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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Receives 4.5-Star Rating

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has been awarded an impressive overall Stars rating of 4.5 out of 5 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans for the calendar year 2026. This achievement signifies the high-quality care and service that BCBSMA offers to its members.

Only 14% of evaluated health plans across the United States have achieved ratings of 4.5 stars or higher. The CMS Star rating system is critical for those eligible for Medicare, as it helps consumers compare different plans' quality, thus empowering them to make informed health care decisions.

Key Metrics for the Star Rating

CMS assesses Medicare plans based on several key performance categories, including:

• - Member Experience: This metric evaluates how well members feel they are treated and supported by their healthcare providers and the health plan.
• - Customer Service: Measures the effectiveness and efficiency of customer service provided by the health plan.
• - Plan Performance: An assessment of how well the health plan meets various operational benchmarks.
• - Chronic Condition Management: Evaluates how effectively the plan manages the health care needs of members with chronic health conditions.
• - Helping Members Stay Healthy: Focuses on preventive care measures taken by the health plan to promote overall health and well-being among its members.

BCBSMA’s success in achieving such a high star rating can be attributed to a concerted effort across all measures. The organization has placed significant emphasis on enhancing the quality of care received by its members, as well as improving their overall experiences with BCBSMA and their respective healthcare providers.

Voices from Blue Cross

Krista Bowers, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Blue Cross, expressed her pride in the ratings, stating, "These outstanding results demonstrate our commitment to offering high-quality plans to Medicare beneficiaries in our state. We are grateful to all of our employees for their dedication to our members and our provider partners for their continued collaboration, which has helped us achieve these ratings."

CMS evaluates Medicare plans using a 5-star rating system each year, providing essential insights into plan performance and member care quality.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan located in Boston. The organization is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to its members. BCBSMA is known for its commitment to member satisfaction and high-quality health plan offerings. They are recognized as one of the top health plans in the nation and are active on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Overall, this recognition highlights the significant role that BCBSMA plays in enhancing healthcare access and excellence within the state, showcasing its commitment to its members and the communities it serves.