How do I compare Medicare Advantage plans?

Check total cost, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments, confirm your medications are on the plan's formulary, verify your doctors are in-network, and consider the plan's star rating as one factor among several.

What do Medicare Advantage star ratings mean?

Medicare Advantage star ratings use a one-to-five scale to reflect plan performance in areas such as preventive care, chronic condition management, member satisfaction, and customer service. They are useful but imperfect quality indicators.

Has quality declined if a plan's star rating drops?

Not necessarily. CMS has made star ratings harder to achieve through stricter scoring, so a lower rating may reflect a tougher benchmark rather than worse actual care.

Why do star ratings matter beyond just quality?

Plans rated four stars or higher receive additional federal funding that may be reinvested into lower premiums or richer benefits, although plans are not required to pass those savings along.

Should I choose the highest-rated plan available?

Not automatically. A highly rated plan may not be the best choice if it does not cover your medications or include your preferred doctor. Compare costs and coverage first, then use the star rating as a tiebreaker.

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