Medicare beneficiaries face a critical decision when choosing their health coverage. Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) release updated quality ratings for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, which serve as a guide for beneficiaries to assess their options.
These ratings are determined based on factors such as member satisfaction, access to care, and management of chronic conditions. In 2026, major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Marca are among the providers receiving ratings that help determine the quality of coverage. Understanding these ratings is essential for beneficiaries seeking the best possible health plan for their needs.
Medicare Advantage Ratings: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Every year, CMS evaluates Medicare Advantage plans based on several factors, such as member satisfaction, access to care, chronic condition management, and preventive services. These assessments allow the government to assign a star rating from one to five, with five being the highest score.
The ratings provide critical guidance to Medicare beneficiaries when selecting plans, especially given the complexity of the various options available. Plans with higher ratings typically indicate better care, higher satisfaction levels, and more comprehensive health services. For example, those rated with four stars or more are considered “premium-rated” plans.
But these ratings do more than just inform members about the quality of the plans. They directly impact how much money insurers receive from the federal government. Plans with higher ratings can qualify for substantial bonus payments, sometimes totaling millions or even billions of dollars. As a result, insurers have a strong incentive to maintain or improve their ratings year after year.
Which Providers Are Leading the Pack?
According to the latest analysis, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Elevance Health, and Centene are some of the biggest players in the Medicare Advantage market. But how well did they fare in the 2026 ratings?
- UnitedHealthcare: This insurance giant continues to lead the pack, with over 77% of its 10.3 million Medicare Advantage members enrolled in plans rated four stars or higher. This impressive figure highlights UnitedHealthcare’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care and meeting the needs of its large membership base.
- Aetna: Aetna, now a subsidiary of CVS Health, is also performing strongly. About 81% of its 4.2 million Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in premium-rated plans for 2026. This performance places Aetna among the top insurers in terms of both coverage quality and beneficiary satisfaction.
- Humana: Unlike its competitors, Humana faces a more challenging year ahead. Only 20% of its 5.8 million Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in four-star or higher plans. This lower percentage may raise questions about the company’s ability to maintain its market share and compete with other providers.
- Elevance Health: While Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem, is showing steady performance, only 55% of its members will be in premium-rated plans in 2026. However, this still puts the company in a relatively strong position compared to others.
- Centene: This insurer saw notable improvements, although specific percentages weren’t disclosed. The increase in its ratings reflects efforts to enhance its services and member care, although it still has work to do to catch up with the top providers.
Why These Ratings Matter for Beneficiaries and Insurers
The importance of these quality ratings extends beyond just individual member decisions; they have a direct financial impact on insurers. For providers, a higher star rating is synonymous with greater profitability. As mentioned earlier, insurers with better ratings can receive higher bonus payments from the government, creating a strong financial incentive to continually improve their services.
For Medicare beneficiaries, these ratings can be the deciding factor in selecting a plan that aligns with their health needs and priorities. Whether it’s ensuring access to preventive care, finding quality management for chronic conditions, or simply choosing a provider with high member satisfaction, these ratings help beneficiaries make informed choices that can improve their overall health outcomes.
