CMS rates Medicare Advantage contracts on a scale of one to five stars. When comparing plans, check the doctors, prescriptions and costs that matter to you alongside the rating. If a five-star plan is available where you live and you meet the enrollment requirements, you can use the five-star special enrollment period once between December 8 and November 30 of the following year.
CMS reports that about 71% of people currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage are in contracts rated four stars or higher for 2027.
Source: cms.gov · medicare.gov
Updated November 7, 2026
