The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday released the 2026 quality ratings for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Here’s a snapshot of the rankings and the number of plans that earned a coveted 5-Star rating.
CMS issues the annual ratings in October prior to open enrollment so seniors can better compare plans. Ratings are based on the performance of 40 quality measures, such as member satisfaction, care outcomes, and management of chronic conditions. Higher-ranking Medicare Advantage plans qualify for quality bonus payments and may use the additional funds to cover the cost of supplemental benefits, reduce cost sharing, or provide extra benefits not covered by traditional Medicare.
RELATED: 2025 Medicare Advantage Star ratings: Number of 5-star plans continue to drop
Of the 516 contracts evaluated:
- 18 contracts achieved 5 Stars compared to seven in 2025
- 73 contracts received 4.5 Stars compared to 86 in 2025
- 116 contracts have 4-Star ratings, the same number in 2025
- 175 contracts have 3.5 Stars compared to 165 in 2025
- 111 plans achieved 3 Stars compare to 123 in 2025
- 21 plans received 2.5 Stars compared to 23 in 2025
- 2 plans received 2 Stars compared to 1 plan in 2025
Overall, 64 percent of people currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans that cover prescription drugs are belong to plans rated four or five stars, Reuters reported.
RISE will take a deeper dive into the Star ratings in the weeks ahead and at the annual RISE Star Ratings Master Class, December 16-18, Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Texas. Click here for a sneak peek at the agenda, roster of speakers, and registration information.