Medicare plan changes

Medicare Annual Notice of Change: The 3 Things to Check

As of October 15, 2026
By Ask Margaret, fact-checked against official sources
Margaret is an AI host

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If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan, a letter called the Annual Notice of Change probably arrived this fall. Many people toss it. Please do not, because it tells you what your plan will change on January 1. Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, so now is the time to read it. This guide gives three things to check. Our Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap guide covers choosing between types of coverage.

What the notice is

Medicare.gov says that if you are in a Medicare plan, your plan sends you a Plan Annual Notice of Change each fall. It lists changes in coverage, costs and more that take effect in January. Medicare's Advantage booklet says the notice includes changes in provider networks and service area too, and that plans send a printed copy by September 30. The notice comes from your plan, not from Medicare. If you did not get it, Medicare says to contact your plan.

Check 1: What you will pay

Look for your monthly premium, your deductible, and your copayments and coinsurance. Medicare's booklet notes that a Medicare Advantage plan can only change what you pay once a year, on January 1. That makes this notice your one warning. You still pay your Part B premium on top of any plan premium. The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, according to Medicare.gov, and the 2027 figure was not yet official when we wrote this.

Tip: write last year's numbers beside this year's, line by line, so a small change does not hide.

Check 2: Your doctors, hospitals and service area

Many plans have a network. Medicare says that in some plans you must use doctors, facilities or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency care. The notice can include network changes. Make a list of your doctors and your hospital, then confirm each is still in the plan for 2027. Call the doctor's office and ask whether they accept the plan for next year, and use the plan finder at medicare.gov to compare. Also check that the plan's service area still includes where you live.

Check 3: Your drugs

Medicare notes that plans with drug coverage can change their drug list, called a formulary, and that it can affect what you pay for a certain drug. Make a list of every drug you take, with dose. Then check each one against the plan's 2027 list and cost. A drug can move to a higher tier or need approval first. If a drug you take costs more or is gone, that alone can be a reason to shop.

Then decide: stay or switch

Your options, according to Medicare.gov
If...	Then
The changes are fine	You do not need to do anything. Your coverage continues automatically.
They are not	Between October 15 and December 7 you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

The plan must get your request by December 7, and changes start January 1. Medicare also warns that if you switch to Original Medicare you may need a separate drug plan, and there are limits on when you can add Medigap, so check before you drop a plan.

A note on scams

Scam calls rise in this season. A call that pressures you to switch plans or asks for your Medicare number is a red flag. Use medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself. See our Open Enrollment guide. If you need help paying for Medicare, see Medicare Savings Programs.

Checklist

Find your notice, or ask your plan for it.
Compare premium, deductible and copays with last year.
Confirm your doctors, hospital and area.
Check every drug against the 2027 list.
Decide by December 7.

What we could not confirm

We did not find an official 2027 Part B premium. Your plan's notice is the only source for your own plan's changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Annual Notice of Change?

A letter your plan sends each fall listing changes in coverage, costs and more that take effect in January. It comes from your plan, not Medicare.

What if I did not get mine?

Medicare.gov says to contact your plan.

Do I have to do anything if I like the changes?

No. Medicare says that if you keep your current coverage, it continues automatically. To change plans, your request must reach the plan by December 7.

Sources

Every figure above comes from these pages. Figures are as of October 15, 2026. Rules and limits change, so check the page before you rely on a number.

Plan Annual Notice of Change: sent by your plan each fall; coverage and cost changes effective in January; review it; contact your plan if you did not get it. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/forms-publications-mailings/mailings/costs-and-coverage/upcoming-plan-changes
Open Enrollment October 15 to December 7; options; request must reach plan by December 7; switching to Original Medicare may need drug plan and Medigap limits. https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment
Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans: ANOC includes provider networks and service area, printed copy by September 30; plans change what you pay once a year on January 1; formulary changes; networks. https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf
2026 standard Part B premium $202.90 a month. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs
Remember key Medicare dates: if you keep your coverage you do not need to do anything. https://www.medicare.gov/publications/12192-remember-key-medicare-dates.pdf

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General education only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Your situation may differ. Not affiliated with Medicare or CMS. For help choosing a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).