MCS Classicare earns 5-star CMS rating for fourth consecutive year
The Medicare Advantage plan received the highest federal quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to two Puerto Rico news outlets.
File photoThe short version
- El Nuevo Día reported that MCS Classicare obtained a 5 out of 5 star rating from CMS for the fourth consecutive year
- El Vocero reported that the plan received the maximum federal quality rating for four consecutive years
- Both outlets reported that the Medicare Star Ratings program evaluates plans on more than 40 performance measures including chronic condition management and member satisfaction
- MCS executives told El Nuevo Día that the plan is the only Medicare Advantage plan in Puerto Rico to have achieved and maintained the top rating consistently
Fourth consecutive top rating
MCS Classicare (HMO) received a 5 out of 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the fourth year in a row. El Nuevo Día reported the plan is the only Medicare Advantage plan in Puerto Rico that has achieved and maintained the maximum federal quality rating consistently. El Vocero reported the achievement reaffirms the company's position in the Medicare Advantage market on the island.
The Medicare Star Ratings program measures the performance of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Both outlets reported that CMS evaluates more than 500 plans in the United States and Puerto Rico each year. The evaluation is based on more than 40 performance measures including management of chronic conditions, preventive care quality, member satisfaction and customer service efficiency.
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
¡Obtener la histórica distinción de una calificación 5 de 5 estrellas de CMS durante cuatro años es un honor sin precedentes en Puerto Rico!
Our translation: Obtaining the historic distinction of a 5 out of 5 star rating from CMS for four years is an unprecedented honor in Puerto Rico!
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Nuevo Día. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Executive comments
Jim O’Drobinak, chief executive officer of MCS, told El Nuevo Día that obtaining the 5-star rating for four years "is an unprecedented honor in Puerto Rico." He credited members, the professional team and health care providers. El Nuevo Día reported that O’Drobinak said the company will offer more than 18 product options in 2027.
Dr. Inés Hernández, chief medical officer of MCS, told both outlets that maintaining the rating is more difficult because CMS awards points for improvement. El Nuevo Día reported and El Vocero reported that she said the sustained excellence shows MCS can deliver high quality even under challenging economic conditions. Hernández told El Vocero the company earned the highest national score in access to health services despite specialist shortages.
Roberto Pando, president of MCS Advantage, told both outlets that the rating is a source of pride for all of Puerto Rico. El Vocero reported that he said it reinforces the conviction that things can be done well and helps close health gaps. Dr. Carolyn Rodríguez, chief pharmacy officer, told El Vocero the achievement reflects consistency with evolving CMS standards including new pharmacy measures.
Where the sources differ
Both El Nuevo Día and El Vocero agree that MCS Classicare received a 5-star CMS rating for four consecutive years and that the Medicare Star Ratings program evaluates plans on more than 40 measures. El Nuevo Día states that MCS is the only Medicare Advantage plan in Puerto Rico to have achieved and maintained the top rating consistently and that it is the largest 5-star MA plan in the United States according to Dr. Inés Hernández. El Vocero does not mention either of those two claims but includes additional comments from Dr. Carolyn Rodríguez on pharmacy measures and from Hernández on the difficulty of maintaining the rating because CMS awards points for improvement. Both outlets quote similar statements from Hernández and Roberto Pando on quality, access and pride for Puerto Rico.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not provide the specific overall score or individual domain scores that produced the 5-star rating. They do not state how many other Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage plans received 4-star or lower ratings for 2027. The articles do not disclose enrollment numbers for MCS Classicare or detail the financial impact of the rating on rebates or bonuses. No information is given on planned specific new benefits for 2027 beyond more product options.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting MCS Classicare (HMO) hace historia al recibir nuevamente 5 de 5 estrellas de CMS
- Reporting Cuatro años de cinco estrellas para MCS Classicare
How we checked this
El Nuevo Día and El Vocero both reported the fourth consecutive 5-star CMS rating for MCS Classicare and quoted company executives on the achievement. The claim that MCS is the only plan in Puerto Rico to have consistently maintained the top rating rests solely on El Nuevo Día. The description of MCS as the largest 5-star Medicare Advantage plan in the United States also rests only on El Nuevo Día.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.