Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for 2027 rated by CMS

As the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period approaches, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made public its 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Star Ratings. These ratings, released on October 8, 2026, on the Medicare Plan Finder, are a key resource for individuals evaluating their health care coverage options for the coming year [CMS Newsroom].

Understanding Star Ratings

Medicare Star Ratings are designed to help you compare the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Plans are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars representing excellent performance. These ratings reflect how well plans perform in several categories, including member experience, quality of medical care, and drug safety. For Part D plans, measures often include how well the plan helps members take their medications as directed and how effectively they monitor for potential drug interactions [CMS Newsroom].

Each year, CMS evaluates plans based on data collected from various sources, such as member surveys, health plan information, and reviews of claims data. The methodology for these ratings is detailed in technical notes available through CMS, providing transparency on how scores are calculated [CMS Newsroom].

Why These Ratings Matter to You

For many beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans play a crucial role in accessing necessary health care services and prescription drugs. The Star Ratings offer a straightforward way to gauge a plan's overall quality before you enroll. A higher star rating generally indicates that a plan has consistently met or exceeded quality standards, which can translate into a better experience for its members.

Looking at these ratings can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your health needs and preferences. For instance, a plan with a higher rating for prescription drug services might be particularly beneficial if you take multiple medications, while a plan with strong ratings for chronic condition management could be important if you live with ongoing health issues.

Potential Impact on Costs and Choices

While the Star Ratings primarily focus on quality, they can indirectly influence your financial out-of-pocket costs. Plans with higher star ratings, particularly those with five stars, may sometimes offer enhanced benefits or a more stable network of providers, though this is not always directly linked to lower premiums or copayments. It's important to remember that these ratings are one piece of the puzzle. You should also consider a plan's specific coverage, your preferred doctors and hospitals, and the overall costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments, as you compare options [KFF Medicare].

Each year, some beneficiaries may find themselves facing modest premium increases in their Part D plans, while others could see significantly higher costs if they do not actively review and potentially switch plans. This emphasizes the importance of using resources like the Star Ratings during the open enrollment period to ensure your chosen plan continues to meet your health and financial needs [KFF Medicare]. The open enrollment period is your opportunity to change plans, and the newly released ratings are a critical tool in that process.