What Three Questions Should I Answer Before December 7?
Use the free tool — Medicare Decoder
Why December 7 Matters
Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This letter tells you what will be different about your plan next year. December 7 is the date by which you need to decide what to do about those changes. Confirm this deadline with Medicare or your plan, since dates can change.
What the ANOC Tells You
Your ANOC lists what changed in your plan for next year. It also shows what those changes will cost you. The letter is written for your specific plan, so no two ANOCs are exactly alike.
The Three Questions to Answer
- Did my plan change in ways that matter to me? Compare what the ANOC says is different against what you actually use, like doctors, drugs, or benefits.
- Will the new cost work for my budget next year? Look at what the ANOC says you will pay, not what you paid this year.
- Do I need to switch plans, or stay where I am? If the changes don't work for you, December 7 is when you can make a switch.
What We Don't Know
This page can't tell you your plan's specific numbers, because every plan and every person's ANOC is different. This is not insurance advice. Always confirm details with Medicare or a licensed professional before you decide.
What to Do Next
The Medicare Decoder tool is free. Paste in your own Annual Notice of Change, and it reads your actual document and numbers. It will show you what changed, what it will cost you next year, and the three questions you need to settle before December 7. It is not affiliated with Medicare and is not insurance advice.