Medicare enrollees consistently pick quality over cost when selecting plans. If you are still stuck picking plans based solely on max out of pocket or lowest premium, then you might be surprised to learn of the star rating system. You should be weary of agents that consistently recommend low quality, low cost plans.

If you’ve looked at movies online, then you have experience with a star rating system. Just like products on Amazon, Medicare plans have star ratings that are based on the plan’s performance. For example, if individuals on a plan experience worsening health, then it’s rating goes down.

Things that lower a plan’s rating

• Deteriorating health among plan participates
• Poor management of chronic conditions
• Member complaints
• Outsourced, poor plan customer service

You may have received a survey from your plan (not everyone receives it). It is sent our annually, usually in March. The results of the surveys, called Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) determine the level of satisfaction among the plan members. This plays a part in the plan’s star rating as well. This part is the most similar to rating a product on Amazon. In a sense, it allows plan members to let the market know what they think about their plan.

The CAHPS survey measures nine different areas:

• Getting needed care
• Getting appointments and care quickly
• Doctors who communicate well
• Customer service
• Getting needed prescription drugs
• Care coordination
• Rating of health plan
• Rating of health care quality
• Rating of drug plan

Star ratings and Part D coverage

Star Ratings measures for Medicare Prescription drug plans that are included with Medicare Advantage plans or are stand-alone plans also include measures based on:

• Drug plan customer service
• Member complaints and changes in the drug plan’s performance
• Member experience with drug plan
• Drug safety and accuracy of drug prices

Don’t pick your plan based on cost or quality alone

The star rating system is a great guide. However, just as with lowest cost plans, they do not provide the complete picture. While you should avoid low cost, low quality plans, nothing is more important than your own health preferences and needs.

For example, you may want a plan that has dental coverage or that offers vision benefits. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your plan covers your medications and allows you to see your doctor. At Newnan Medicare, we focus on matching you with a quality plan that also matches your healthcare needs.