Medicare
Star Ratings (Medicare)
CMS Star Ratings help Medicare beneficiaries compare plan quality and affect plan bonus payments and special enrollment eligibility.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
The Medicare Star Ratings system is CMS's annual quality measurement program for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D plans. Plans are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars indicating excellent performance. Star Ratings incorporate approximately 40 measures including rates of preventive screenings, management of chronic conditions, drug safety metrics, member complaints, appeals outcomes, and member-reported health plan responsiveness. Star Ratings have significant financial consequences: plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS that allow them to offer richer benefits at lower premiums. Beneficiaries can switch to a 5-star plan at any time during the year using a special enrollment period — the only mid-year plan change permitted outside of standard SEPs. CMS publishes updated Star Ratings each October, coinciding with the start of AEP. Low-rated plans (below 3 stars for three consecutive years) can face CMS sanctions including removal from the Medicare program.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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