The American insurer Humana announced this Friday, October 9, that 95% of its Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in plans that received a rating of four stars or higher for 2027, according to evaluations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The company also reported that 42% of its Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4.5 stars. The new ratings, released by CMS on Thursday, October 8, come ahead of the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which will begin on October 15.
Humana goes from seven to 18 contracts with four stars or more
According to the original press release from Humana, 18 Medicare Advantage contracts received at least four stars for 2027: six received 4.5 stars and another twelve achieved four stars. This is eleven more contracts than the previous year, when the insurer had seven with that rating.
Its independent contract for prescription drug coverage, known as Part D or PDP, also received 4.5 stars for 2027.
Humana attributed the improvement to its preventive care initiatives and follow-up with its members. According to its figures, 534,000 more people completed an annual preventive visit, and an additional 663,000 opportunities for care were addressed compared to the previous period. These results were reported by the insurance company itself.
How do these results compare with those of other insurance companies?
In its official report on ratings for 2027, CMS indicated that approximately 71% of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage (MA-PD) are currently in plans that will receive four stars or more next year.
However, only 37% of the MA-PD contracts that will be available in 2027 —188 contracts— reached that level. The percentages differ because the contracts have different numbers of enrollees.
The figure of 95% for Humana corresponds to its Medicare Advantage population; the 71% reported nationally by CMS specifically refers to MA-PD contracts. Therefore, they serve as performance references, but do not represent exactly equivalent populations.
Florida has Humana contracts with four and 4.5 stars
Florida is among the states included in the contracts highlighted by Humana. The contract from Humana Medical Plan, Inc. identified as H1036 received 4.5 stars, while CarePlus Health Plans, Inc., contract H1019, was awarded four stars for 2027, according to the report released by the company.
This is relevant for policyholders in South Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward, but it does not mean that all options marketed by Humana in those counties have the same conditions.
Ratings are assigned to contracts, which may include different plans. The option to enroll in one of them, as well as their premiums, copayments, covered medications, and networks of doctors, depends on the location and the characteristics of each product.
What do the Medicare star ratings mean?
Medicare rates insurers' contracts on a scale from one to five stars, based on quality of care indicators, patient experience, and customer service. By 2027, contracts that combine Medicare Advantage and drug coverage will be evaluated using up to 43 quality and performance measures.
Scores allow for comparison of insurance providers, but a high rating does not guarantee that a plan will have a lower premium, cover all medications, or keep the beneficiary's regular doctors.
Stars also have financial effects for insurers. CMS specified that the 2027 ratings will influence the quality incentive payments for Medicare Advantage corresponding to 2028, not to 2027.
How to review your plan before the 2027 enrollment
Those who already have Humana coverage or are considering contracting it can check the ratings and available options on the official tool Medicare Plan Compare. It is necessary to enter the zip code to view the plans offered in each area.
In addition to the stars, it is advisable to check the monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, covered medications, and whether your usual doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are part of the plan's network. Current policyholders should review the Annual Notice of Change, where the proposed modifications for the following year are explained.
In a previous guide, CiberCuba explained how to compare Medicare coverages for 2027 before the deadline for making changes begins.
The Medicare Open Enrollment will be in effect from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2027. For official assistance, beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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