If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) will arrive by the end of September (plans must deliver it by September 30). Please keep an eye on your mail—ANOCs can look like ordinary plan mailers and sometimes get tossed as junk. This packet explains what’s changing for the 2026 plan year, so it’s worth a careful read.

What the ANOC Is (and Isn’t)

• It is: a summary of next year’s changes—premiums, copays, deductibles, drugcoverage, network updates, and extra benefits.
• It isn’t: a sales brochure or your full Evidence of Coverage (EOC). If you need moredetail, ask the plan for the EOC or I can help you find it.

Make It Easy: What to Gather First

• Your current plan ID card
• An updated medication list (name, dosage, how often)
• Your preferred pharmacy (and a backup)
• A list of doctors/specialists and regular clinics/hospitals
• Notes about travel or seasonal residence (if applicable)

A Simple, Page-by-Page Game Plan

1. Start with the “Summary of Changes.”
Circle anything that went up (premium, deductible, maximum out-of-pocket/MOOP, specialist copays). Star anything that went down.

2. Medical Benefits to Watch
Office visits, hospital costs (inpatient days), outpatient surgery, ER/urgent care,therapies (PT/OT/ST), mental health, imaging (MRI/CT), durable medical equipment,and whether referrals/prior auths changed.

3. Drug Coverage (Part D) Check
Tier moves, new PA/ST/QL rules, whether your pharmacy is still “preferred,” anddeductible changes for generics vs. brands.

4. Network & Extras
Confirm doctors/hospitals remain in network. Review changes todental/vision/hearing, OTC allowance, transportation, fitness, and other extras.

5. Quick Cost Snapshot
Premium × 12 + (typical visits × new copays) + monthly drug costs. Compare yourcurrent year to the 2026 numbers. If costs jump, let’s talk options.

Is It a Real ANOC—or a Scam Mailer?

Unfortunately, AEP season brings a lot of look-alike mail. Use this quick checklist:

Signs it’s your real ANOC from your current plan

• The envelope and letter use your current plan’s name/logo consistently (exactspelling, not “Medicare Center” or vague wording).
• It references your current plan name and the upcoming 2026 planname/benefits.
• It contains a member-specific greeting (your name) and plan details—not justgeneric promises.
• It does not ask for your Social Security, bank/credit card numbers, or a decision onthe spot.
• The contact number matches the Member Services number on the back of your current ID card.

Red flags of junk or scam mail

• “Act now or lose your benefits” pressure, countdowns, or gift card incentives.
• Requests for SSN, bank, or credit card information to “keep coverage.”
• Odd sender names (“National Medicare Office,” “Benefits Center”) or a logo that looks stretched/blurry/mismatched.
• A phone number/QR code that doesn’t match your plan’s Member Services line.
• The piece pushes a specific plan you’re not on while pretending to be your currentcarrier.

When in doubt:

• Call the number on the back of your current plan ID card—not the number on themailer.
• Or send me a photo of the letter (hide personal info) and I’ll help you verify it.
• You can also set an appointment and I’ll look it over with you.Just call 937-766-1965

Didn’t Receive an ANOC?

If it hasn’t arrived by early October, call your plan’s Member Services and request another copy—or contact me and I’ll help you track it down.

What Happens Next?

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7. If your ANOC shows changes you don’t like, we can compare alternatives so your 2026 coverage fits your needs and budget.

Why Work with a Local Agent?

A local, independent agent (hi!) can:

• Translate your ANOC into plain English and run side-by-side comparisons.
• Check your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies—no surprises.
• Price your medications across plans and preferred pharmacies.
• Help you spot scam mail/calls and report them when needed.
• Be here year-round for claims questions, appeals, and plan issues.

Need a Hand?

If the packet feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. You can call, email or text me and I’ll help you make sense of the changes—clearly and calmly.

Robin Sisk Mindful Medicare Solutions

Disclaimer: Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plans and benefits vary by carrier and service area.