Understanding the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) 

The Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) is a federally mandated CMS survey administered annually to a random sample of Medicare Advantage members. Unlike satisfaction surveys, HOS measures changes in physical and mental health over time, providing insight into how well care supports members’ overall health and daily functioning. 

Why a focus on overall health matters 

HOS reflects the cumulative effect of care over multiple years. Members are more likely to report stable or improved health when they feel heard, supported, and engaged in their care over time. By prioritizing long-term, patient-centered conversations, providers can help ensure survey responses reflect meaningful, sustained health outcomes—not momentary impressions.

Because HOS measures longitudinal health outcomes, it evaluates whether a member’s health is better, the same, or worse over a two-year period by assessing:

• Physical functioning and mobility
• Pain and its impact on daily activities
• Emotional and mental well-being
• Fall risk and balance concerns
• Ability to perform everyday activities
• Bladder control 

These outcomes reflect the real-world impact of ongoing care, making HOS a vital component of CMS Star Ratings and long‑term quality performance. 

How the survey works 

• HOS is conducted annually from late July through November.
• Members complete:
• A baseline survey
• A follow-up survey two years later to measure change over time 

HOS evaluates functional health across physical and mental domains, including: 

Physical health 

• General health status
• Ability to perform daily activities
• Physical limitations and endurance
• Pain interference with normal work or household activities 

Mental health 

• Emotional well-being
• Energy levels
• Symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Impact of emotional health on daily and social activities 

Many questions focus on change over time, asking members to compare their current health to previous years.