Medicare evaluates plans based on a five-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change. Each year the federal Medicare program awards between one and five starts to a plan as its Overall Star Rating. The rating is based off information from member satisfaction surveys, plans and health care providers. A five-star rating is the highest.

Some of the areas Medicare reviews for these ratings include:

• How members rate a plan's services and care
• How well doctors detect illnesses and keep members healthy
• How well a plan helps member use recommended and safe prescription medications

You can find more information about Star Ratings.