The average star rating for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans was 4.07 out of 5 stars in 2024, based on ratings weighted by enrollment.
Medicare Star Ratings are a system designed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to evaluate the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. These ratings, which range from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) stars, are crucial tools for beneficiaries to compare and choose plans that best suit their needs during the annual enrollment period. The ratings are updated annually to reflect the most current plan performance data.
Understanding the Average Star Ratings
The average star rating provides an overarching view of plan quality across the entire Medicare Advantage and Part D program. These averages are calculated by weighting each plan's rating by its enrollment, meaning that the ratings of plans with more beneficiaries contribute more significantly to the overall average. This methodology ensures that the average truly reflects the experience of the majority of Medicare enrollees.
Here's a breakdown of the average star ratings for recent years:
| Year | Average Star Rating (Weighted by Enrollment) | Total Rated Contracts |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.07 | 471 |
| 2022 | 4.37 | N/A |
Note: The 2024 average star rating reflects the performance data used for plans offered in 2025.
In 2024, a total of 471 Medicare Advantage and Part D contracts were evaluated. The average rating of 4.07 stars indicates a strong overall performance across the evaluated plans, though it shows a slight decrease compared to the 2022 average of 4.37 stars. This system motivates plans to continually enhance their services and quality of care, ultimately empowering Medicare beneficiaries with clear and reliable information to make informed healthcare choices.
