CMS released Medicare Advantage star ratings on Oct. 9, showing an average score of 3.65 for 2026, compared to 3.92 last year.
Plans were evaluated by the agency across 40 quality criteria spanning outcomes, experience, access, operations, and pharmacy. Plans that receive 4 stars or higher earn quality bonus payments that can be used to invest in benefit design and boost 2027 revenue, while persistently low-rated plans can face more oversight and potential contract cancellation.
Eight notes:
1. CMS issued overall ratings for 516 MAPD and MA contracts. Eighteen contracts (3.5%) achieved 5 stars, compared to seven last year and 38 for 2024 ratings.
2. CVS Health’s Aetna has more than 81% of its MA members in 4+ star plans and over 63% in 4.5‑star plans for 2026.
3. UnitedHealthcare has 78% of MA members in 4+ star plans and 40% in 4.5‑star plans.
4. Elevance Health has 55% of members in 4+ star plans, up from 40% a year ago.
5. Humana has about 20% of members in 4+ star plans for 2026, consistent with previous estimates.
6. Centene has about 20% of its MA members at 4 stars or higher in 2026, with a portfolio average of 3.39 stars.
7. Notable 5‑star winners included Devoted Health with three 5‑star contracts.
8. Alignment Healthcare achieved 100% of its contracts at 4+ stars and secured two 5‑star ratings, while Kaiser Permanente maintained 100% 4+ star performance across its plans.
