Independence Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans earn high CMS ratings again

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have rated Independence Blue Cross’s Medicare Advantage plans high Star Ratings for 2026, specifically their Keystone 65 HMO and Personal Choice 65 PPO plans, which received 4 out of 5 stars, according to an Independence Blue Cross news release. This is the fifth consecutive year their Medicare plans have earned high Star Ratings.

Independence Blue Cross earned five out of five stars in areas including customer service, member rating and colorectal cancer screenings. These categories evaluate not only how members feel about their plan but also how effectively the plan supports preventive care and engages members in maintaining their health. The strong scores signal that the insurer continues to exceed CMS benchmarks in patient-centered service and clinical quality metrics.

“We are deeply committed to supporting members who have our Medicare plans with coverage that’s not only high-quality but meets their individual needs,” Luz Ramos, M.D., senior medical director at Independence Blue Cross, said in the news release. “The Star Ratings highlight that commitment and our focus on helping members live healthier lives. We offer programs that encourage healthy habits and provide meaningful benefits, like caregiver support and personal emergency response devices, to meet members where they are. Our goal is to make sure every member feels supported, cared for, and empowered to take charge of their health.”

The CMS Star Rating Program rates Medicare Advantage on up to 30 measures and prescription drug plans on up to 40 measures. Medicare Advantage plans are judged on areas including member experience with the health plan, customer service quality, plan performance and problem resolution, chronic condition management and quality of preventative care. These measures are designed to help beneficiaries compare plans based on clear, evidence-based indicators and give insurers incentives to improve outcomes, coordination of care and access to needed services.

Part D prescription drug plans are judged on the quality of member experience, customer service, plan improvements, drug safety and pricing.

Ratings are updated annually in October. A 5-star rating is the highest level of performance, while 1 star represents the lowest quality. If a plan receives fewer than three stars for three consecutive years, beneficiaries are granted a Special Enrollment Period for Disenrollment, during which they can switch to a higher-rated plan at any time between January 1 and December 31.

Ratings for all current Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can be found using the Medicare plan finder tool. CMS encourages beneficiaries to review these ratings during open enrollment to ensure they are choosing plans that align with their health needs, budget and preferences.

“When we focus on improving care for our members, which is what the Star Ratings are intended to do, everyone benefits,” Ramos said. “Members enjoy stronger relationships with their doctors, easier access to care and more attention on prevention and early detection. And providers benefit too through better collaboration, stronger support for managing chronic conditions and a heightened focus on patient safety.”

Ramos added that the organization plans to continue investing in digital tools, member outreach, and care management programs to maintain high performance in future years. These efforts, she said, are aimed at helping members navigate complex health needs while staying engaged in their overall wellness.