Victoria, TX – October 13, 2025: Texas Independence Health Plan (TIHP) has earned the highest possible rating of 5 out of 5 Stars in the recently announced 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes the Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare Part D Star Ratings each year to measure the quality of health and prescription drug services received by consumers enrolled in MA and Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs or Part D plans). The Star Ratings system helps those with Medicare compare the quality of Medicare health and drug plans being offered so they are empowered to make the best health care decisions for themselves.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.  The Overall Star Rating of 5 Stars ranks TIHP as the top-performing I-SNP in Texas, and one of Medicare’s highest-rated plans in the country. Out of 516 plans rated across the nation, TIHP is one of 18 to achieve this 5-Star distinction.

“This recognition from CMS that TIHP provides the highest level of quality care to our members is a wonderful reinforcement of the dedicated, compassionate, and excellent geriatric care that our providers and partners provide to our members every day,” said Liam Fry, MD, Medical Director for Texas Independence Health Plan. “This level of achievement comes down to making sure every single member in our plan receives our best care.”

“Achieving a 5-Star rating is a powerful validation of our entire organization’s commitment to our members, who often have the most complex health needs,” said Devan Dekowski, CEO of Texas Independence Health Plan. “This recognition by CMS reflects the unwavering dedication of our team members and provider partners to delivering excellent and personalized care to every individual in the long-term care facilities we serve.”

Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) are SNPs that restrict enrollment to MA eligible individuals who, for 90 days or longer, have had or are expected to need the level of services provided in a long-term care (LTC) skilled nursing facility (SNF), a LTC nursing facility (NF), a SNF/NF, an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IDD), or an inpatient psychiatric facility. A complete list of acceptable types of institutions can be found in the Medicare Advantage Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance.

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Texas Independence Health Plan (TIHP) is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan for individuals enrolled in Medicare who reside in long-term care facilities. In partnership with your local care team, TIHP provides coordinated care with the goal of keeping members healthier.