The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan star ratings on Medicare Plan Finder. The updated quality scores give seniors and caregivers key insights ahead of the annual Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026, with new coverage taking effect January 1, 2027.
While enrollment remains heavily concentrated in higher-rated plans, the total number of top-performing contracts declined this year. Knowing how to check these ratings—and understanding their limits—can help beneficiaries select the right coverage.
Summary of the 2027 Star Ratings Results
According to the CMS fact sheet, star ratings evaluate quality and performance across Medicare Advantage and Part D options. Key findings from the 2027 release include:
- Enrollment in 4+ Star Plans: About 71% of Medicare Advantage enrollees with drug coverage are in contracts rated four stars or higher.
- Fewer 5-Star Contracts: Only 15 Medicare Advantage contracts with drug coverage earned five stars for 2027, down from 22 in the previous year. Only six of these contracts maintained their five-star rating from last year.
- No 5-Star Standalone Part D Plans: Out of 41 rated standalone Part D prescription drug plans, none reached a five-star rating. However, overall Part D performance improved, with the enrollment-weighted average rating rising to 3.22 from 3.01. About 22% of Part D enrollees are now in plans rated four stars or higher, up from about 2% for 2026.
- Overall Rating Average: The enrollment-weighted average rating for Medicare Advantage contracts with drug coverage slipped slightly to 3.99, compared to 4.01 for 2026.
- Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Nonprofit contracts were more likely to achieve four stars or higher (about 44%) than for-profit contracts (about 34%).
CMS evaluates plans on up to 43 performance measures, including member experience, chronic condition management, preventive care, customer service, and drug safety. Two new drug-safety measures were introduced this year: one monitoring the combined use of opioids and benzodiazepines, and another tracking the use of multiple anticholinergic medications in older adults.
Identifying Low-Performing Warning Icons
When searching Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, overall ratings appear on a scale of one to five stars. Beneficiaries should pay close attention to warning icons listed next to certain plans:
- Low-Performing Icon: Represented by an upside-down red triangle containing an exclamation point, this symbol flags plans rated below three stars for three consecutive years.
- Contracts Flagged for 2027: Four Medicare Advantage contracts carry the low-performing warning icon for 2027: Atrio Health Plans, Aetna Better Health of California, HealthSpring Life & Health Insurance Company, and Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York.
- Enrollment Restrictions: Individuals cannot enroll online in a low-performing plan via Medicare Plan Finder. Instead, enrollment requires calling the plan directly or contacting 1-800-MEDICARE.
Special Enrollment Period Rules for Star Ratings
Medicare rules provide additional enrollment flexibility based on plan performance:
- 5-Star Special Enrollment Period: Beneficiaries can switch into an available five-star Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in their local area once between December 8 and November 30 of the following year.
- Low-Performing Plan Switch Rule: Enrollees currently in a plan flagged with a low-performing icon for three consecutive years can switch to another plan at any time while enrolled in that contract.
When considering a mid-year switch, caution is necessary. Switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to a standalone Part D plan automatically ends Medicare Advantage coverage, including medical benefits. Additionally, switching to a five-star Medicare Advantage plan that lacks prescription drug coverage could leave a beneficiary without drug coverage, potentially incurring a Part D late-enrollment penalty later.
Factors Beyond Star Ratings: Networks, Drug Lists, and Costs
While star ratings offer a measure of broad plan quality, CMS notes that ratings alone do not indicate whether a plan fits an individual’s specific medical and financial needs. Important considerations include:
- Provider Networks: Star ratings do not guarantee that a specific doctor or hospital is in-network. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are shifting more plans toward HMO structures for 2027, which generally limit coverage to in-network providers.
- Formularies and Drug Costs: High ratings do not ensure that specific medications are covered or affordable. Medicare Plan Finder allows users to enter their exact prescription list and preferred pharmacies to calculate estimated annual out-of-pocket costs.
- Total Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Beneficiaries should review monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and maximum out-of-pocket limits alongside overall star scores.
Important Medicare Enrollment Dates and Free Resources
| Event / Period | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| Medicare Open Enrollment | October 15 – December 7, 2026 |
| Coverage Effective Date | January 1, 2027 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 (for current MA enrollees to switch plans) |
| 5-Star Special Enrollment Window | December 8 – November 30 of the following year |
Free, unbiased help is available to assist beneficiaries in comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans: – 1-800-MEDICARE: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1-800-633-4227), except on certain federal holidays. – State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers local, one-on-one counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers in every state.
