What does my Medicare plan letter mean?
Every fall, plans send letters about next year. Pick the one that sounds like yours.
My plan is changing for next year
Often called: Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Your plan is staying, but its costs or benefits change on January 1. Plans mail this letter by September 30.
- Check your drugs, doctors, monthly premium, and the most you could pay in a year.
- If you like the changes, you do not need to do anything. You stay in the plan.
- If you want a different plan, choose it by December 7. The new plan starts January 1.
My plan is being combined with another plan
Often called: Plan consolidation notice
Your plan is merging into another plan from the same company. You will be moved to that plan on January 1 unless you pick something else.
- Compare the new plan with your current one: drugs, doctors, costs and extras.
- To choose a different plan, do it by December 7.
My plan is ending or leaving my area
Often called: Plan non-renewal notice
Your plan will not be offered where you live next year. You need to choose new coverage.
- You can choose a new plan during Annual Enrollment, by December 7, so it starts January 1.
- You also get a Special Enrollment Period. For plans ending December 31 it usually runs through the end of February.
- If you do nothing, you go to Original Medicare on January 1. You would need to join a separate drug plan to keep drug coverage.
- You may have a right to buy a Medicare Supplement policy without health questions. Keep the letter: it shows you qualify.
For every plan in your area, including plans we do not offer, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048).