Start with the notice from the plan
Medicare.gov explains that Medicare plans send an Annual Notice of Change each fall, with changes to costs, coverage and other terms effective in January. The notice should arrive in September. If it is missing, the member should contact the plan. An ANOC is a starting point for reviewing next-year needs, not proof that a switch is necessary.
Our four-column review worksheet
Prepare columns for the customer’s question, the current arrangement, the next-year change and the verified source. Add an “unresolved” marker rather than filling a gap with an assumption. Ask the customer which changes concern them most so the appointment spends time on the issues they actually want addressed.
Resolve open questions before a recommendation
Use current plan materials and the appropriate carrier resources to verify uncertain details. Save a dated reference to the information used. If a question cannot be answered during the appointment, assign a follow-up task and agree on how the customer wants the answer delivered.
End with a clear summary
Summarize what changed, what was checked and what remains open. Record whether the customer wants further assistance. A review that confirms the existing arrangement still fits can be a valuable outcome; do not measure every review by whether it generates a replacement sale.
Official sources
Source links checked October 1, 2026. Official guidance and applicable plan documents take priority over this summary.