CMS releases 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings; 71% of enrollees in 4-star-plus contracts

CMS published the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings on October 8, 2026. About 71% of MA enrollees are in contracts rated four stars or higher, and 15 contracts earned five stars, including several with UnitedHealth as parent. Star ratings drive quality bonus payments, so the results feed into UnitedHealthcare's Medicare revenue and margin outlook for 2028.

• About 71% of MA-PD enrollees are in contracts rated 4 stars or higher for 2027, weighted by enrollment
• 15 MA-PD contracts earned 5 stars for 2027
• UnitedHealth-parented contracts appear among the five-star contracts in CMS Table A1
• Ratings are used for 2028 Medicare Advantage quality bonus payments