How to compare plans using Medicare Star Ratings
When you’re shopping online, you might look for trusted opinions on what to buy. This might be an online review from a reputable source or an award that a product receives for meeting certain industry standards.
These can help you make an informed choice. The same can be said when shopping for Medicare plans. Each year, the federal government reviews health plan performance and releases new ratings, based on quality performance. These are called Star Ratings and are provided every fall.
What are Medicare Star Ratings?
The Medicare Star Ratings System comes from The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and rates the quality of Medicare Advantage plans, Special Needs Plans and Part D (prescription drug) plans. Star Ratings provide a score for quality across several factors, including:
- The quality of care members receive
- Customer service and other health plan operations
- Member satisfaction
Each plan receives anywhere from one to five stars, with five being the highest.
A highly rated plan can mean that members feel their plan provides good service, and that providers deliver effective and quality care. It can also be a sign that members are receiving the necessary preventive screenings and services for their overall health.
How can Star Ratings help me choose a Medicare plan?
When shopping for Medicare plans, ask about the Star Rating. Star Ratings is also publicly available on Medicare.gov, if you shop online. For 2026 Star Year Ratings, 78% of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members are in 4 out of 5-star plans or higher.1
There might be a lot of factors that go into your decision-making process, including premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and the size of the network. But understanding how Star Ratings work can give you one more tool when finding the best Medicare plan that fits your needs.
You can learn more about the quality of plans in your area by using the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov and then reviewing the Star Rating for specific plans.
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UnitedHealthcare was named a Best Insurance Company - Medicare Advantage 2026 by U.S. News & World Report two years in a row.