When can beneficiaries change their Medicare plans, according to the low stars rating criteria?

Beneficiaries can change their Medicare plans when notified of consistently low ratings because this criterion is in place to protect consumers' interests. If a plan receives low star ratings over time, it indicates that the quality of care or services provided is not meeting an acceptable standard. The Medicare program uses star ratings to help beneficiaries assess the performance of various plans. Therefore, when consumers are informed of these ratings, they are given the opportunity to switch plans, allowing them to seek better options that meet their healthcare needs more effectively. This policy ensures that beneficiaries are not stuck in plans that do not offer satisfactory performance or service.

The annual open enrollment period allows for plan changes, but it does not specifically pertain to the star rating criteria. Flexibility to change plans with income changes is not directly related to star ratings either, and beneficiaries cannot change their plans at any time based on a whim; there are rules and periods defined for making those changes.