U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awards 5 stars for each of BCBSRI’s 2023 Medicare Advantage plans

PROVIDENCE, RI (Oct. 12, 2022) – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has once again received the federal government’s highest rating – 5 out of 5 stars – for each of its Medicare Advantage plans. The top rating for 2023, awarded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), applies to all BCBSRI HMO and PPO Medicare plans and extends BCBSRI’s historic 5-star designation for another year, reflecting the insurer’s ongoing commitment to the people of Rhode Island. 

BCBSRI, which a year ago became the first and only health insurer doing business in Rhode Island to receive 5-out-5 stars for every one of its Medicare Advantage plans, is alone in that accomplishment once again for 2023. Nationally, only 11% of plans earned 5 stars for 2023 as compared with 16% of plans for 2022.

CMS’ annual Star Rating program compares the quality and performance of plans nationwide based upon Medicare members’ experience with their health plans and healthcare providers. Members enrolled in 5-Star plans generally experience lower out-of-pocket costs, higher member satisfaction, better health outcomes, and best-in-class provider network

“We’re thrilled to once again be named a 5-star plan," said Martha Wofford, BCBSRI president and CEO. “The 5-star rating means so much to us because it’s based on the actual experiences of our 65,000 Medicare Advantage members. We’re honored that we’ve earned their trust, which we work hard to win every day. I’m also incredibly grateful to our provider partners and associates, who consistently deliver high-quality services in plans designed to respond to members’ changing needs."

The 5-star rating is an indicator of a plan’s quality and offers additional convenience for members. CMS allows Medicare beneficiaries to switch to a 5-Star plan at any time of year, rather than having to wait until the annual October-December enrollment period. Features of BCBSRI plans include $0 national gym memberships, an over-the-counter allowance, at least 24 $0 one-way rides to places that support health and well-being, and free educational workshops and fitness classes at four Your Blue Stores. Members also receive a week’s worth of meals delivered to their home after a hospital stay.

The 2023 5-Star rating is the latest in BCBSRI’s recognition for providing the highest quality plans and service to its members. In September, BCBSRI earned a 4.5 out of 5 rating on commercial plans from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the eighth time. The rating, achieved by only 13 other plans, placed BCBSRI in the top four percent of 331 PPO plans in the country. And for the second year in a row, BCBSRI was named the top plan in the northeast in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Satisfaction Study.  Among its peers, BCBSRI was the highest ranked for every area measured, including customer service, coverage and benefits, cost, information and communications, provider choice, and billing and payment. 

CMS rated a total of 507 Medicare Advantage contracts this year in the United States. CMS calculates Star ratings based on quality and performance for Medicare health and drug plans to help beneficiaries, their families and caregivers compare plans. Ratings are given for quality measures across several categories, including keeping members healthy, managing chronic conditions, member satisfaction, customer service and pharmacy services.

The annual Medicare Star ratings are posted online at www.medicare.gov

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5- star rating system. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an HMO and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Inscripción con Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island depende de la renovación del contrato.