Final answer:
The measure of a plan's quality and performance on a scale of 1-5 is determined by Medicare through the Star Rating System.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measure of a plan's quality and performance on a scale of 1-5 is determined by Medicare, which is a government program that provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities. This measure is known as the Star Rating System.
The Star Rating System assesses Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug plans (Part D) based on several categories, including customer service, member complaints, patient safety, drug pricing, and management of chronic conditions. Each plan is assigned a rating from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest rating.
These ratings help beneficiaries make informed decisions when choosing a Medicare plan, as higher-rated plans are generally associated with better quality and performance.