Medicare and Medicaid
CMS releases 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings
The share of Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage rated 4 stars or above fell to 37% for 2027, from 44% in 2026.
The CMS released Medicare Advantage star ratings for 2027. A Healthcare Dive analysis of the data found that 37% of plans with drug coverage earned 4 stars or above, down from 44% in 2026. The average star rating fell to 3.99 from 4.01, and 15 contracts received 5 stars, down from 22.
Humana’s share of members in plans rated at least 4 stars rose from 41% in 2026 to 93% in 2027, according to Healthcare Dive’s analysis. Alignment Healthcare’s share fell from 98% to 25% after its largest contract dropped below 4 stars. The company said the rating did not accurately reflect its performance and said it intends to challenge the measures and methodologies.
The ratings are tied to bonus payments and rebates. The CMS changed its methodology for 2027, including adding measures and adjusting thresholds. Healthcare Dive reported that lower ratings could prompt insurers to cut supplemental benefits or increase premiums in 2028. More than 3 million seniors are in plans that were terminated or left their county and will need to find new coverage next year.
