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Humana Medicare Advantage Reviews

Humana is a nationwide health insurance company that offers a good selection of highly rated Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
By . Last update: June 16, 2024

Many of the plans featured here are available through our partners who may compensate us for enrollments. This influences which Medicare plans we write about, but it does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Member opinions and comments are their own and do not express the views of MedicareWire. How we make money.

  • Member Reviews: Share your experience with Humana.
  • Our guarantee. We offer unfettered access to all plan information, verified reviews, and unbiased editorial research.
  • Our approach: We analyze government data, study consumer intelligence websites, and scour the web for consumer sentiment.
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Humana Medicare Advantage Reviews
The Humana logo is a registered trademark of Humana, Inc.

Humana is known for its various Medicare Advantage (Part C) insurance plan options, with competitive pricing, which go beyond basic medical coverage by offering extra benefits and services to improve overall health. [1]

In this editorial review, we’ll examine some of Humana’s best Medicare Advantage plans, examining what they cover, how much they cost, which doctors and hospitals members can use, and what customers have to say about their experiences.

Table of Contents

Member Reviews for Humana

The following Humana reviews have been left by our members.

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PROS

  • Zero-Dollar Premiums: $0-premium plans in all states except Alaska.
  • Highly Rated: Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Often includes benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and prescription drugs.
  • Cost savings: Many plans have lower cost compared to traditional Medicare, like reduced copayments and deductibles, and Part B Give.
  • Additional perks: Often includes extra benefits like gym memberships, wellness programs, and telehealth services at no additional cost.
  • Network options: Typically has a large network of healthcare providers, giving beneficiaries access to a wide range of doctors, specialists, and hospitals.
  • Care coordination: Some plans offer care management programs to help coordinate care between healthcare providers, which can improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

CONS

  • Network restrictions: While Humana may have a large network, some plans may require beneficiaries to use in-network providers, limiting choice and flexibility.
  • Prior authorization requirements: Some services and treatments may require prior authorization from Humana, which can delay care.
  • Plan limitations: Some benefits like dental and vision coverage may have annual limits or restrictions, which may result in additional out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Geographic limitations: Humana's plans may not be available in all areas, limiting options for beneficiaries living in certain regions.
  • Annual changes: Like all Medicare Advantage plans, Humana's offerings can change annually, including premiums, benefits, and provider networks.
  • Some plans have a low NCQA score: The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
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How Do Humana Medicare Advantage Plans Work?

Humana Medicare Advantage plan members get all their hospital coverage (Medicare Part A) and medical coverage (Medicare Part B) benefits through their plan. This covers screenings, preventive care, vaccinations, visits to doctors and specialists, hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice.

All Humana Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for:

  • Inpatient hospital admissions.
  • Doctor and specialist care.
  • Preventive care, screenings, and vaccinations.
  • Diagnostic services, lab work, X-rays and other imaging.
  • Outpatient services.
  • Ambulance transportation for emergencies.
  • Durable medical supplies and equipment.

Medicare rules mandate that all Medicare Part C plans offer coverage and benefits that match or exceed those of Original Medicare. However, Humana sets its own out-of-pocket costs.

Some Humana plans offer additional benefits like routine dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs, which are not usually covered by Original Medicare.

By enrolling in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, many beneficiaries enjoy the convenience of having all their healthcare needs managed under one plan, often with lower out-of-pocket costs and additional perks tailored to their health and lifestyle.

However, it's important to understand that lower costs are not guaranteed. Costs are largely based on the specific plan and usage of healthcare services. Also, depending on the Humana plan chosen, there may be access restrictions, including referrals and prior authorization, which do not exist in Original Medicare.

Extra Benefits from Humana

Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans include an allowance for dental, vision and hearing benefits. Other benefits Humana offers may include:

  • Part B giveback, in which the plan carrier covers some or all of your Part B monthly premium.
  • Healthy foods card, which allots a small allowance for approved foods at participating stores.
  • Meal delivery services.
  • SilverSneakers fitness programs.
  • Insulin savings programs (in plans with Part D).
  • Over-the-counter pharmacy allowances.

What Types of Plans Does Humana Offer?

Not all Humana plans are the same. And, Humana may not offer all plan types where you live, so it pays to explore using our Medicare Advantage Plan Finder tool. Here are the plan types Humana offers:[6]

Medicare preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. With a PPO plan, you generally do not need to choose a primary care doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. And you can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Humana’s private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans allow you to see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts your Humana plan. With PFFS plans, you don’t have to pick a primary care doctor and won’t need a referral to see a specialist.

Health maintenance organization (HMO) plans require that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. Also, with a Humana HMO plan you may need a referral from your primary care doctor in order to see a specialist. Out-of-network benefits are usually very limited. However, in an emergency you are not limited to care from your local hospital of emergency room.

HMO point-of-service plans are HMO plans that allow members to get some out-of-network services, but you’ll pay more for those services.

NOTE: Humana may also offer Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Due to the highly specialized nature of D-SNP (dual eligible), C-SNP (chronic condition), and I-SNP (institutional) insurance plans, we review them separately.

How Much Do Humana Plans Cost?

The cost of a Humana plan will vary depending on the specific plan chosen, your location, usage of healthcare services, and the plan's out-of-pocket costs. We detail out-of-pocket costs on all Humana Medicare Advantage Plans in our plan finder.

Generally, Humana will charge you a monthly premium, which can vary based on the level of coverage and additional benefits included. You must also continue to pay your Part B premium. If you're a high-income earner, Medicare may add a Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) to your premium.[5]

Humana’s monthly premiums are highly dependent on where you live. For instance, the average cost of a Medicare Advantage plan from Humana in Nevada is $1.57 per month, but in Wyoming the average cost is $48.00 per month. These averages do not include Special Needs Plans.

Humana's Premiums vs. Competitors

The following list shows Humana's nationwide average monthly premium (excluding Special Needs Plans) vs. several competitors.

Humana
$5.51
Cigna
$17.39
Anthem
$42.17
Kaiser
$10.11
AARP
$22.97

You might also encounter copayments or coinsurance for healthcare services, including doctor visits and hospital stays. In each Humana plan we assessed, the costs differed based on the coverage level and the specific services received.

Be aware that some plans have $0 premiums or low copayments for specific services, whereas others could feature higher premiums but reduced out-of-pocket expenses. It’s essential to thoroughly examine the costs and coverage details of each plan option so you can find the one that best suits your budget and healthcare needs.[7]

We analyzed the following popular Humana plans to give you an idea of what members pay to use healthcare services. This is just a sample, use our Medicare Advantage Plan Finder to see plans and costs where you live.

Important costs for plan ID H5525-057-0 reviewed in San Diego County, CA.
  • Monthly premium: $0
  • Out-of-pocket max: $6,100
  • Primary Care: $$0
  • Specialist: $$0
  • Tier 1 Prescriptions: $0.00 copay, $350 deductible
  • Urgent Care: $$0
  • Emergency Room: $$0
  • Ground Ambulance: $$0
  • Inpatient Care:
  • Extra Benefits: None
Important costs for plan ID H5525-076-0 reviewed in San Diego County, CA.
  • Monthly premium: $51
  • Out-of-pocket max: $3,900
  • Primary Care: $$0
  • Specialist: $$0
  • Tier 1 Prescriptions: $0.00 copay, $0 deductible
  • Urgent Care: $$0
  • Emergency Room: $$0
  • Ground Ambulance: $$0
  • Inpatient Care:
  • Extra Benefits: None
Important costs for plan ID H5619-016-0 reviewed in San Diego County, CA.
  • Monthly premium: $0
  • Out-of-pocket max: $3,200
  • Primary Care: $$0
  • Specialist: $$0
  • Tier 1 Prescriptions: $0.00 copay, $0 deductible
  • Urgent Care: $$0
  • Emergency Room: $$0
  • Ground Ambulance: $$0
  • Inpatient Care:
  • Extra Benefits: None

Is Humana a Good Medicare Advantage Plan?

Humana is one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans. They offer a range of options to suit different needs. Whether a Humana plan is “good” depends on various factors, such as your individual health needs, budget, and preferences.

Several consumer intelligence companies monitor and report on health insurance companies. We’ve referenced three below.

We also looked at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which gives Humana an A+ rating (its highest), and consumer review websites, like ConsumerAffairs, to get a feel for the overall member experience. 

J.D. Power Ranking

In its 2023 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study, J.D. Power evaluated member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans based on eight factors ranging from level of trust to how well a provider resolves complaints. The study was conducted in the five largest Medicare Advantage markets. Here’s how Humana ranked:[2]

  • California: 2nd out of 7.
  • Florida: 1st out of 6.
  • New York: 3rd out of 8.
  • Pennsylvania: 6th out of 7.
  • Texas: 3rd out of 6.

NCQA Health Plan Score

Every September, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rates health plans using a 5-point scale based on quality of care, patient satisfaction and health plans’ efforts to keep improving.

In its 2023 ratings, the NCQA awarded Humana ratings between 2.5 and 4.0 stars. Comparatively, around 15% of the rated plans received 4.0 stars. The remainder  received 3.5 stars or lower.[4]

Three Humana plans received a 2.5 rating: Humana Health Plan of California, Humana Insurance Company in Oklahoma and Humana Medical Plan of Michigan.

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

AM Best, a credit rating agency, specializes in rating and monitoring the insurance industry. AM Best's current rating for the Humana Health Group is A (Excellent). An A rating indicates that Humana has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.[3]

Humana's Medicare Star Ratings

Humana's average 5-star rating: 4.38*
*Our calculation is weighted by enrollments in public plans, excluding Special Needs Plans, with CMS star ratings across 24 contracts covering 5,803,950 members.

If you want the government’s take on the quality of Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans, check out the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' star ratings, which rank each plan from 1 (worst) to 5 (best) stars. The health agency assigns ratings based on quality of care and customer satisfaction measurements, and updates ratings every year.[9]

All Medicare Advantage plans are evaluated on CMS's health plan measures. Plans that include prescription drug coverage are also evaluated on drug plan measures. Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Humana’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average rating of 4.38 stars.[9] [11]

As of January 1, 2024, 95% of members with Humana are in contracts that have earned a Medicare star rating of 4 stars or more.

Discover the ratings for plans available in your area using our Medicare Advantage Plan Finder tool.

Plan Availability

Humana's Medicare Advantage plans are available in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, including:

AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.

In total, Humana offers Medicare Advantage plan in 0 out of 3,140 U.S. counties.[8]

Humana's Top Plans

Here's a list of Humana's most popular plans (by enrollments):[9][10]

Medicare Advantage Search and compare Medicare Advantage plans available in your area.

Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most frequently asked questions we found about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans:

With a Medicare Advantage plan you pay most of your costs when you use healthcare services through deductibles, copayments and/or coinsurance. As a result, private health plans can be difficult to budget. Learn More...

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a zero-dollar monthly premium because what Medicare pays the plan, plus your Medicare Part B premium, cover the full cost. For healthy people who want to keep their monthly costs low, these plans are an attractive option. But, just be aware that the premium is not the only cost. Plans also have copays or coinsurance you must pay when you use services. To learn more about free Medicare Advantage plans, read Why are Some Medicare Advantage Plans Free?

One of the most important things to understand about Medicare Advantage plans is how much it costs to use health care services. Like all private health insurance, covered services (i.e., doctor visits) have copayment or coinsurance out-of-pocket costs. These healthcare costs add up rapidly, particularly when you are hospitalized. These are the costs Medicare beneficiaries need to be concerned about, not the low premiums. The notion of a $0 premium is smoke and mirrors. Beneficiaries continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium, which covers the cost in full. Read Why are Some Medicare Advantage Plans Free? to learn more about "free plans".

Researching your health plan options is important. Here are some key questions to consider before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan as well as additional companies to read about:

Key Questions

All plans potentially have monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and/or coinsurance, including plans from Humana. Are these costs within your budget?

  • Does the plan cover your prescriptions? Knowing how a plan covers them is important if you have regular prescriptions because costs and coverage vary widely from plan to plan.
  • Are your doctors in the plan’s network? If you have preferred providers, ensure they participate in the plan’s network.
  • Is routine dental, vision, and hearing covered? Traditional Medicare doesn’t cover these services. If you need it, be sure to explore plans that cover it.
  • What extras does the plan include? Plans may include many beneficial extras, like gym memberships (SilverSneakers), medical transportation, meal delivery, telehealth, and more.

Top Companies

If you have additional questions, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

About Humana

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana is the second-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage provider. Its health insurance offerings include Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C), Medicare Part D Plans (prescription drug plans), Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap plans), Medicaid coverage, and dental and vision plans.

You can enroll in a Humana plan in your area during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) at age 65, during the annual Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7), or during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which Medicare grants based on special circumstances, such as moving or losing employer coverage.

Citations

MedicareWire uses trustworthy sources to inform its work, including government websites, government data, actuarial service data, consumer intelligence websites, and peer-reviewed studies. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance. We used the following information sources in this review: