ACHP members provide coverage to one-in-four MA enrollees in 4.5-Star contracts
Washington, D.C. (October 28, 2025) – Nonprofit, regional health plans offering Medicare Advantage (MA) continue outperforming the industry, according to the newly released 2026 Star Ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) member companies now represent nearly 20 percent of all MA enrollment in 4-Star and above contracts – up from 16 percent last year. This is even more impressive, considering ACHP member companies insure just nine percent of all MA enrollees nationwide. In a challenging ratings environment, ACHP members remain a bright spot, leading in clinical quality, patient experience and preventive care.
“ACHP members continue setting the standard for high-quality, person-centered coverage and care for America’s retirees,” said ACHP President and CEO Ceci Connolly. “Even in a more rigorous ratings environment, our members consistently deliver exceptional clinical outcomes and patient experience. These results are a testament to their deep community roots and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of their members.”
ACHP member companies outscored non-ACHP competitors on 75 percent of quality performance measures, an improvement from 2025’s already impressive measure performance. ACHP member companies again outpaced the industry in key metrics including member experience, preventive care and member retention, demonstrating their ability to deliver consistent, patient-centered care that keeps members healthier and leads to better outcomes.
CMS continues applying stricter scoring through elevated cut points and new policy guardrails, further underscoring this year’s strong performance by ACHP member companies. Sixty-three percent of ACHP’s rated MA-PD contracts earned 4 Stars or higher, with 35 percent earning 4.5 Stars or more. Nationwide, only 18 MA-PDP contracts earned a 5-Star rating, including ACHP member Independent Health. The Buffalo-based Prescription Drug Plan also maintained its 5-Star rating, reaffirming its commitment to high-quality care.
“This recognition from CMS is reflective of our unrelenting drive and commitment to provide our members with high-quality service, coverage and value, and a testament to our collaborative efforts with health care providers to ensure our members receive the care they need,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., President & CEO, Independent Health. “Our 5-Star rating reflects not just performance metrics, but the trust our members place in us every day – and we’re proud to deliver on that trust with consistency and care.”
More than 90 percent of MA consumers covered by ACHP member companies are in plans rated 4-Stars or higher. ACHP member plans receiving 4-Star and above ratings include: AultCare Health Plans, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP), Fallon Health, Geisinger Health Plan, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Health Alliance, Independent Health, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Providence Health Plan and Security Health Plan.
“MA continues growing, and ACHP is committed to ensuring seniors have access to the high-quality coverage and care they deserve. Through MA for Tomorrow, our vision for the future of the program, we’re strengthening Medicare Advantage for millions who rely on it today and for generations to come,” said Connolly.
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About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s best local, nonprofit health plans, providing high-quality coverage to tens of millions of Americans in 40 states and D.C. ACHP is the only national organization advancing a unique partnership model of coverage and care that fosters a truly competitive market.
We believe Americans deserve the best health care in the world. Our members are on the ground in your communities, delivering innovative and competitive coverage. ACHP’s model brings together clinicians and health plans to deliver value for patients, employers and taxpayers.
