2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings are now available, giving Florida residents another way to compare Medicare health plans during Annual Enrollment. CMS published the ratings on October 8, 2026, and Medicare’s 2027 Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. A higher rating does not automatically mean a plan is best for your doctors, prescriptions, or budget.
This Medicare Monday guide explains the new ratings and how to use them when reviewing Florida Medicare Advantage coverage.
Questions about your 2027 Medicare options? Call a licensed Florida Medicare agent at 772-276-6669, or request a plan review below.
What are the 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings?
CMS rates Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans from one to five stars, reflecting quality and performance measures such as customer service, chronic-condition management, and prescription drug experiences. Five stars is the highest rating, but ratings are only one part of choosing coverage.
Ratings are generally reported at the contract level, not as a guarantee about every provider or benefit in a local plan. Availability, networks, formularies, copays, and supplemental benefits vary by plan and Florida county. Learn more about how Medicare Advantage plans work.
What changed in the 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings?
According to CMS’s October 8 fact sheet, approximately 37% of Medicare Advantage contracts with prescription drug coverage earned four or more stars for 2027. About 71% of current MA-PD enrollees are in contracts that will have at least four stars in 2027. These are national statistics, not Florida-specific plan counts.
CMS reported 15 five-star MA-PD contracts for 2027, compared with 22 in 2026. Ratings can change due to performance and methodology. For 2027, CMS added measures addressing concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use and use of multiple anticholinergic medications among older adults. Review the latest ratings rather than relying on last year’s promotional materials.
How to use star ratings when comparing Florida Medicare plans
1. Check doctors and hospitals first
Verify whether your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospitals participate in the exact 2027 plan. Networks can change; confirm directly with both the plan and providers.
2. Compare your prescription costs
List your medications, dosages, and preferred pharmacies. Review formularies, utilization restrictions, pharmacy networks, and estimated annual spending. The 2027 Part D annual out-of-pocket threshold is $2,400 for covered Part D drugs; the standard deductible is $700, though individual plans can have lower deductibles. These figures do not cap all medical expenses. Read our Medicare Part D guide.
3. Look beyond monthly premiums
A $0 plan premium does not mean $0 healthcare costs. Compare specialist copays, inpatient hospital charges, maximum out-of-pocket limits for covered medical services, and out-of-network rules. Confirm dental, vision, hearing, and other supplemental benefits for the specific plan.
4. Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your Annual Notice of Change explains next year’s coverage and cost adjustments. Do not assume your current plan’s network or drug coverage stays the same. See our Florida Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 checklist.
5. Compare plans available in your ZIP code
Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare local plans, prescriptions, pharmacies, quality ratings, and estimated costs. Plan choices differ across Florida counties.
Can a five-star Medicare Advantage plan still be a poor fit?
Yes. A highly rated plan may exclude your preferred specialist or have less favorable drug coverage or costs. A plan with fewer stars may better match your individual needs. Use ratings to inform a comparison, not to replace one.
When can you change Medicare coverage for 2027?
Annual Enrollment runs October 15–December 7, 2026, with most changes taking effect January 1, 2027. Eligible beneficiaries can generally change Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage during this window. Medigap has separate eligibility and underwriting rules. If you’re new to coverage, start with our Medicare basics guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are 2027 star ratings the same in every Florida county?
CMS rates contracts, but plans and benefits available to you depend on location. Verify the exact plan for your ZIP code.
Does five stars mean the lowest premium?
No. Ratings measure quality and performance, not the lowest total annual cost.
Should I switch if my current plan lost a star?
Not automatically. Compare its 2027 doctors, prescriptions, costs, and benefits before deciding.
Where can I see official ratings?
Use Medicare Plan Finder for available 2027 plans.
Get help reviewing your Florida Medicare options
A licensed agent can help you compare coverage available in your area. Call 772-276-6669, use the contact form near the beginning of this article, or contact our Florida Medicare team.
Sources: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings (October 8, 2026); Medicare.gov Part D costs; Medicare.gov Annual Notice of Change. Reviewed October 19, 2026.
Insurance disclosure: This is an insurance solicitation. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary. No obligation to enroll.