I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?

Question

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Accepted Answer

The star ratings are real and based on customer feedback and experience with the different plans. As an agent, my focus is more toward plan benefits than star ratings but the star ratings are worth noting.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

David Quintal · Answer

Star ratings are used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to evaluate Medicare Advantage plans (part C) and Prescription Drug plans (part D). Star ratings range from one star to five stars. Star ratings assist individuals by allowing them to compare plans and choose the best one for their needs. The higher the star rating, in most cases, indicates better performance and may include additional benefits or programs.

Answered by David Quintal on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by David Quintal Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

Medicare Star Ratings, a 1 to 5-star system, assess the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans based on factors like member satisfaction, health outcomes, and plan operations. Typically, the higher the star rating, the better the plan services.

Answered by Timothy Brown on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Satoshi Aoki · Answer

Medicare Star Ratings measure the quality of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should know about the star rating on your plan.
Star rating uses a 1 to 5-star scale. 
A 5-star rating means excellent performance. The ratings are based on factors like member satisfaction, customer service, and health care quality. Plans with higher stars often offer better care and service. Ratings are updated yearly by Medicare to help beneficiaries compare plans and make informed choices. Choosing a higher-rated plan can improve your overall experience and access to care. 

You may also switch to a 5-star plan during a special enrollment period, even outside of the usual enrollment times.

Robert Simm · Answer

The answer to that question is a no on the star ratings. The star ratings would cover for customer service, preventive care, managing chronic conditions and, plan Administration meaning is the carrier paying for your medical expenses or not. I would recommend a three to five star plan rating because it could have some form of impact on your health insurance whether you knew it or not.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 14 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Mel Stevens · Answer

Star ratings are based on items like customer service, paying claims on time and overall customer care. Star ratings range for 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. The higher the rating, the greater the reimbursement from the government to fund the benefits offered to clients. Therefore, it behooves all Medicare Insurance companies to achieve a 5-star Medicare rating. One extra bonus with 5-star plans. If there is a 5-star plan within your area, an SEP or special election period exists where you can enroll into the plan throughout the year.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Gambles · Answer

Yes, they absolutely do.  The Star Rating system is a tool created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for indicating the quality of services provided by Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans.   This system was designed to specifically aide beneficiaries in selecting the best plans possible.

Also, as incentives for Plans to constantly review their processes to maintain CMS standards and excel in patient care.  They are rated in 5 categories that have a direct impact on patient experience.  Plans with an Overall 5-Star rating is the highest possible rating.  A Plan with a 5-Star rating in a single category does not make it the highest ranked Plan.

Jami Mead · Answer

The star Ratings are based off of the reviews, studies and input from patients such as yourself. Ease of communication, care, answers and so forth. They are given as a suggestion of how others have felt about their experience, a suggestion for you as to what you may expect from the company. They are very important when it comes to ease of claims, coverage, and communication with the member.

Answered by Jami Mead on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?

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I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?

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