The 2026 CMS Star Ratings are out, and they reveal some major shifts across the Medicare Advantage landscape. While overall averages held steady, a few notable trends stood out that agents should be aware of heading into AEP and beyond.
Average Ratings Hold Steady: The national average stayed around 4.04 stars, maintaining last year’s level after a sharp drop from pandemic-era highs.
Fewer 5-Star Plans: Only 31 contracts earned a perfect 5-star rating this year—down from 46 last year—indicating higher CMS scrutiny and tighter quality standards.
Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Kaiser Lead the Pack: These major players retained strong performance, though Humana saw a slight dip in its overall number of top-rated contracts.
Smaller Carriers See Volatility: Regional and smaller plans experienced significant movement both up and down, reflecting the challenge of meeting new CMS benchmarks.
CAHPS Weight Still Matters: Member experience continues to be a heavily weighted factor, so plans focusing on customer satisfaction and engagement are winning.
Star Ratings directly impact a plan’s bonuses, enrollment potential, and market competitiveness. As an agent, prioritize contracting and marketing with carriers that show consistent quality performance—and keep an eye on those trending upward.
Plans with rising Star Ratings can be a great story to tell during client meetings and can boost your credibility when discussing plan value.
Read the full report here:
Healthcare Dive: 2026 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings — Winners and Losers