Star Ratings: Navigating Plan Preview season

Plan Preview season is one of the most important milestones in the Medicare Advantage (MA) Star Ratings calendar. It gives MA plans an opportunity to review CMS-reported results before ratings are finalized, validate performance data, and identify potential discrepancies while there is still time to act. August's Plan Preview 1 (PP1) period is often the first indication of where a contract may ultimately land when ratings are publicly released in October.

The most successful MA plans approach Plan Preview with a sense of urgency, but not panic. A preview rating is not a final verdict. It is an opportunity to verify results, communicate risks and opportunities, and refine strategy before the window closes.

Validate results before taking action

When PP1 is released, Stars teams should focus first on validating the numbers and understanding what is driving the results. Rather than reacting immediately, plans should review the data against their own reporting and supporting sources.

Key actions include:

• Compare CMS-reported results with internal dashboards and source reports
• Review measure-level performance, cut points, and other scoring components for potential discrepancies
• Document and escalate any issues that may warrant CMS review before the correction window closes
• Distinguish between true reporting concerns and results that simply differ from internal expectations

Because the opportunity to challenge potential errors is limited, timing is critical. Delayed action can mean losing the ability to influence a rating before it becomes final.

Turn insights into a coordinated response

Plan Preview should not be treated solely as a technical validation exercise—it’s also a leadership and program management moment. Plans should quickly translate findings into clear communication for executives, measure owners, and operational stakeholders.

Recommended next steps include:

• Communicate emerging Stars projections, risks, and opportunities to leadership teams
• Identify measures requiring mitigation plans or additional cross-functional coordination
• Assess whether performance changes stem from actual results, methodology updates, or cut-point movement
• Reprioritize resources toward initiatives with the greatest potential impact on performance

Experienced Stars analysts can play an important role in this process by helping plans interpret results, evaluate emerging risks, and determine where action is needed most.

Use Plan Preview for both short- and long-term planning

While Plan Preview focuses attention on current-year ratings, it should also inform future planning. Forecasting and scenario modeling can help organizations understand how methodology changes, cut-point shifts, and operational performance may influence future Stars outcomes and financial performance.

Plans should use this period to:

• Evaluate future Stars projections and financial implications
• Assess contract and operational readiness for the coming year
• Review vendor, formulary, and member experience considerations that could affect future performance
• Align improvement priorities with evolving Stars targets and organizational goals

Plan Preview season is one of the few opportunities health plans have to validate results before Star Ratings become final. By combining disciplined data review, timely issue resolution, proactive stakeholder communication, and forward-looking analytics, plans can turn PP1 from a compliance exercise into a strategic advantage. Organizations that validate quickly, communicate clearly, and act decisively are best positioned to protect and improve Stars performance.