Each year during Medicare Open Enrollment, it is very important to review the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) you should receive by the end of September from your current Medicare prescription plan. The Annual Notice of Change includes any changes in coverage, costs, provider networks, service area, and more that will be effective in January. Many changes are taking place starting January 1, 2025. We have gathered a list of resources for finding the important information you should know about these upcoming changes.

The Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA) has released a new resource highlighting changes coming to the Medicare Part D prescription drug program in 2025. Changes include a $2000 out-of-pocket cap, along with a measure to spread patient costs throughout the year.

Founded in 2006, the Alliance for Patient Access is a national network of policy-minded health care providers who advocate for patient-centered care.

Triage Health, a program of Triage Cancer, provides free education on the legal and practical issues related to navigating a chronic or serious medical condition.

Triage Health has extensive free resources for individuals diagnosed with a chronic or serious medical condition, caregivers, and health care professionals, on the legal and practical issues that may arise after a diagnosis. Free animated videos, Quick Guides & Checklists, state laws, and other resources that may be helpful are available on their website. Their free resources are applicable to anyone with a serious medical condition, or the general public.

The PACT Act has expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It adds to the list of health conditions assumed (or “presumed”) to be caused by exposure to these substances. This VA website can help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call the VA at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). It also provides a link to file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care.

Triage Cancer provides information on how the PACT Act may help you if your are a veteran. The PACT Act is a new law that expands health care and other benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances while serving in the military. 

NORD is a member of "Medicare Access for Patients Rx" (MAPRx), a coalition of patient, family caregiver and health professional organizations committed to safeguarding the well-being of patients with chronic diseases and disabilities who rely on Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, Medicare Part D.

MAPRx produced this helpful Medicare Part D open enrollment guide and we suggest you read it if you're exploring options this month.

Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources. The Legal & Financial Navigation Program offers one-on-one help with issues such as work, health and disability insurance, finances, and estate planning. CancerFinances.org is an online toolkit to help people manage finances after a cancer diagnosis. 

In 1991, Congress passed the Agent Orange Act, directing the Veteran’s Administration (VA) to presume that specific disease , including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, could be tied to chemical exposure related to a soldier’s service in Vietnam. Learn more about what to do if your VA benefits have been denied.

The CancerCare Co-Pay Assistance Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2007 to address the needs of individuals who cannot afford their insurance co-payments to cover the cost of medications for treating cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) have created resources designed to help patients navigate prior authorization, drug pricing, and step therapy issues. The resources include:
- Fact sheet on reducing drug costs
- Key terms and concepts
- Prior authorization contacts for individual insurers
- Overview on drug pricing

BenefitsCheckUp is a free service of the National Council on Aging, a nonprofit service and advocacy organization in Washington, DC. Many adults over 55 need help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs. There are over 2,000 federal, state and private benefits programs available to help. But many people don’t know these programs exist or how they can apply. BenefitsCheckUp asks a series of questions to help identify benefits that could save money and cover the costs of everyday expenses. For more information, call 202.479.1200 or visit their website.

The Cancer Insurance Checklist is designed to help you when shopping for insurance on your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace/Exchange if you have cancer, a history of cancer, or are at risk for cancer. Use the Checklist to compare insurance plans and compare costs in order to choose the plan that's best for you.

The Cancer Insurance Checklist is designed to help you when shopping for insurance on your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace/Exchange if you have cancer, a history of cancer, or are at risk for cancer. Use the Checklist to compare insurance plans and compare costs in order to choose the plan that's best for you.

The primary goal of VAWatchdog is to educate veterans. It's our philosophy that a veteran should understand the reality of what he or she faces when dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other, similar agencies.