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Attachment VI. Updates for Part C and D Star Ratings Section A. Part C and D Star Ratings and Future Measurement Concepts The Part C and D Star Ratings measure the quality of and reflect the experiences of beneficiaries in MA and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs or Part D plans), assist beneficiaries in finding the best plan for their needs, and determine eligibility for MA Quality Bonus Payments. The Star Ratings assess MA and PDP contract efforts on prevention, wellness, and chronic disease, and support CMS’s efforts to make all of our programs patient-centric. The methodology for the Star Ratings system for the Part C and D programs is codified at §§ 422.160 - 422.166 and 423.180 - 423.186. In the Advance Notice, we provided information and updates as required by §§ 422.164(c)(2), (d), (e)(2), and (f)(1); 422.166(f)(2); 423.184(c)(2), (d), (e)(2), and (f)(1); and 423.186(f)(2). We reviewed the comments and will consider them as we identify future enhancements to the Star Ratings program. Section B. Reminders for 2026 Star Ratings and Beyond As a reminder, the Star Ratings plan previews codified at §§ 422.166(h)(2) and 423.186(h)(2) are an opportunity for Part C and D sponsors to preview their Star Ratings data in HPMS and raise any questions prior to display on the Medicare Plan Finder. The two plan preview periods allow for any necessary corrections to be made prior to the Star Ratings data being public. During the first plan preview in August, we expect Part C and D sponsors to closely review the Star Ratings methodology and their posted numeric data for each measure. The second plan preview in September includes any revisions made as a result of the first plan preview and provides a preview of the preliminary Star Ratings for each measure, domain, summary score, and overall score. During the second plan preview, we expect Part C and D sponsors to again closely review the methodology and their posted data for each measure, as well as their preliminary Star Rating assignments. Please note that any questions asked during the plan preview periods are not part of the formal appeals process under § 422.260. Prior to the preview periods, various datasets and reports are available for sponsors to review their underlying measure data as detailed in the annual HPMS memo “Information to Review Data Used for Medicare Part C and D Star Ratings and Display Measures.” Sponsors should review the data detailed in this memo and alert CMS of potential errors or anomalies in advance of CMS’s plan preview periods to allow sufficient time to investigate and resolve any issues. Under § 422.260, CMS has made an administrative review process available to MA organizations for payment determinations based on the quality bonuses. MA organizations can request a formal appeal of their Quality Bonus Payment (QBP) rating after CMS releases the preliminary QBP ratings in HPMS, typically in November of each year. CMS anticipates that issues addressed during the preview periods will reduce the need for MA organizations to request an administrative review of QBP determinations. The administrative review is a two-step process