Guide to your 2026 Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
At MyPHSS, we strive to help Medicare beneficiaries in the Tampa Bay region—including areas like Clearwater, Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, and Brooksville—understand crucial updates to their health coverage. This article, “Guide to your 2026 Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC),” will walk you through what an ANOC is, why it matters, and how to act before the new plan year begins.
I intend to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I miss something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
What Is the Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?
The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a letter that Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans are required to send every fall, usually arriving sometime in September. The letter will explain all the upcoming changes in your plan, which will take effect on January 1.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medigap plans don’t issue an ANOC, since these are standardized plans that don’t change annually.
Why the ANOC Matters to Tampa Bay Residents
If you’re on a Medicare Advantage or a Part D drug plan, that Annual Notice of Change letter isn’t just junk mail; it’s essential. Every fall, your plan sends this out to let you know what’s changing for the upcoming year. And trust me, even small changes can make a big difference in your budget and healthcare.
For example, you might see your monthly premium go up, or the cost of your medications shift. Your plan may add, remove, or change the coverage of dental or vision benefits, or how your prescriptions are handled. These aren’t just numbers on paper—this affects how much you pay and what care you can access.
Here in the Tampa Bay area, we also have to think about local provider networks. Doctors, specialists, hospitals, and even pharmacies can come and go from a plan’s network every year. That means the provider you’re seeing now may not be in your plan next year, and the only way to find that out early is by reading your ANOC. It’s better to know in advance than to show up at your doctor’s office in January and find out they don’t take your insurance anymore.
And if the changes don’t work for you, if your doctor is dropping out, your meds aren’t covered the same way, or your costs are just too high, you’re not stuck. You’ve got options.
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, and that’s your chance to shop around and make a switch. If you find a plan that better fits your needs for 2026, you can make that change and have your new coverage start January 1.
So don’t ignore that envelope. That ANOC might be the key to saving money or getting better coverage next year.
✅ What You’ll Find in an ANOC Letter
When your ANOC arrives, here’s what to look for:
Changes in Plan Costs
Updates to your monthly premiums, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) amounts
Part D drug plans now include an annual cap on out-of-pocket drug expenses, replacing the “donut hole”.
• Prescription Drug Formulary Adjustments
Changes to your drug list—some medications may be added, removed, shift tiers, or gain new restrictions like prior authorization
Many plans now offer a Monthly Medicare Prescription Payment Plan option to help manage drug costs over time
• Provider & Pharmacy Network Updates
Confirmation of changes to your network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies for the upcoming year
• Supplemental Benefits Overview
Any adjustments to extra services—like dental, vision, hearing, or fitness—will be detailed
🧾 What to Do When You Get Your ANOC
Here’s your local step-by-step action plan:
Open and Thoroughly Review
Don’t just glance—check what’s changing in coverage, costs, and networks.Compare Plans in Your Area
Many companies offer multiple options; it’s essential to compare your current plan with what’s available in your community.Check Your Providers & Pharmacies
Make sure your favorite doctors or pharmacies are staying in-network—Tampa’s options can vary and may fill up fast.Consider Changing Your Plan
If the new terms don’t serve you, remember: You can switch plans from October 15 to December 7, with new coverage kicking in Jan. 1.Reach Out for Help
Contact us at 813-328-4664 to schedule a no-obligation review of your coverage.
As a Medicare beneficiary in Tampa Bay, your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is your annual healthcare check-in—it keeps you informed of adjustments to your coverage and gives you a choice. By reading it carefully, comparing plans, checking your providers, and acting before December 7, you make sure your coverage matches your needs for the year ahead.
If anything’s unclear or you’d like help navigating your ANOC, I’m always a message away at support@myphss.com or by scheduling an appointment with me directly, CLICK HERE.
📍 Local, Personal Service in Tampa Bay
At MyPhss, we’re not a call center or some out-of-state company. We are licensed local brokers who live and work right here in Tampa Bay.
We serve clients in:
Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes
Hernando County: Spring Hill, Brooksville
Pinellas County: Clearwater, Largo, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs
Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Lutz
Polk County: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow
Citrus County: Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa
Whether you want to meet in person, talk on the phone, or do everything online, we make it simple. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation — just honest help.
Contact Us Today
Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering switching your plan or you are looking for a fair and competitive quote for an Final Expense / Burial plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at (813) 328-4664
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
🌐 Visit us online at MyPHSS.com
Let’s protect your golden years with peace of mind and the right Final Expense or Medicare plan.
Annual Review: Review your plan annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs. To review your coverage, call 813-328-4664 or email us at support@myphss.com
I intended to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I missed something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
