Medicare Advantage Star Ratings and Health Equity Index

This technical report discusses the implications of recent changes in the Medicare Advantage (MA) Star Ratings system as outlined in the latest Advance Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The report details how the addition of a focus on health equity may influence MA plans to reassess their strategies for measuring quality and performance. It outlines potential enhancements to the Star Ratings program, including the development of a Health Equity Index and measures aimed at assessing health-related social needs among enrollees. The report also highlights the challenges faced by dual-eligible health plans serving diverse populations and the impact of the Star Ratings on resource allocation. Furthermore, it addresses the scrutiny surrounding the accuracy of MA Star Ratings in reflecting the quality of care across different racial and socioeconomic groups. The report concludes with insights on the importance of integrating equity into the MA Star Ratings framework to foster improvements in care delivery.