Don’t Assume Your Medicare Plan Stays the Same in 2026

Every fall, Medicare Advantage members receive a document called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It explains what’s changing in your plan for the upcoming year—benefits, costs, and rules.

This year, many seniors are saying the same thing in particular about UnitedHealthcare’s ANOC: it feels vague. The language isn’t always clear, and it’s easy to miss important details.

That’s concerning, because one small change can mean a big difference in your care or your wallet. A prescription that was covered in 2025 might move to a different tier in 2026. A dental or vision perk you used last year might quietly disappear. Or a monthly premium might inch up while the co-pays shift around.

👉 The takeaway: Don’t assume your plan is staying the same. Don’t assume your favorite benefits are safe.

At M3 Insurance, we encourage everyone to:

• Read your ANOC carefully. Highlight anything that looks different from last year.

• Pay attention to what’s missing. Sometimes benefits are reduced without being called out directly.

• Ask questions. If something feels unclear, it’s worth a second look.

• Compare your options. You’re not locked into one plan; you have the right to choose what works best.

“The ANOC is one of the most important letters you’ll get all year,” says Mary. “It’s not just paperwork—it’s the key to making sure your coverage still meets your needs.”

“I always tell my clients: don’t skim, don’t assume. If something isn’t clear, let’s sit down and go through it together,” adds Alexis. “A little extra time now can save a lot of stress later.”

Your health and financial security deserve more than assumptions. This fall, take the time to comb through your 2026 plan changes—and if you’d like a second set of eyes, we’re here to help.

Mary and Alexis, M3 Insurance