The 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan that has been given a 5-Star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Star ratings are released annually to empower Medicare beneficiaries to make healthcare choices that are best for themselves. The ratings reflect the experiences of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans from the previous year.
These plans are rated based on the quality of care, member satisfaction, availability of services, and more, and include customer surveys. Plans that receive five stars are considered among the best in the country, offering comprehensive coverage and high-quality care.
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates all Medicare Advantage plans on a scale of 1 to 5 Stars. Plans with 1 star are considered “poor,” while those with five stars are considered “excellent.” Any plan that is four stars and higher is a “top-rated” plan.
The rating system is based on several factors, including:
The quality of care and services that plan members receive.
How well the plan works to prevent and treat illness and injury.
Member satisfaction with the plan.
The availability of care and services.
How easy it is for members to get the care and services they need.
Star ratings provide guidance on plans that can offer you the best care. It’s recommended that you enroll in a plan with a minimum of 3 stars, which is an “average” rated plan:
5 stars = Excellent
4 stars = Above average
3 stars = Average
2 stars = Below average
1 star = Poor
Agent tip:
“Don’t get stuck on choosing a 5-Star plan. Instead, high-rated plans should be an option or guidance. You should prioritize the plan that fits your health needs and budget.“
A 5-Star Rated Plan Isn’t Always the “Best” Plan
While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have rated top plans, it doesn’t mean it’s the right plan for you. When shopping for a 5-Star Medicare Advantage plan, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, make sure that the plan covers all of the services you need. Every 5-Star plan is different, so finding one that offers the specific coverage you’re looking for is crucial. Review the plan to ensure that it covers your prescription drugs, doctors and specialists, and more.
Second, compare the costs of different plans. Even though all 5-Star plans offer high-quality coverage, some may be more expensive. Be sure to compare the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance before enrolling in a plan. The plan you choose should work within your budget.
Connie Health recommends that you don’t get stuck on “choosing a 5-Star plan.” Instead, high-rated plans should be an option or guidance.
We recommend you speak with a local licensed agent to find the right plan for your health and budget. To find the best Medicare Advantage plan in Texas for you, call (623) 223-8884 (TTY: 711) to speak with a local licensed agent.
Is A 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan Available in My Area?
Curious if a 5 Star Medicare Advantage plan is available in your area? When we reviewed 5-Star plans throughout Texas, we found four health insurance companies frequently providing top-rated Medicare Advantage plans healthcare according to CMS 5-Star ratings: Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Cigna, KelseyCare Advantage, and UnitedHealthcare.
Live in the Dallas-Forth Worth, Greater Houston, San Antonio, or Austin area? Below, you can preview the 2023 Medicare Advantage plans in Texas that received a 5-Star rating in the county you live. Some of these plans also include prescription drug coverage.
All of the 5-Star rated plans are HMO plans. If you are curious about the best PPO plans, we recommend reading Medicare Advantage PPO Plans in Texas.
Plans are available based on the county and zip code that you live in. Because of this, we recommend you use Connie Health’s plan tool to compare plans in your county. You can also click on any of the links below to review detailed plan information.
5-Star Medicare Advantage Plans in Dallas-Fort Worth Counties
5-Star Medicare Advantage Plans in Collin County
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, H8142-007-0 BSW SeniorCare Advantage Select Rx (HMO)
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, H8142-008-0 BSW SeniorCare Advantage Select (HMO)
When to Enroll in a 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan
There are several opportunities for you to enroll in a 5-Star Medicare Advantage plan. You can enroll when you first become eligible for Medicare – during your Initial Enrollment Period or three other times annually:
Medicare 5-Star Special Enrollment Period in Florida
Did you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that you’re not happy with? If you find a 5-Star plan that meets your health and budget needs, you can change your plan once between December 8 and November 30. This Special Enrollment is called a 5-Star Special Enrollment Period.
Curious if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period? A local licensed Connie Health agent can determine if you’re eligible for a 5-Star Special Enrollment Period.
Call (623) 223-8884 (TTY: 711) to see if you can enroll in a 5-Star Medicare Advantage plan. And if you have other questions about Medicare in Texas, don’t hesitate to call and speak with a local licensed agent.
I am a Spanish-speaking Texas Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2011. When not working, you can find me exploring new places in the Lone Star State, or watching movies and TV shows.