Healthfirst Consistently Achieves Top Quality Scores
Regional Plan Is Highest Rated HMO Available in New York City and Surrounding Areas
Healthfirst, one of New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurers, announced today that it has been awarded a 4.5-Star rating (out of 5 stars) for its largest Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan contract from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the 2025 Star Program Year and is the only Medicare Advantage HMO serving New York City and surrounding areas to earn 4.5 Stars. This recognition highlights Healthfirst’s ongoing commitment to providing access to high-quality care to nearly two million members in New York state.
“We know that millions of New Yorkers depend on us to access the high-quality care they need,” said Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst. “Our consistent top quality rankings are a testament to our mission of ensuring that all our members have access to affordable and equitable care, and reinforces our continued focus on improving clinical outcomes and providing exceptional customer service.”
“We are proud of our 4.5 Star rating which speaks to our commitment to placing our members at the center of everything we do, and the consistent improvement in how we deliver for our members,” said Jay Schechtman, MD, Chief Clinical Officer.
The Healthfirst Medicare Advantage contract awarded a 4.5-Star-Rating (out of 5 stars) represents the vast majority – 88 percent – of Healthfirst’s currently enrolled Medicare Advantage Plan members and has earned four or more stars in five of the past six years. The contract includes the following plans:
Additional information about the CMS Star Ratings can be found at CMS.gov. 2025 Star Ratings are posted at Medicare.gov.
A Commitment to Quality
This recognition comes on the heels of other notable rankings, including Healthfirst consistently being one of the top-rated Medicaid and Essential Plans in New York state. Most recently, Healthfirst achieved the highest score among 12 Essential Plan products from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) for the 2022 Quality Incentive Program and was one of only two health plans to earn a tier one ranking.
About Medicare Advantage Enrollment
The Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period (AEP) begins October 15, 2024 and continues through December 7, 2024. During this enrollment period, individuals eligible for Medicare can choose Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for the upcoming year – with coverage taking effect January 1, 2025. More information about plan options can be found at Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plans.
About Healthfirst
Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York’s highest quality not-for-profit health insurers serving close to 2 million New Yorkers, we make this a reality for our members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to work with us to prioritize health outcomes and to place the needs of our members and community first. We strive to advance health equity so that all individuals, regardless of race, neighborhood, or income, can thrive and live healthy, fulfilling lives. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, and Essential Plans.