Medicare Advantage Star Ratings help people compare the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns ratings on a one-to-five-star scale based on measures of healthcare quality, member experience, and plan performance.
However, a high rating does not automatically make a plan the best choice for every beneficiary. Your doctors, prescription medications, provider network, benefits, and total costs still matter.
For 2027, CMS published the latest Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings on October 8, 2026. You can find these ratings through Medicare’s official plan comparison tools, which can help you evaluate coverage options during the current enrollment season.
This guide explains what Medicare Advantage Star Ratings mean, what they measure, how to find them, and how to use them when comparing plans for 2027.
What Are Medicare Advantage Star Ratings?
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings are a CMS rating system designed to help beneficiaries compare the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans.
CMS evaluates plans using defined quality and performance measures. Depending on the type of contract, these can cover clinical care, preventive services, member experience, complaints, appeals, customer service, and prescription drug-related measures.
The overall rating summarizes performance across the applicable measures. It provides a useful starting point when comparing available plans, but it does not replace reviewing a plan’s coverage details.
CMS publishes updated Star Ratings every year. Ratings may change as performance changes, measurement methods are updated, or the thresholds used to assign stars are recalculated.
What Do Medicare Star Ratings Mean?
Medicare uses a five-star scale to communicate how plans perform on the measures included in the rating system.
| Star Rating | General Meaning | What It Indicates |
| 5 stars | Excellent | Highest performance level on the rating scale |
| 4 stars | Above average | Performance above the average level |
| 3 stars | Average | Mid-range performance |
| 2 stars | Below average | Performance below the average level |
| 1 star | Poor | Lowest performance level |
Overall ratings can also include half-star increments.
A four-star plan generally demonstrates stronger measured performance than a three-star plan under the applicable CMS rating methodology. However, that does not mean the four-star plan must have lower premiums, better coverage for every prescription, or a broader provider network.
The key takeaway: Star Ratings are a quality indicator, not a complete measure of how well a plan fits your personal healthcare needs.
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings 2027: What’s New?
The 2027 ratings are particularly useful for people comparing coverage during the current Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026.
CMS reported the following findings for 2027 Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage, known as MA-PD contracts:
- 188 contracts, approximately 37%, earned four stars or higher.
- Approximately 71% of MA-PD enrollees are in contracts that will have four or more stars in 2027, weighted by enrollment.
- 15 MA-PD contracts received five stars.
- Four MA-PD contracts were identified as consistently low-performing in the 2027 ratings.
These figures describe contracts, not the percentage of all individual plan options that have each rating. They also do not indicate which plan is best for an individual beneficiary.
Changes to the 2027 rating methodology
CMS also made several changes to the measures used in the 2027 ratings. These include new measures addressing the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines, the use of multiple anticholinergic medications among older adults, a respecified colorectal cancer screening measure, and the return of a measure assessing functional status for older adults.
CMS also increased the weight assigned to the measures for improving or maintaining physical health and improving or maintaining mental health.
These technical changes matter because a plan’s rating depends on the measures and methods used in a particular rating year. When comparing plans, always check the rating associated with the year in which you intend to enroll.
For more information about other changes affecting coverage, costs, and plan rules, read our Medicare Advantage Changes for 2027 guide.
What Do Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Measure?
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings cover several aspects of plan performance. The exact measures depend on the type of contract and the rating methodology for that year.
1. Preventive care and clinical quality
Some measures evaluate whether beneficiaries receive recommended preventive care and whether plans perform well on selected clinical measures.
Examples include certain screenings, diabetes-related care, and other measures tied to health management.
These indicators can help you understand aspects of a plan’s measured clinical performance. They do not establish whether a particular doctor will provide the right care for your individual circumstances.
2. Managing chronic conditions
Some measures address aspects of care for people managing ongoing health conditions.
For example, diabetes-related measures and medication-use measures can provide information about selected aspects of clinical care and prescription drug management.
If you have a chronic condition, use these indicators alongside your own care needs, provider preferences, medication coverage, and access to specialists.
3. Member experience
Member experience measures can capture how people report their interactions with a plan and aspects of the care they receive.
These measures can offer useful context when assessing a plan’s service quality. However, an overall rating cannot tell you exactly how quickly a particular office will schedule an appointment or how a specific customer service issue will be handled.
4. Complaints and appeals
CMS includes measures related to certain plan complaints and appeal-related processes.
These indicators can help identify aspects of performance involving problems reported by members or how plans handle defined processes.
Still, the overall Star Rating should not be treated as a guarantee that a particular claim will be approved or that a future dispute will be resolved in your favor.
5. Prescription drug coverage and medication-related measures
For Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D prescription drug coverage, the rating system includes applicable drug-related quality and performance measures.
These can provide useful information about selected aspects of prescription drug service and medication use.
However, the rating will not tell you whether every medication you take is covered, which tier it falls into, or what you will pay at your preferred pharmacy. Those details must be checked in the specific plan’s formulary and cost-sharing information.
Overall Star Rating vs. Individual Measure Ratings
One overall number cannot explain every aspect of a plan’s performance.
CMS combines applicable measure results using its established methodology to calculate the relevant summary and overall ratings. Individual measures provide more specific information about particular aspects of performance, while the overall rating gives a broader summary.
Consider how to interpret the scores:
- Overall rating: A general summary of performance across the measures applicable to the contract.
- Category or summary ratings: More focused information about areas such as medical coverage or prescription drug coverage, where applicable.
- Individual measure ratings: Information about specific areas of performance.
For example, a plan could have a strong overall rating while performing less strongly on a measure that matters to you. Looking beyond the headline score may help you identify questions worth investigating.
Do not assume that every measure has equal weight or that the overall score is a simple arithmetic average. CMS’s methodology determines how the applicable scores contribute to the final rating.
Medicare Part C vs. Part D Star Ratings
Understanding the difference between Part C and Part D helps when comparing plans with different coverage arrangements.
Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. It refers to private plans that provide Medicare-covered health benefits through the Medicare Advantage program.
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage.
A Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage is generally evaluated using applicable Part C and Part D measures. A Medicare Advantage contract without Part D coverage is evaluated using the applicable medical coverage measures, while standalone Part D plans have their own drug-related ratings.
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, check which coverage arrangement you are considering. A rating for a standalone prescription drug plan is not interchangeable with the overall rating for a Medicare Advantage plan.
How to Find Medicare Advantage Star Ratings
You can check current Medicare Advantage Star Ratings using the official Medicare Plan Finder.
Follow these steps:
- Open Medicare.gov Plan Compare. This is the official federal tool for comparing available Medicare coverage options.
- Enter your ZIP code. This helps identify plans offered in your area.
- Choose the relevant plan type and coverage year. Make sure you are comparing plans available for the year in which you want coverage.
- Review the listed plans and their ratings. Check the overall rating and any additional rating information available.
- Open the plan details. Review benefits, premiums, deductibles, copayments, provider networks, and prescription drug information.
- Compare the options against your needs. Eliminate plans that do not meet important requirements before deciding based on their overall ratings.
CMS publishes the annual ratings to help beneficiaries compare plan quality alongside coverage and costs through Medicare Plan Finder.
Plan availability, premiums, benefits, and provider networks can vary by location and year. Always check the specific plan listing rather than relying on an old rating or a general description.
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans by Star Rating
The best way to use Star Ratings is to combine them with a consistent review of each plan’s benefits, network, medications, and costs.
Step 1: Check the overall rating
Start with the current overall rating to understand the plan’s broad performance level.
A higher rating can be a useful reason to investigate a plan further. It should not be the only reason you choose it.
Step 2: Review the available measure information
Look at the additional performance information available in the official plan comparison tools.
Pay attention to any clearly documented strengths or weaknesses that relate to your needs. Do not assume that every measure applies to every plan type.
Step 3: Confirm that your doctors and hospitals are in the network
A high rating does not guarantee that your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, or other providers participate in a particular plan.
Check the provider directory and confirm important details directly with the provider and plan. Network participation can change, and general plan descriptions may not tell you everything you need to know.
Step 4: Check your prescription medications
For plans with drug coverage, review every medication you regularly take.
Check whether each drug is covered, its tier, applicable cost sharing, any coverage restrictions, and whether your preferred pharmacies are in the plan’s network.
A plan with a higher Star Rating may still be less suitable if your medication costs or coverage requirements do not fit.
Step 5: Compare premiums and total costs
Do not compare plans solely by their monthly premiums.
Review the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the medical out-of-pocket maximum. Consider how the plan’s cost-sharing rules could affect you if you need frequent specialist visits, tests, outpatient procedures, or hospital care.
Prescription drug costs should also be reviewed separately under the applicable Part D benefit.
Step 6: Examine benefits and plan rules
Check supplemental benefits, referral requirements, prior authorization rules, and other coverage conditions that may affect how you use the plan.
An advertised dental, vision, hearing, or other extra benefit can have limits and restrictions. Make sure you understand what is actually covered.
For a broader comparison of premiums, networks, medications, and out-of-pocket costs, use our Medicare Advantage plan comparison guide for 2027.
Step 7: Make a shortlist based on your priorities
Consider a simple comparison checklist before making a decision.
| Comparison Factor | What to Check |
| Star Rating | Overall rating and relevant measure information |
| Doctors and hospitals | Whether your preferred providers participate |
| Prescriptions | Drug coverage, tiers, restrictions, and pharmacy network |
| Medical costs | Premium, deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum |
| Benefits | Covered services and restrictions on supplemental benefits |
| Plan rules | Referrals, prior authorization, and network requirements |
A plan with a higher rating may be a good choice when it also meets your coverage and cost requirements. A lower-rated plan may appear attractive in one area, but you should carefully investigate its performance and whether it satisfies your healthcare needs.
There is no universal winner for every beneficiary.
Do Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Matter?
Yes. Star Ratings provide a standardized way to compare aspects of plan quality and performance that may not be obvious from a plan’s premium or marketing materials.
They can help you:
- Identify plans whose measured performance deserves a closer look.
- Compare quality information across available options.
- Understand selected aspects of member experience, clinical quality, and service performance.
- Find official information that complements your review of plan benefits and costs.
However, ratings have limitations. They cannot fully describe every individual’s experience, establish that every provider is accessible, or guarantee that a plan will cover a particular service in a particular situation.
Ratings also have implications for insurers. CMS uses them in its quality-related payment framework, including quality bonus payments. Those payments to insurers should not be confused with an automatic discount or financial benefit for an individual beneficiary.
What Are the Limitations of Medicare Advantage Star Ratings?
Star Ratings can be helpful, but several important limitations deserve attention.
They summarize defined measures. The rating system cannot capture every aspect of a person’s healthcare experience or every feature of a plan.
Ratings can change annually. CMS updates ratings each year, and performance thresholds or measurement methods can change. A previous year’s score should not be assumed to remain current.
The overall rating is not the same as plan suitability. Your doctors, medications, expected healthcare use, and budget may make a different plan more appropriate for you.
A high rating does not guarantee that every claim will be approved. Individual coverage decisions depend on the plan’s rules, applicable Medicare requirements, and the facts of the situation.
Plan-specific details still matter. Check the exact plan’s provider network, formulary, benefits, cost sharing, and service area.
These limitations do not make Star Ratings unhelpful. They explain why ratings work best as one part of a complete plan comparison.
What Is a Medicare Advantage Low-Performing Plan Warning?
CMS can identify Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans that have received overall ratings below three stars for three consecutive years as consistently low-performing plans.
Medicare.gov explains that people enrolled in an eligible low-performing plan can have an opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage or Medicare drug plan. The applicable enrollment rules should be checked before making a change.
If you see a low-performing plan warning, review the current notice, investigate the plan’s specific performance and coverage details, and confirm your available options through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
A low rating is a reason to examine the plan carefully, not a substitute for checking the coverage options that are actually available to you.
Can You Switch to a Five-Star Medicare Advantage Plan?
In some circumstances, Medicare offers a five-star Special Enrollment Period for beneficiaries who have access to an eligible plan with an overall five-star rating.
For the 2027 plan year, Medicare.gov describes the applicable five-star Special Enrollment Period as running from December 8, 2026, through November 30, 2027, when an eligible five-star plan is available in the beneficiary’s area. This enrollment opportunity can generally be used once during the applicable period.
Before using this option, confirm:
- Whether a five-star plan is available in your area.
- Whether you meet the plan’s enrollment requirements.
- Whether the plan includes prescription drug coverage that meets your needs.
- How switching would affect your medical coverage, provider network, and costs.
Changing from a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage to another type of coverage can have consequences for both medical and prescription benefits. Read the official rules carefully before making a change.
For other enrollment windows and switching rules, see our Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2027 guide.
Final Takeaway: Use Star Ratings as One Part of Your Decision
Medicare Advantage Star Ratings can help you understand the measured quality and performance of plans, but they are only one part of choosing coverage.
Start with the current rating, review the available measure information, and then confirm your doctors, hospitals, medications, benefits, and total costs. Check the official Medicare Plan Finder for the latest information and verify plan details before enrolling.
The right approach is not simply to choose the plan with the most stars. It is to find a plan whose quality, coverage, provider access, and costs align with your needs.
Smart Insurance Reviews provides independent insurance education and does not sell insurance policies or provide individualized Medicare plan recommendations. Use this guide as a starting point for research and verify current enrollment and plan information with Medicare.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are four-star Medicare Advantage plans good?
A four-star rating indicates above-average performance under the applicable CMS rating scale. It is a useful quality signal, but you should also check the plan’s costs, provider network, drug coverage, and benefits before enrolling.
Are five-star Medicare Advantage plans always the best?
No. A five-star rating reflects strong measured performance, but the plan may not cover your preferred doctors or prescriptions in the way you need. Compare the rating alongside all major coverage and cost considerations.
Why do Medicare Advantage Star Ratings change every year?
CMS publishes ratings annually to reflect measured plan performance. Changes can also result from updates to the rating methodology and the thresholds used to assign stars.
Where can I check the 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings?
Use Medicare.gov Plan Compare to review plans available in your area and check their current rating information.
Do Star Ratings tell me whether my doctor accepts a plan?
No. Check the specific plan’s provider network and confirm participation with your doctor or healthcare provider. A plan’s overall quality rating does not guarantee that your preferred provider is in its network.
What should I do if my Medicare Advantage plan has a low rating?
Review the plan’s current rating, coverage, and any official low-performing plan notices. Compare other available plans and check whether you qualify for an enrollment opportunity to change coverage.
