Health Outcomes Survey (HOS): What Is It and How Does It Help Your Healthcare?
July 09, 2026 | Tags:
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan – or recently joined one – you may receive a Health Outcomes Survey, or HOS. If you’re unfamiliar with the survey, you may be wondering why you’re being asked to complete it. The information received from the HOS can help shape the future of healthcare for millions of MA members. Here’s how your participation helps.
What is the HOS?
The HOS is an annual survey that is specific to Medicare recipients enrolled in MA health plans. The survey collects information to help improve care, health outcomes and the patient experience.
How does the HOS work?
Medicare members are randomly selected to participate in the survey. If you’re selected, you’ll receive the survey by mail or be contacted by phone to complete it. You’ll then be surveyed again two years later; this helps measure health changes and challenges over the long term. Think of the HOS like a health check-in for a garden – it looks at growth made over time, not just one moment, and works to make improvements for better progress.
Why does the HOS matter?
The HOS gathers feedback from MA members to understand how well health plans are supporting their health. The results show whether members are maintaining or improving their physical and mental well-being over time. This information helps health plans and healthcare providers improve the services and care they offer.
What questions are in the HOS?
The number of questions on the HOS varies but cover a wide range of health topics related to a member’s physical and mental health, daily activities, sleep patterns and more. Questions range from yes/no to scales for frequency, degree of difficulty or limitation to multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank.
Your voice makes a difference
The HOS is an important tool for understanding the care MA members receive. By participating, you can help improve care for you and others. If selected, completing the survey helps Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and health plans better understand member health needs. A completed survey helps create a clearer picture of member health and needs.
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about any health concerns or recent changes to your physical, mental, emotional or cognitive health. Remember, your PCP wants to understand what you’re experiencing, and sharing details helps them support you in ways that genuinely improve your life.
To find a PCP near you, use our provider search tool at MedMutual.com/FindAProvider or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card.
Medical Mutual also offers our Nurse Line*, a free call-in service for 24/7 access to highly trained and experienced registered nurses who can help answer your specific health-related questions. Call the Nurse Line toll free at 1-888-912-0636 (TTY: 711 for hearing impaired).
*Refer to your health plan to see what is covered.