What it is and when it arrives
It's a standardized Medicare document. The federal rule (42 CFR 422.2267) says the plan must send it so you receive it by September 30 each year. Soon after, by October 15, the plan must give you access to next year's Evidence of Coverage, which explains every benefit and rule in detail. Sometimes the plan only tells you where to read it online and how to ask for a printed copy.
In Spanish it's called the Aviso Anual de Cambios. It isn't advertising: it's the official summary of what changes in your plan.
Getting it in Spanish in Florida
According to the Census Bureau (ACS 2024), 23.4% of Floridians age 5 and older speak Spanish at home. Federal rules require plans to translate required materials, including the Annual Notice of Change, into any language that is the primary language of at least 5% of the people in the plan's service area. Where Spanish meets that threshold and you ask for Spanish materials, the plan must send them in Spanish from then on. Every plan's customer service must also offer interpreters. Call the number on your plan card and ask for your materials in Spanish.
What to check in the notice
- Your drugs. Make sure each one is still on the plan's 2027 drug list (formulary), and whether it now needs prior authorization.
- Your doctors and hospitals. Confirm they're still in the plan's network for 2027.
- Your pharmacy. Check that it's still in network, and whether it's preferred.
- Costs. Compare the premium, deductible, copays and the plan's out-of-pocket limit with this year's. In 2027, what you pay for covered Part D drugs is capped at $2,400 in any plan.
What to do after you read it
If your plan still works for you, you don't have to do anything. If it no longer fits, you can switch plans until December 7, 2026, and the change starts January 1, 2027. If you didn't get the notice, ask your plan for it. If you got a non-renewal letter instead, see my plan is ending in 2027 and Florida plans ending in 2027.
Watch out for calls that say "your plan changed" and ask for your Medicare number: Medicare doesn't call for that. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code.
Related questions
When is open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7, 2026.
My plan is ending in 2027
If you got a non-renewal letter.
Can I change after January 1?
One change through March 31.
Sources
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.2267(a) and (e), translation of required materials, Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage
- eCFR — 42 CFR 423.2267, the same rules for Part D plans
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.111(d) and (h), notice of January 1 changes and call-center interpreters
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2024, Table S1601, language spoken at home, Florida
- CMS — CY 2027 Rate Announcement (Part D out-of-pocket threshold)
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan after January 1 in Florida?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Florida for 2027 coverage?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Florida. What do I do?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Florida?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Florida in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Florida (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do anything when I get the Annual Notice of Change?
No. If your plan continues and you don't change anything, you stay in it for 2027 with the changes in the notice. But review it: if the plan no longer fits, you can switch until December 7, 2026.
Can I get the notice in Spanish?
Yes, call the number on your plan card. If Spanish is the primary language of at least 5% of people in the plan's service area, the plan must translate the notice and, if you ask, always send your materials in Spanish. Either way, customer service must offer an interpreter.
Is it the same as a non-renewal letter?
No. The Annual Notice of Change says your plan continues with changes. A non-renewal letter says your plan is ending or leaving your county, and it gives you a special enrollment period and a right to buy Medigap without health questions.
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