Quality scoring
Medicare Star Ratings, explained.
Medicare scores Advantage and Part D plans on a 5-star scale. The score affects when you can switch, plan bonuses, and how to spot quality.
Get free guidance — no pressure
Free, no obligation. We share useful next steps based on what you tell us.
- One callback at most — we don't bombard you
- Your info stays private and is never sold
- Not connected with the U.S. government or Medicare
What the stars measure
Medicare combines dozens of measures into a single 5-star rating. Categories include:
- Staying healthy: screenings, tests, vaccines
- Managing chronic conditions: care coordination, follow-ups
- Member experience: satisfaction surveys
- Member complaints: how often members complain or leave
- Customer service: ease of contacting the plan
5 stars = excellent. 1 star = poor. Most plans land between 3 and 4.5.
How to use star ratings
- Within the same plan type and ZIP code, prefer 4-star plans or higher when premiums are similar.
- Star ratings change yearly — a 5-star plan today may be a 4-star plan next year.
- 5-star plans get a special enrollment period — you can switch to a 5-star plan once between December 8 and November 30, outside the normal AEP.
See our comparison framework for how to weigh stars against premium, network, and drug coverage.