Annual Notice of Cornhuskers??? And Now Our Cornhuskers??
For most of us in Nebraska, September is the month that marks the beginning of another Husker football, volleyball, soccer, golf or cross-country season. For those of us in the health insurance industry, it is the final month of preparation before enrollment season begins. For everyone with Medicare it’s time to look for the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters!
When the ANOC letters arrive this month, OPEN YOUR LETTER and you will likely notice:
1. A change in premium. This may reflect an increase from the 2025 premium for the same plan.
2. Change in formulary. This means that the plan may be reducing the number prescriptions it covers for 2026.
3. Pharmacy network changes. These alignments change annually, and it is always good to know that your pharmacy and your plan will work together. Mail-order pharmacy service is also available with every Part D plan and may be the most convenient option for some seniors.
4. Review of the Medicare Prescription Payment Program (M3P) introduced in 2025 that allows members to spread out their prescription expenditures for high-ticket items over the entire policy year. The maximum limit for prescriptions that was introduced in 2025 continues, and in 2026 Medicare enrollees will pay no more than $2,100 during the calendar year for all prescriptions.
There will also be a notice of the ten prescriptions with negotiated prices which include name brands like Eliquis, Enbrel, Entresto, Farxiga, Fiasp, Imbruvica, Januavia, Jardiance, Stelara and Xarelto. However, even with the 38-76% discounts on these prescriptions, the prices remain high, and the drug may not be covered by your plan.
It’s that time of year: Cornhuskers and ANOCs. Watch for both this month and get ready to review, or help the seniors in your life review, the Annual Notice of Change for stand-alone Part D coverage or Part D coverage combined with a Medicare Advantage plan. Find a licensed insurance agent locally to help, contact the SHIP office, or DIY at Medicare.gov. The licensed agents at On Point Insurance Agency (insuranceonpoint.com) are here to help.