When shopping for a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, the quality of the plan can be an important factor. Recognizing a need to compare plans, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created a star-rating system. This rating system helps enable Medicare-eligible individuals and caregivers to easily compare different plans.
Whether you're enrolling for the first time or considering a change, Medicare plan star ratings can help you choose the plan that's right for you.
How are Medicare plans rated?
CMS rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans annually, using a scale from one to five. More stars generally equate to better performance and quality and higher member satisfaction. Plans evaluated by CMS can also receive half-star ratings (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5).
Here’s what the star ratings mean:
- 5-star rating: excellent performance
- 4-star rating: above-average performance
- 3-star rating: average performance
- 2-star rating: below-average performance
- 1-star rating: poor performance
Star ratings are released by CMS in early October. CMS evaluates and scores three types of Medicare plans each year, including:
- Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage (MA-PD)
- Medicare Advantage plans without prescription drug coverage (MA only)
- Standalone Part D prescription drug plans (PDP)
Depending on the type of plan being evaluated, CMS uses between 12 and 38 quality and performance measures to determine the star rating.
What determines a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan’s star rating?
There are four category sources from which CMS collects the data in Star Ratings. Those sources include, health and drug plans, a survey of enrollees, data collected by CMS contractors and CMS administrative data.
Below are a few general performance measures CMS may use to determine the star rating. Some are more about the plan and plan provider, while others are specific to a health care service or item.
- Staying healthy - This may include provider screenings, vaccines and preventive care
- Drug safety and adherence - How well members may take their prescribed medications; following appropriate use guidelines and compliance
- Managing chronic conditions - Such as diabetes, heart disease and more
- Member experience - Overall satisfaction of the plan, access and service
- Customer service - Support and responsiveness
Why is the Medicare star rating important?
A Medicare plan’s star rating is important because it can help you compare different plans. Plans with four stars and above may indicate higher quality.
It’s important to remember, the star rating should not be the only factor taken into consideration when selecting a plan. Some plans that have fewer stars may be a better fit for you. Use the Medicare plan star rating as one evaluation metric. Your health, lifestyle, and financial needs should always be the final determining factors. It’s also important to read the details of each plan.
More information about the Medicare plan star ratings
Here are some statistics about the star ratings:
- 769 Medicare plans were evaluated by CMS for 2026 star ratings and of those, 207 Medicare plans have an overall rating of 4 stars or more.1
- UnitedHealthcare has the most members in 4+ star plans, as rated by CMS.
- Approximately 62% of people with MA-PD coverage were enrolled in a plan with at least a 4-star rating in 2025. 2
How do I find my Medicare plan’s rating?
To find a Medicare plan’s star rating, use the Medicare.gov plan finder tool . There, you can simultaneously compare star ratings, as well as plan benefits and costs.
Many plan providers will indicate if a plan has a 4-star or 5-star rating. You can also ask your Medicare plan provider about your plan’s star rating by contacting them via phone or online.
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