Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year?

No. Once you are enrolled, your coverage renews automatically each year. You only need to act if you want to change plans, your plan ends, or you move.

Do I get a new Medicare card every year?

No. Your Original Medicare card has no expiration date. You keep the same card as long as you have Medicare. You only need a new one if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.

What is the Annual Notice of Change?

The Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC, is a letter your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send each September. It lists next year's premiums, copays, drug coverage, and network changes. Read it before December 7.

What happens if my Medicare Advantage plan ends?

Your plan must notify you before it ends. You get a special enrollment period to pick a new plan. If you do nothing, Medicare assigns you to Original Medicare, and you may lose drug coverage.

Do Medigap plans renew automatically?

Yes. Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay your premium, the insurer cannot cancel your policy because of your health or claims.

Should I review my plan even if it renews on its own?

Yes. Automatic renewal keeps your coverage, not your costs. Premiums, drug tiers, and doctor networks change every year. A yearly review before December 7 takes an hour and can save real money.

Guide · Updated October 8, 2026

Do you have to renew Medicare every year?

Short answer: no. Your coverage renews on its own. Here is the longer answer, including the few times you do need to act.

(919) 408-6671 Get a free yearly review

Free consultation. No obligation to enroll.

Christian Brinkley, licensed insurance agent in Greensboro, North Carolina — Christian BrinkleyNC Life & Health · Greensboro, NC

In short

Automatic renewal means your plan continues into the next year with no paperwork from you. This applies to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap. The only requirement on your side: keep paying any premiums you owe.

How each type renews

Automatic renewal by Medicare coverage type
Coverage	Renews on its own?	When you must act
Original Medicare (A and B)	Yes	Only if you drop coverage or stop paying the Part B premium
Medicare Advantage	Yes	If the plan ends, you move out of its area, or you want different coverage
Part D drug plan	Yes	If the plan ends or you choose a different drug plan
Medigap	Yes, guaranteed renewable	If you switch insurers or stop paying the premium

The letter that confuses everyone

Each September, your Advantage or Part D plan sends an Annual Notice of Change. It lists next year's premiums, copays, drug tiers, and network changes. Many people open it, see official language, and assume they must re-enroll. You do not. The letter is a notice, not a renewal form. Read it, compare it to this year, and act only if you want to change something.

Your Medicare card has no expiration date

The red, white, and blue Original Medicare card shows when your coverage started. It shows no end date. It stays valid as long as you have Medicare and pay your premiums. Replace it only if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can print a copy from your MyMedicare.gov account or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Renewal is not the same as review

Automatic renewal protects your coverage. It does not protect your wallet. Plans change premiums, move drugs to higher tiers, and drop doctors every year. A one-hour review each fall, before December 7, is how you catch it. Here is how to read your Annual Notice of Change. Missed the window? Here is what happens next.

Medicare help in your community

Common questions

Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year?: No. Once you are enrolled, your coverage renews automatically each year. You only need to act if you want to change plans, your plan ends, or you move.
Do I get a new Medicare card every year?: No. Your Original Medicare card has no expiration date. You keep the same card as long as you have Medicare. You only need a new one if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
What is the Annual Notice of Change?: The Annual Notice of Change, or ANOC, is a letter your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan must send each September. It lists next year's premiums, copays, drug coverage, and network changes. Read it before December 7.
What happens if my Medicare Advantage plan ends?: Your plan must notify you before it ends. You get a special enrollment period to pick a new plan. If you do nothing, Medicare assigns you to Original Medicare, and you may lose drug coverage.
Do Medigap plans renew automatically?: Yes. Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay your premium, the insurer cannot cancel your policy because of your health or claims.
Should I review my plan even if it renews on its own?: Yes. Automatic renewal keeps your coverage, not your costs. Premiums, drug tiers, and doctor networks change every year. A yearly review before December 7 takes an hour and can save real money.

Want a second set of eyes on your renewal? Call or text Christian Brinkley in Greensboro, NC at (919) 408-6671. The review is free, with no obligation.

Christian BrinkleyNC Life & Health · Greensboro, NC

Get your free yearly plan review

Bring your Annual Notice of Change and your prescription list. We will check whether your renewing plan still fits, before December 7. Call or text (919) 408-6671.

(919) 408-6671 Request a free review

Free consultation in person or by phone. It’s me who answers. Calls and appointments 9am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday, Eastern time.