Essence Healthcare named among the best performing Medicare Advantage plans for 2026

Health plan expects 80 percent of members to be in 4.5 Star plans next year, reflecting strong performance across all markets

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence Healthcare today announced that for the 2026 plan year, it has again been recognized among the nation's best performing Medicare Advantage plans, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings. The new ratings reflect Essence's continued commitment to providing high-quality, affordable coverage and exceptional member experience.

The CMS 5-Star Ratings system evaluates Medicare Advantage plans every year based on preventive care, chronic condition management, member satisfaction and health outcomes. The ratings help beneficiaries compare and select plans based on measurable performance and quality.

Essence Healthcare now offers the highest rated Medicare Advantage plan in every market it serves, reaffirming its position as a leader in quality and service. For 2026, an estimated 80 percent of Essence members are expected to be enrolled in plans rated 4.5 stars. The 2026 results underscore Essence's consistent strength across its markets, with the company offering the only 4.5-star HMO plan in St. Louis, Chicago, Northwest Arkansas, Mid-Missouri, Southwest Missouri and Little Rock, Arkansas, and one of only two 4.5-star HMO plans available in the Louisville/Lexington market.

"These ratings are ultimately about people – the quality of their care, their experience with their doctors, and their confidence in their health plan," said Jordan Reigel, president of Essence Healthcare. "Every measure behind the Star Ratings represents a real person's experience. We take pride in knowing our efforts translate into better outcomes, stronger relationships with physicians, and greater satisfaction for the members we serve."

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025. During this period, Medicare-eligible individuals can review their coverage options and make changes for the upcoming plan year.

For more information about Essence, visit EssenceHealthcare.com.

About Essence Healthcare
Essence Healthcare provides over 55,000 people with comprehensive and affordable Medicare health insurance that focuses on wellness, care coordination and personal service. Essence's Medicare Advantage plans offer complete hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage and include additional benefits not covered under the Original Medicare program. Powered by the nation's leading population health services and technology of Lumeris, Essence is earning national recognition for its commitment to service and quality, including being consistently highly rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Essence's Medicare Advantage plans are available in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana. To learn more about Essence Healthcare, please visit EssenceHealthcare.com.

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SOURCE Essence Healthcare