Medicare Ratings Guide

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  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Nebraska 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Nebraska 2026

    Total MA Plans in Nebraska 18
    State Average Star Rating 3.8 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 13%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Nebraska vs. National Average Below average (-0.1)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 6% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 7% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Nebraska

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Nebraska receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Nebraska is rated 3.8 stars — below the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Nebraska

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 6% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 0% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 7% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 82% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Nebraska Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Nebraska, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Nebraska.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Nebraska

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Nebraska, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Nebraska average star rating 3.8 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Montana 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Montana 2026

    Total MA Plans in Montana 8
    State Average Star Rating 3.6 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 5%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Montana vs. National Average Below average (-0.3)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 2% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 3% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Montana

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Montana receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Montana is rated 3.6 stars — below the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Montana

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 2% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 0% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 3% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 90% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Montana Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Montana, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Montana.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Montana

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Montana, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Montana average star rating 3.6 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Missouri 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Missouri 2026

    Total MA Plans in Missouri 44
    State Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 21%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Missouri vs. National Average At national average
    5-Star Plans (est.) 8% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 13% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Missouri

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Missouri receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Missouri is rated 3.9 stars — at the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Missouri

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 8% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 3% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 10% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 74% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Missouri Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Missouri, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Missouri.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Missouri

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Missouri, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Missouri average star rating 3.9 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Mississippi 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Mississippi 2026

    Total MA Plans in Mississippi 22
    State Average Star Rating 3.6 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 5%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Mississippi vs. National Average Below average (-0.3)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 2% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 3% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Mississippi

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Mississippi receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi is rated 3.6 stars — below the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Mississippi

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 2% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 0% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 3% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 90% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Mississippi Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Mississippi, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Mississippi.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Mississippi

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Mississippi average star rating 3.6 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Minnesota 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Minnesota 2026

    Total MA Plans in Minnesota 38
    State Average Star Rating 4.2 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 44%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Minnesota vs. National Average Above average (+0.3)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 14% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 30% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Minnesota

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Minnesota receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Minnesota is rated 4.2 stars — above the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Minnesota

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 14% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 12% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 18% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 51% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Minnesota Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Minnesota, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Minnesota.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Minnesota

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Minnesota, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Minnesota average star rating 4.2 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Michigan 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Michigan 2026

    Total MA Plans in Michigan 52
    State Average Star Rating 4.0 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 28%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Michigan vs. National Average Above average (+0.1)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 10% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 18% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Michigan

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Michigan receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan is rated 4.0 stars — above the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Michigan

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 10% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 6% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 12% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 67% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Michigan Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Michigan, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Michigan.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Michigan

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Michigan, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Michigan average star rating 4.0 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Massachusetts 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Massachusetts 2026

    Total MA Plans in Massachusetts 24
    State Average Star Rating 4.3 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 51%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Massachusetts vs. National Average Above average (+0.4)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 16% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 35% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Massachusetts

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Massachusetts receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts is rated 4.3 stars — above the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Massachusetts

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 16% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 15% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 20% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 44% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Massachusetts Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Massachusetts, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Massachusetts.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Massachusetts

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Massachusetts average star rating 4.3 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Maryland 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Maryland 2026

    Total MA Plans in Maryland 28
    State Average Star Rating 4.0 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 28%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Maryland vs. National Average Above average (+0.1)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 10% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 18% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Maryland

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Maryland receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Maryland is rated 4.0 stars — above the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Maryland

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 10% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 6% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 12% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 67% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Maryland Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Maryland, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Maryland.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Maryland

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Maryland, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Maryland average star rating 4.0 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Maine 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Maine 2026

    Total MA Plans in Maine 14
    State Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 21%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Maine vs. National Average At national average
    5-Star Plans (est.) 8% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 13% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Maine

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Maine receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Maine is rated 3.9 stars — at the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Maine

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 8% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 3% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 10% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 74% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Maine Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Maine, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Maine.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Maine

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Maine, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Maine average star rating 3.9 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.

  • Medicare Advantage Star Ratings in Louisiana 2026: CMS Plan Ratings Data

    CMS Medicare Advantage Star Ratings: Louisiana 2026

    Total MA Plans in Louisiana 34
    State Average Star Rating 3.7 / 5.0 stars
    Plans Rated 4+ Stars (est.) 9%
    National Average Star Rating 3.9 / 5.0 stars
    Louisiana vs. National Average Below average (-0.2)
    5-Star Plans (est.) 4% of plans
    4-4.5 Star Plans (est.) 5% of plans

    How CMS Star Ratings Work in Louisiana

    Every Medicare Advantage plan operating in Louisiana receives an annual star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ranging from 1 to 5 stars. CMS evaluates plans on more than 40 quality measures across five domains: managing chronic conditions, member experience and complaints, health plan customer service, drug plan quality (for MAPD plans), and preventive care and screening. The average Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana is rated 3.7 stars — below the national average of 3.9 stars.

    2026 Star Rating Distribution in Louisiana

    Star Rating Estimated Share of Plans CMS Bonus Payment What It Means for Members
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars 4% Highest bonus (5%) Exceptional quality — special enrollment right any time of year
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars 0% High bonus (3.5%) Above average — strong quality metrics
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars 5% Standard bonus (1.5%) Good quality — meets CMS benchmarks
    ⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars 86% No bonus Average — consider comparing alternatives
    ⭐⭐⭐ or below 5% No bonus Below average — CMS may flag for improvement

    Why Star Ratings Matter for Louisiana Medicare Beneficiaries

    CMS star ratings directly affect what you pay and what you get. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS — typically 1.5% to 5% of their revenue — which insurers pass on to members through lower premiums, richer benefits, or reduced cost-sharing. In Louisiana, plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years can be terminated by CMS, protecting members from persistently poor-quality coverage.

    There is also a special enrollment right: if a 5-star plan is available in your area, you can switch to it at any time during the year — not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). This is one of the most underused Medicare rights in Louisiana.

    CMS Star Rating Measures: What Gets Scored

    Domain Key Measures Weight in Overall Rating
    Staying Healthy (Preventive Care) Flu shots, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, cardiovascular care, diabetes care High
    Managing Chronic Conditions Diabetes control, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, COPD management, medication adherence Very High
    Member Experience Getting needed care, getting appointments, rating of health plan, rating of drug plan Very High
    Complaints and Changes Complaints to Medicare, plan improvement over time, members choosing to leave the plan Medium
    Customer Service Call center performance, appeals upheld, appeals response time Medium

    How to Find the Star Rating for Your Plan in Louisiana

    To find the current CMS star rating for any Medicare Advantage plan in Louisiana, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code. Each plan’s star rating is displayed prominently. You can filter by star rating to see only 4-star and above plans available in your area. CMS publishes updated star ratings each October for the following plan year.

    2026 CMS Star Ratings: National Context

    2026 National Star Rating Benchmark Data
    Plans achieving 5 Stars nationally 18 contracts
    Plans achieving 4.5 Stars nationally 73 contracts
    Plans achieving 4 Stars nationally 116 contracts
    % of MA members in 4+ star plans 78%
    National average star rating 3.9 / 5.0
    Louisiana average star rating 3.7 / 5.0

    Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings, 2026. Data reflects contracted plan ratings; individual plan-level ratings vary. CMS is recalculating certain 2026 star ratings as of June 2026 following court rulings on the star rating methodology.