For the second consecutive year, Align powered by Sanford Health Plan received a 4.5-star rating out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This makes the plan the highest rated in Sanford Health Plan’s North Dakota service area and puts it among the highest-rated plans in South Dakota and Iowa.

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 up to 40 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 with our Medicare Advantage product is to offer a health insurance option with personalized, comprehensive and affordable coverage,” said Tommy Ibrahim, M.D., MBA, MHA, executive vice president and president and CEO of Sanford Health Plan. “We’re thrilled to see our attention to member experience and care reflected in the CMS rating, and 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 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.

Download your free guide to Medicare Advantage plans from Align powered by Sanford Health Plan today. For more information, contact a Sanford Health Plan licensed agent at (888) 535-4831 (TTY: 711) on Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time, excluding holidays, to learn more.

Sanford Health Plan and Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota have HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Sanford Health Plan D-SNPs have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans 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. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Call (888) 605-9277 ( TTY: 711) 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday for more information. H8385_ 530-370-814-PY2025-ND-SD-IA_M H3186_ 530-370-814-PY2025-MN_M 530-370-814 Rev. 10/24