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Non-SNP Plans Receive Higher Star Ratings, on Average, than SNPs

Since 2012, Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plan sponsors have received payment adjustments based on their Star Ratings (determined by performance on certain criteria) in order to encourage better quality of care. Several entities have claimed that the Stars Rating Program does not appropriately account for the percentage of low-income beneficiaries enrolled in a plan. If true, this causes plans with high enrollment of such beneficiaries to consequently receive lower scores due to factors outside their control—lower socioeconomic status often makes it more likely that an individual will be sick and more difficult for that individual to adhere to a treatment plan. Plans’ 2016 Star Ratings seem to support this theory. Only 38 percent of Special Needs Plans (SNPs) received overall scores of 4 Stars or higher (necessary to receive a bonus), compared with 58 percent of Non-SNPs. Enrollment in SNPs is limited to individuals dually-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; individuals who live in certain institutions (such as nursing homes) or require home health care; and individuals with specific chronic or disabling conditions.


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