Align powered by Sanford Health Plan recently received a 4.5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), placing the plan among the highest in the region, as well as the nation. The plans that serve members in Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota were evaluated and found to represent the excellence required to achieve this rating.

What is a star rating?

CMS publishes the Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) star ratings each year to help Medicare beneficiaries evaluate the Medicare Advantage plan options available to them.

The rating system helps consumers compare the quality of the plans, empowering them with meaningful information about benefits and costs so that they can make the best decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Star rating overview 

• 5 stars: Excellent
• 4 stars: Above Average
• 3 stars: Average
• 2 stars: Below Average 
• 1 star: Poor

What are CMS star ratings based on?

Star ratings are based on 38 quality and performance measures.

Among the areas considered are:

• Assessing whether members stayed healthy by receiving immunizations or undergoing health screenings, and if their physical health improved after two years
• How often providers recommended tests or treatments to members with chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Member experience and overall satisfaction
• Member complaints, changes in the plan’s performance and whether members chose to leave the plan
• The quality and effectiveness of the health plan’s customer service
• Whether the plan provided accurate drug pricing information and whether drugs were prescribed to members safely

What does this rating mean for Align powered by Sanford Health Plan?

“The goal of our Medicare Advantage plan is to offer a health insurance option with personalized, comprehensive and affordable coverage,” said John Snyder, president of Sanford Health Plan. “We’re thrilled to see our attention to member experience and care reflected in the CMS rating. We will continue to prioritize member feedback as part of our ongoing focus on equipping members with the innovative services and extra benefits that help them manage chronic conditions and improve their health.”

Where can I find information on my plan’s star rating?

Star ratings can be found using Medicare’s Plan Finder tool or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. New plan quality ratings come out each October and apply to the next calendar year.

Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Align powered by Sanford Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or any other classification protected under the law. This information is not a complete list of benefits. Call (888) 605-9277 (TTY: 711) for more information.