Health Care 101: What’s an ANOC, EOC and Formulary?

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Rx Option, Medicare requires the Health Options Program to send you the additional materials below. Here’s a quick overview on what they are, why they are important and when to expect them.

Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): A document listing any changes in plan coverage, service area or costs that will go into effect January 2020. Your ANOC can help you decide whether your current coverage will continue to meet your health and prescription drug needs, or if you should consider switching to another plan. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Rx Option (Enhanced, Basic or Value) in 2019, you received an ANOC with your Option Selection Period materials.

Evidence of Coverage (EOC): A document that describes in detail the health care benefits covered by your health plan. It provides documentation of what that plan covers and how it works, including how much you pay (premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance). Every member who is enrolled in a Medicare Rx Option, will receive an EOC in late fall 2019. This mailing is done separately from the other Option Selection Period materials.

Abridged Formulary versus Comprehensive Formulary: A formulary is the list of medications covered by a prescription drug plan. The Abridged Formulary is a partial formulary and includes the more commonly used drugs under the plan. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Rx Option for 2019, you received a 2020 Abridged Formulary with your Option Selection Period materials. The Comprehensive Formulary is the complete list of drugs covered by the plan. You can find the most recent Comprehensive Formulary at www.HOPbenefits.com.