How Medicare Advantage star ratings work
CMS rates every Medicare Advantage contract from 1 to 5 stars. The rating is a useful signal of a plan's quality and service — but it's about the contract, not your situation. Here's how to read it.
What the stars measure
star ratings run from 1 to 5 in half-star steps and combine dozens of measures: clinical quality (like screenings and managing chronic conditions, from HEDIS), member experience surveys (CAHPS), complaints and customer service, and how well the plan handles appeals. CMS publishes them each fall for the coming year.
They rate the contract, not the plan
A star rating applies to a whole CMS contract, which can cover many plans across many counties. Two plans that look different can share one rating. Treat the star as a signal about the organization running the plan, not a score for the specific benefits you'd get.
Why they matter beyond quality
Stars also drive money: contracts at 4 stars or higher earn a bonus that funds richer benefits, and plans below 3 stars for three years in a row get flagged. A 5-star plan can be joined outside the normal windows through a special enrollment period. So ratings shape what's on offer, not just how good it is.
How to use them
Use stars as a tie-breaker, not a starting point. First confirm the plan covers your doctors, hospitals, and drugs at a cost you can live with; then let the rating help you choose between plans that all clear that bar. A high rating never makes up for a plan that doesn't cover your care.