If you’re currently on Medicare, your mailbox is probably stuffed right now with flyers, letters and pamphlets all claiming to offer you great, affordable Medicare coverage. It’s overwhelming, and in all the chaos it can be nearly impossible to figure out which plans are actually worth looking into. 

Luckily, you don’t have to sort through it all alone. Medicare actually offers you an unbiased view of Medicare plans in your area through the Star Ratings System. Star ratings are given out each year by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the government body that oversees Medicare. A plan’s rating is based on over 50 quality and performance measures in five categories. After a rigorous review process, CMS awards plans a Star rating from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. To better understand all that goes into a plan’s rating, and what it means for you, the consumer, here’s an overview of the five categories a plan must perform highly in to get a good rating.

Helping members stay healthy — This category shows you that good health plans can help you stay healthy. Plans with high ratings encourage members to receive preventive screenings as well as important vaccines and regular checkups. 

Helping members manage chronic conditions — If you have a chronic condition, pay close attention to a plan’s Star rating. Highly rated plans usually receive high marks for helping members better manage their health by making sure they get the tests and treatments they need. 

Member experience — The best measure of a health plan is what it’s actual members say about it. In this category, members are asked to rate their own plan. The survey results directly contribute to a plan’s rating.

Low member complaints and increased plan performance — Member satisfaction again plays a large role in this category. If members have few complaints about their health plan, and the plan continuously improves its performance over the years, it will get a high rating. 

Customer Service — Customer service can really make or break your healthcare experience, and that’s why the government takes a close look at a plan’s customer service team. The more efficient and friendly the customer service is, the higher the plan’s rating will be.

So before you toss out all that mail, maybe save a piece or two and then head to www.Medicare.gov to check out each plan's Star rating. 

*Note: Star ratings are released each year in October for the coming year. For the most recent results, check for 2016 ratings.