Do Medicare supplement plans have star ratings?

Asked by: Alfonso Altenwerth  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 5/5 (71 votes)

Medicare uses a Star Rating System to measure how well Medicare Advantage and Part D plans perform. Medicare scores how well plans perform in several categories, including quality of care and customer service. Ratings range from one to five stars, with five being the highest and one being the lowest.

Are there star ratings for Medigap plans?

Medicare plans eligible for star ratings include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans aren't eligible for star ratings.

Where can I find the star rating for a Medicare plan?

To find a Medicare plan's star rating, use the Medicare.gov plan finder tool, where you can simultaneously compare star ratings, as well as plan benefits and costs.

Do Part D plans have star ratings?

CMS publishes the Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare Part D Star Ratings each year to measure the quality of health and prescription drug services received by consumers enrolled in MA and Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs or Part D plans).

What is the downside to Medicare supplement plans?

There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.

Ranking the BEST Medigap Plans for 2025! 🏆 Top 3 Plans Revealed!

20 related questions found

What are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?

One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.

Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?

Medicare Part D cap of $2,000

Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

How do I increase my Medicare star rating?

With that background on how CMS calculates Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, here are eight tips to help Medicare Advantage plans improve Star Ratings:
  1. Focus on Measures With High Weights. ...
  2. Utilize Data and Analytics. ...
  3. Leverage Member Data. ...
  4. Implement Quality Assurance Processes. ...
  5. Prioritize Preventive Care.

What is the best insurance company for Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance
  • Best Overall, Best Plan G: AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
  • Lowest Cost: Anthem.
  • Most Plan Types, Best Plan F: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Best for Financial Strength, Best for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm.
  • Best High-Deductible Plan G: Humana.

Why is Medigap better than Advantage?

The biggest difference between Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, and Medicare Advantage is that with a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you generally must get care within the plan's network of providers.

What is the best Medicare supplemental plan?

The best Medicare supplement plan providers
  • Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
  • Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
  • Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons

One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.

Where can I find Medicare star ratings?

Star ratings can be found using Medicare's Plan Finder tool or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. New plan quality ratings come out each October and apply to the next calendar year (for example, plan ratings for 2021 will be available in October 2020).

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?

Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.

Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare Part?

Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.

Is there a Medicare Supplement that covers everything?

With Medicare Supplement Plan F, you get the most complete coverage available. And because Plan F also covers costs in excess of Medicare-approved amounts, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for hospital and doctor's office care.