Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio score four stars
The CMS Medicare Star Rating system ranks the performance and quality of Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans.
CMS headquarters-Maryland
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Thursday that its Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio received four out of five stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Anthem MediBlue Essential, Anthem MediBlue Plus and Anthem MediBlue Dual Advantage plans received four star ratings, up from 3.5 stars the previous year.
The Anthem MediBlue Access and Anthem MediBlue Access Enhanced plans also received a four star rating from CMS, the insurer said.
The CMS Medicare star rating system ranks the performance and quality of Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans to help beneficiaries and their families compare plans.
[Also: CMS hospital overall star ratings methodology flawed, Health Affairs says]
Star ratings are calculated each year using a scale of one to five stars.
Medicare Advantage plans are rated on their ability to help members stay healthy, assist members in managing chronic conditions, ensure positive member experiences with their health plan, achieve member satisfaction, and provide effective customer service.
At a recent meeting of insurers, CMS administrators praised Medicare Advantage plans for routinely ranking high in the star ratings program, but said new incentives and measures are needed to gain further quality improvements.
Medicare and MA open enrollment continues through December. 7.
[Also: Experience, nonprofit status mean high star ratings for Medicare Advantage contracts]
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also has a contract with the Ohio Medicaid program.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
