Pulse development · 1 cited source · August 17, 2026
A New Care Compare Icon Has Limits
CMS plans to display a high-performing icon on Sept. 30, but providers say it cannot answer every family's service question.
CMS plans to mark high-performing nursing homes with a gold trophy icon on Care Compare as part of its risk-based survey model. The icon is scheduled for back-end implementation by Sept. 8 and public display on Sept. 30. The source says just 12% of facilities currently meet all the criteria. The eligibility test includes no less than a Five-star overall rating and no less than a Three-star staffing rating, among 11 requirements. Qualifying facilities will receive surveys that take half the time and use fewer surveyors. Providers interviewed by Skilled Nursing News said the icon could be a strong marketing feature, but they also warned that it can create a false impression if families treat it as the only test of quality or suitability. A home without the icon may still provide the services a person needs.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- Nursing homes will be marked as high-performing with a gold trophy icon on Care Compare.
- Sector leaders warn the icon could create a false perception if it is used alone to assess a home's quality or suitability.
- CMS plans to implement the icon on the back end by Sept. 8 and display it publicly on Sept. 30.
- Sector leaders warn that facilities without the icon may still be the best option for a resident needing a particular service.
- Just 12% of facilities currently meet all the criteria.
- Eligibility includes no less than a Five-star overall rating and no less than a Three-star staffing rating, among 11 requirements.
- Qualifying high-performing facilities will undergo surveys that take half the time and require fewer surveyors.
- Michelle Stuercke said the icon could be a strong marketing feature.
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