CVS Health and Clover Health Reveal 2026 Medicare Star Ratings

CVS Health’s Aetna unit and Clover Health have announced their Medicare Star Ratings for 2026 following the release of data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This evaluation is crucial as it allows health insurers with high-rated Medicare plans to qualify for financial bonuses.

The Medicare Star Ratings are a key metric used by CMS to assess the quality of care and service provided by health plans. Plans are rated on a scale from one to five stars, with five stars indicating excellent performance. These ratings influence consumer choices and can significantly impact the revenue of health insurance companies.

Key Ratings for Aetna and Clover Health

Aetna achieved a rating of four stars for its Medicare Advantage plans, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services. This rating positions Aetna to earn bonuses based on its performance, which can amount to millions of dollars.

Clover Health, on the other hand, received a rating of three stars. While this is a solid performance, it falls short of the four-star threshold needed to unlock additional financial incentives. The company will need to enhance its service delivery and patient satisfaction to improve its ratings in the future.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time as health insurers prepare for the upcoming enrollment period. Consumers often rely on these ratings when selecting health plans, making it imperative for insurers to maintain or improve their scores.

Impact on the Market

The release of the Medicare Star Ratings is expected to influence stock performance for both companies. CVS Health, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CVS, and Clover Health, traded on NASDAQ as CLOV, are closely watched by investors and analysts for their performance in the Medicare market.

According to market analysts, the ratings can impact both companies’ profitability. Higher ratings typically correlate with increased enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans, leading to greater revenue streams. Conversely, lower ratings can hinder growth and diminish market confidence.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, both CVS Health and Clover Health will face increasing pressure to enhance their offerings and improve patient outcomes. The 2026 Medicare Star Ratings serve as a critical benchmark for assessing their progress and competitiveness in this dynamic market.

In conclusion, the Medicare Star Ratings are more than just numbers; they represent the quality of care that millions of beneficiaries depend on. Both CVS Health and Clover Health are now tasked with leveraging their ratings to ensure they provide the best possible service to their members, thereby securing their positions in the competitive healthcare industry.