coverage: Medicare now covers certain genetic tests that help identify which treatments work best for conditions like cancer and heart disease.
• Chronic Care Innovation: AI-powered tools and personalized care plans are being integrated into Medicare Advantage programs to improve coordination and reduce hospital visits.
• Preventive Precision: Early detection tools—like predictive screenings—are helping seniors catch health issues before they escalate.

Why It Matters:

When care is tailored to you, it’s not just more effective—it’s more empowering.

As your guide through the Medicare maze, I help you understand which plans support precision medicine, and how to access these benefits without added cost. Because clarity isn’t optional—it’s essential.



STAYING ON TOP OF YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Dr. Oz, the head of CMS (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), has begun to issue periodic communications about health topics of interest to Medicare beneficiaries. Click on the arrow in the video camera at top right in the graphic below and read the article.

Staying on top of your blood pressure is one of the best ways to stay healthy for years to come. Knowing your numbers and taking simple actions can make a huge difference.

Aim for a healthy blood pressure around 120/80. Try these simple steps:

💪

Sit less, move more. Shoot for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Exercises like chair stands and seated calf raises can be effective at lowering blood pressure.

🩺

Set goals with your doctor to manage your blood pressure. Your yearly wellness visit is a good time for your doctor to check your blood pressure and, if needed, help come up with a plan to lower it.

🥦

Eat a heart-healthy diet. Load up on veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, like poultry, seafood, beans and nuts. Cut down on salt, saturated fat, and alcohol.

Heart Healthy Tips

Heart Healthy Cooking: Chicken is a great lean protein, low in saturated fat and rich in healthy vitamins and minerals. Try this recipe for Chicken Picadillo, a zesty one-pot meal that takes just 15 minutes to prep.

Stay well,

Dr. Oz

About Paul Cholak

Paul is a licensed, independent health and life insurance agent and has over forty years of benefits experience and specializes in helping Medicare beneficiaries obtain health insurance. However, he offers a complete array of life and health insurance products to individuals of all ages.

He guides Medicare beneficiaries through the steps of getting insurance and is available to help clients both BEFORE and AFTER they've made their purchase decision.

Disclaimer for Part C and D plans: "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-2048) to get information on all your options."

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