Plan Documents
Star Ratings
Quick answer
Medicare Star Ratings (1-5) score how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans perform on quality and member experience. CMS updates them annually.
Plain-English definition
Higher-rated plans have more predictable service, better outcomes, and access to a 5-star SEP.
Why it matters
A 5-star plan can be joined at almost any time via a special SEP.
A simple example
You compare two similar plans and pick the 4.5-star option over the 3-star option.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance plan approved by Medicare. Plans bundle Part A and Part B, usually include Part D drug coverage, and often add dental, vision, and hearing.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You get it either as a stand-alone drug plan (PDP) with Original Medicare or bundled inside most Medicare Advantage plans.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside the standard windows when you can join, switch, or drop a plan. SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events like moving, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
Where do star ratings come from?+
CMS uses member surveys, plan performance data, and drug plan metrics.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.