Insights
Specific, sourced writing on Star Ratings methodology, cut points, and digital quality measurement. Every claim traces to a primary source.
Value-Based Care
The Margin Squeeze Is Real: Why Quality Bonus Dollars Matter More in 2027
With the final 2027 rate set and medical costs running high, every fraction of a Star is balance-sheet relevant. Quality bonus dollars are the buffer most plans are underusing.
by Bert Rico
Digital quality measures
Quality measurement is going fully digital. Here is what changes.
NCQA plans to retire the legacy hybrid method by measurement year 2029 and move to fully digital reporting by 2030, with measure logic published in FHIR and CQL. Here is what that shift means for Medicare Advantage quality and analytics teams.
by ClearStars
CMS Stars
Behavioral Health Finally Gets a Star: The New Depression Screening Measure
CMS is adding a Part C depression screening and follow-up measure starting with the 2027 measurement year and 2029 Star Ratings, filling a long-standing behavioral health gap. Here is what plans and provider groups should do now.
by Bert Rico
Data and Analytics
HEDIS Goes Fully Digital by 2030: Is Your Data Ready for FHIR and CQL?
NCQA is retiring the HEDIS hybrid method by measurement year 2029 and going fully digital by 2030, publishing measure logic in FHIR and CQL. Here is the data infrastructure readiness story for analytics leaders.
by Bert Rico
CMS Stars
Outcomes Up, Experience Down: Reading the New Cut-Point and Weighting Math
Patient experience measures now carry half the weight they used to, while outcome measures stay heavy. A lower Star Rating may reflect tougher math, not worse care. Here is how to read it and where to spend.
by Bert Rico
CMS Stars
11 Measures Gone: What the CY2027 Final Rule Means for Your Stars Strategy
CMS finalized the CY2027 rule on April 2, 2026, removing 11 Star Ratings measures and continuing the historical reward factor instead of the Health Equity Index. Here is what it means for your strategy.
by Bert Rico