What does it mean to be a 5-star Medicare plan?

Asked by: Elliot Beatty  |  Last update: October 4, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

These ratings help you compare plans based on quality and performance. A plan can get a rating from one to five stars. A 5-star rating is considered excellent. The overall plan rating gives you a single summary score that makes it easy for you to compare plans based on quality and performance.

What is the advantage that 5-star plans have over others?

A 5-star Medicare plan is a good choice because its high ratings show the plan has good customer service, satisfied customers, quality management and effective health care across a range of needs including diabetes, heart disease and preventive care.

When can I switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan?

The switch can be made any time during the year following notification and at any time the following year. This switch must go through 1-800-MEDICARE. Medigap plans are not included in the five-star Medicare rating system.

Do Medicare star ratings matter?

But be sure to check the plan's star rating. It tells how well the plan is performing and how satisfied members are with the plan. A higher star rating means a higher quality plan. Much of the information Medicare uses to rate a plan is based on data, like member records and claims.

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.

5 Things Medicare Doesn't Cover (and how to get them covered)

30 related questions found

What does 5-star rating mean?

A score of 5 stars points to an excellent experience and a highly satisfied customer with the product or service. It is a strong marker that the customer will likely return to repurchase.

Can you go back to regular Medicare after an Advantage plan?

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.

What is a five star special enrollment?

If a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare drug plan, or Medicare Cost Plan with a 5-star rating is available in your area, you can use the 5-star Special Enrollment Period to switch from your current Medicare plan to a Medicare plan with a “5-star” quality rating.

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.

What is the two midnight rule for Medicare Advantage?

The two-midnight presumption directs medical reviewers to select Original Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A claims for review under a presumption that hospital stays that span two midnights after an inpatient admission are reasonable and necessary Part A payment.

Do pharmacies receive a score on the five-star rating system?

CMS does not issue Star Ratings for pharmacies, only for health plans. However, the plans can assess how their network pharmacies meet medication management measures solely by reviewing claims.

Which of the following statements is true about using a 5 star special enrollment period?

The correct statement about the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period is Option A, which allows enrollment once from December 8 of the current year through November 30 of the next year, with coverage starting the first of the month after the application is received.

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 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.

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.

Do doctors have to accept Medicare Advantage plans?

Physicians may either agree to be a participating provider or non-participating provider. Providers who do not want to enroll in Medicare or receive Medicare payments are required to sign an “opt out” agreement with their patients.

What is the meaning of 5 star?

adjective. (of a hotel) first-class, top-quality, or offering exceptional luxury.

How to get 5 star rating?

Aiming for five-star ratings starts with surpassing customer expectations. Go beyond just satisfying your customers – create memorable experiences that make them eager to share their positive feedback. Keep in mind that even your satisfied customers might not automatically leave reviews.

What should I say for a 5 star rating?

Even without specific feedback, you can use this opportunity to build a stronger connection.
  • Example 1: "Thank you for the 5-star rating, [Customer Name]! We're thrilled to see that you enjoyed your experience. ...
  • Example 2: "Wow, thank you for the 5 stars! ...
  • Example 3: "Thanks so much for the perfect rating!

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.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

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.