Early Medicare Advantage stars data bodes well for UnitedHealth

Dive Brief:

UnitedHealth expects to have roughly 78% of its Medicare Advantage enrollees in plans rated four stars or above next year, the healthcare behemoth disclosed Tuesday in a securities filing.

The percentage of members in the high-performing plans — which yield valuable bonuses — has stayed largely flat compared to 2025, according to analysts. But it’s still a positive development for UnitedHealth, and a good sign for other managed care companies in MA, many of which have struggled to reach stricter star ratings thresholds.

UnitedHealth’s stock rose roughly 9% over Tuesday’s trade following the disclosure, which also shared that the company plans to reaffirm its 2025 financial guidance in upcoming investor meetings.

Dive Insight:

The CMS rates MA plans from one to five stars