The federal government has withdrawn its appeal in a case involving UnitedHealth’s Medicare star ratings, an outcome that came just three days after the agency stated it was prepared to challenge the decision. This reversal follows a legal dispute with the country’s largest Medicare Advantage insurer, which had been fighting CMS over its ratings system. The case is seen as a significant shift for CMS, which has faced increasing scrutiny from federal authorities amid broader scrutiny of government contracts and services. Additionally, the Trump administration’s recent pause on certain federal initiatives adds context to the timing of this decision, raising questions about its implications for CMS moving forward.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/24/unitedhealth-medicare-advantage-star-ratings-lawsuit-cms-drops-appeal