As summer winds down, Medicare beneficiaries will soon begin receiving an important document: their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
For many clients, the ANOC is just another piece of mail, but for Medicare agents, it represents a valuable opportunity to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and help clients prepare for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
The reality is that as ANOCs arrive, beneficiaries will begin receiving a steady stream of marketing materials, phone calls, emails, and outreach from other agents. Agents who proactively engage with their clients now can position themselves as the trusted resource clients turn to when they have questions about their coverage and healthcare needs.
What is the ANOC?
The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a document sent each year to Medicare Advantage and Part D members that outlines any changes taking effect on January 1 of the upcoming plan year.
Clients can typically expect to receive their ANOC in late September before the Annual Enrollment Period begins on October 15.
The document highlights important updates, including:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance
- Prescription drug coverage and formularies
- Provider network changes
- Supplemental benefits
Even small changes can significantly impact a beneficiary’s healthcare costs and access to care, so reviewing the ANOC should be a part of every client’s annual Medicare review.
Why Proactive Outreach Matters
ANOC season is about more than explaining plan changes; it’s about reinforcing your value as a trusted advisor.
When beneficiaries receive their ANOC, many have questions.
For instance:
- Will my costs increase?
- Are my doctors still in-network?
- Are my medications still covered?
- Is my current plan still the best fit?
If you aren’t answering those questions for your clients, chances are – someone else will.
By reaching out before your clients start reviewing their ANOCs, you demonstrate that you’re invested in their long-term success, not just their enrollment. Proactive communication helps build trust, improves retention, and ensures your clients know exactly who to call when they need guidance.
Get Ahead of ANOC Season with a Client Outreach Letter
Not sure how to start the conversation? We’ve made it easy for our partners.
Our Agent Pre-ANOC Review Letter is designed to help agents proactively connect with clients before ANOCs begin arriving. The letter encourages beneficiaries to review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Booklet when it arrives and reminds them to reach out with any questions as they prepare for AEP.
Even better, our team can help you personalize the letter to reflect your brand. Simply send us a request through the VIP portal, and we can customize the template with your logo, brand colors, custom messaging, and contact information. We’ll then provide a print-ready file you can mail directly to your clients.
Being proactive with a letter like this can help reinforce your role as your clients’ trusted Medicare resource before enrollment season gets into full swing.
*Download the Agent Pre-ANOC Review Letter Here*
Once you’ve encouraged clients to review their ANOC, real value comes from the conversations that follow. As you begin these conversations, here are five key topics every Medicare agent should bring to the table.
1. Ask What’s Changed in Their Life
Before reviewing any plan details, take time to understand what has changed since the last enrollment season.
Things to ask about include:
- New diagnoses or health conditions
- Hospitalizations or procedures
- Changes in prescription medications
- Increased specialist visits
- Changes in financial circumstances
These life changes often have a greater impact on plan fit than the ANOC itself, so it’s the best place to start client conversations.
2. Review Plan Changes Together
Many beneficiaries never fully review their ANOC. That’s why it’s important to help your clients focus on the updates that matter most.
Things to discuss include:
- Premium changes
- Deductibles
- Copays and coinsurance
- Drug coverage updates
- Changes to supplemental benefits
A guided review can help clients better understand how their coverage may change in the coming year.
3. Confirm Doctors and Pharmacies Are Still a Good Fit
Provider and pharmacy changes can create unexpected challenges for clients if they aren’t addressed early.
Take time to verify:
- Primary care physicians
- Specialists
- Preferred pharmacies
- Key prescription medications
This simple conversation can help prevent costly surprises after the new plan year begins.
4. Review Underutilized Benefits
Many beneficiaries aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits available to them under their plan.
Ask whether they’ve used:
- Dental benefits
- Vision benefits
- Hearing coverage
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
- Fitness programs
- Transportation benefits
These conversations reinforce your value beyond enrollment and help clients maximize their coverage.
5. Make Sure the Plan Still Fits Their Budget
Over time, healthcare needs and financial priorities evolve.
That’s why it’s important to use the ANOC review to discuss:
- Expected healthcare utilization
- Potential out-of-pocket costs
- Prescription expenses
- Affordability concerns
- Overall value of the plan
Helping clients evaluate both coverage and cost positions you as a trusted advocate rather than just an agent.
ANOC = Relationship Building Opportunity
ANOC season is one of the most important relationship-building opportunities of the year. While beneficiaries will be flooded with calls, mailers, and advertisements as AEP approaches, a proactive conversation can set you apart from the competition.
Reach out early, guide your clients through their ANOC, and make sure they know who to call when questions arise. And remember this: the agents who lead the conversation are often the ones who keep the relationships.
