Costs
Compare next year’s premium, medical and drug deductibles, copays, coinsurance, inpatient and outpatient costs, and Medicare Advantage medical maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Reviewed by a licensed Gala Health insurance agent · Updated August 21, 2026
How to review your Medicare Annual Notice of Change
The Annual Notice of Change explains how a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan’s coverage, costs, benefits, provider network, formulary, pharmacies, and operating rules will change for the coming year. Reviewing it early gives you time to verify details before Annual Enrollment ends.
Call Gala Health · 934-222-5466What to look for in the notice
Plans generally send the Annual Notice of Change in September. Review it even when you are satisfied with current coverage. Compare the new information with your present-year Evidence of Coverage, recent claims, prescriptions, providers, and expected care so you can see which changes may affect you personally.
Benefits and rules
Review changes to covered services, dental, vision, hearing, OTC or fitness benefits, allowances, provider networks, referrals, prior authorization, and vendor restrictions.
Prescription coverage
Check every medication’s formulary status, drug tier, restrictions, deductible treatment, preferred pharmacy pricing, and available alternatives using next year’s plan documents.
Do not review the notice in isolation
Confirm doctors, specialists, hospitals, laboratories, and facilities will remain in the exact plan’s network at the location you use.
Recheck every prescription using the coming year’s formulary, including dosage, quantity limits, step therapy, and prior authorization.
Compare preferred, standard, mail-order, and specialty pharmacies because the same medication can have different cost sharing.
Consider expected medical services, procedures, therapies, equipment, travel, seasonal residence, and anticipated changes in care.
Review other plans available in your county only during an enrollment period that permits the change you want to make.
Verify important details with the plan and providers, save confirmation information, and review the enrollment request before submitting it.
If you do not receive the notice, contact your plan. Keeping the current plan generally means accepting its changes for the coming year unless you make an allowed change. Read official guidance at Medicare.gov and use Gala Health’s Medicare plan review checklist.
Review Medicare enrollment periodsCompare coverage around your priorities
A licensed Gala Health agent can help you compare the plans Gala Health represents around your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, costs, networks, benefits, and priorities. There is no obligation to enroll.
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