Did You Get Your ‘Annual Notice of Change’ Letter?
Not long ago, you should have received your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter. This letter lets you know that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is coming up, and what actions you can take.
The notice comes from your Medicare Advantage provider and generally arrives in September. (If you did not receive your ANOC letter from MSHP, please contact us ASAP at the number below.)
Here’s why the ANOC is important:
1. ANOC is time-sensitive
Once a year, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan. The window to make these changes is October 15–December 7.
Once you contact your provider and make the changes, everything goes into effect January 1. If you miss that window, you have to wait until the following AEP season to adjust your Medicare benefits.
2. Your health needs no longer fit your plan
During the year, your health needs may have changed. Maybe you have a health condition that requires additional coverage. It could be that you need to modify your existing benefits to reflect an improvement in your health.
Whatever health changes you may have experienced, your plan provider can walk you through your existing plan and recommend any adjustments.
3. Benefits and premiums may change
During the year, changes may occur that affect your benefits. New providers may have joined your network, while others possible left. Maybe the new drug you take is no longer covered under your plan.
Additionally, co-pays can increase and treatment coverage can change.
Take a close look at your benefits and premium costs then get in touch with your provider with any questions.
Take the time to read your Annual Notice of Change letter
Think of your ANOC as your annual reminder to really think about your Medicare benefits and health needs.
It provides you the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and how well your benefits supported your doctor appointments, medication needs and medical procedures.
The main thing to remember is you do not have to work this out by yourself! You can review your notice with your plan specialist to ensure you have the right coverage to meet you needs for the upcoming year.
Book an appointment with our retention specialist ASAP to ensure you have all the benefits you need while the AEP window is open.
Here’s the link: https://calendly.com/support16
