Published July 2026

Medicare Health Outcomes (HOS) survey begins in July

The Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) runs from mid-July through November 2 and helps capture important feedback on Members’ health outcomes. Please encourage patients to complete the survey if they receive it, as their feedback helps improve care and services.

Unlike CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), HOS is unique to Medicare and is not administered across other plans. Effective provider-patient interactions and proactive condition management play a critical role in improving outcomes.

Each year, a random sample of beneficiaries is selected from every participating Medicare plan. Two years later, those same individuals are surveyed again to measure changes over time. This follow-up helps assess how effectively health plans support beneficiaries in maintaining or improving their health.

HOS measures include:

• Improving/Maintaining Physical Health
• Improving/Maintaining Mental Health
• Monitoring Physical Activity
• Improving Bladder Control
• Reducing Risk of Falling

Patients are asked to rate their physical health, describe how pain affects daily activities, and note whether health limits routine tasks such as moderate activity or climbing stairs.

The survey also looks at improving or maintaining mental health by asking about energy level, feelings of calm or sadness, and whether emotional concerns have affected work, daily responsibilities, or social activities. These questions help capture how mental and emotional well-being shape a person’s ability to stay engaged in everyday life and maintain meaningful connections with others.

Another key focus is monitoring physical activity. Individuals are asked whether they have talked with a Provider about exercise and whether they received advice to start, increase, or maintain physical activity. These questions highlight the role of Provider guidance in helping individuals stay active and supporting long-term health through movement and exercise.

HOS also addresses reducing the risk of falling by asking whether individuals have experienced problems with balance or walking, whether they have fallen in the past year, and whether they discussed those concerns with a Provider. It also asks whether Providers recommended steps to prevent falls, such as using assistive devices, participating in exercise or physical therapy, or receiving vision or hearing evaluations. This area emphasizes prevention and early intervention to help Individuals stay safe and independent.

Finally, the survey includes questions about improving bladder control. Individuals are asked whether they have experienced urine leakage, how much it has affected daily activities or sleep, and whether they have discussed symptoms and treatment options with a Provider. By addressing a sensitive but common issue, this section helps identify whether patients are receiving support for concerns that can significantly affect comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

We appreciate your support in engaging your patients with these important measures.