Exploring Humana Medicare Plans: A Comprehensive Review

When you start to compare Medicare Advantage Plans, chances are high that you’ll find policies from Humana in your area.

Humana stands out for its comprehensive coverage options and high customer satisfaction rates when compared to the plethora of insurance providers in the market.

This article delves deep into Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans, making it easier for you to make an informed decision about your health coverage.

Introduction to Humana

Humana, a health insurance company headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is renowned for its extensive insurance offerings. These include Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicaid coverage, and dental and vision plans.

Humana is the second-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage provider, adding numerous new Medicare Advantage members annually. With more than 5.5 million people enrolled in their Medicare Advantage Plans1, Humana is a force to be reckoned with in the insurance industry.

Humana’s offerings have some distinct advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering while deciding on a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Pros and Cons of Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Pros

1. Wide Availability: Humana’s offerings are available in a vast majority of U.S. counties, making it a viable option for many Americans.
2. Quality Plans: Humana has multiple contracts that are highly rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The majority of Humana’s existing Medicare Advantage members are in these highly-rated contracts.
3. Improved Member Ratings: Humana Randed No. 1 among health insurance providers for customer service for the third year in a row.2 Humana has improved its member satisfaction index and now ranks second out of nine major Medicare Advantage providers.
4. Focus on Veterans: Humana Honor plans are designed to work with veterans’ benefits to provide comprehensive health care for those who served.

Cons

1. Limited Availability of Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Humana’s Chronic Condition SNPs and Dual-Eligible SNPs are not available in all states.
2. Mixed Reviews: Despite high member satisfaction ratings, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) gives several Humana plans a relatively low rating.

Humana Medicare Advantage Plan Types

Humana offers several types of Medicare Advantage plans, varying in structure, costs and available benefits. For plan year 2024, 100% of Humana Medicare Advantage Plans include dental, vision and hearing coverage.²

Many plans offer dental and vision benefits, worldwide emergency care, and fitness benefits through SilverSneakers.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

A Medicare Advantage HMO Plan generally requires you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans

Medicare Advantage PPO plans provide more freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You do not need to choose a primary doctor, and you do not need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Plans

Humana’s Medicare Advantage PFFS plans allow you to see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts your Humana plan. You do not need to pick a primary doctor, and you do not need a referral to see a specialist.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

Special Needs Plans restrict membership to people with specific diseases or characteristics. Hence, the benefits, network, and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Humana offers two types of SNPs: Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNP)
and Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP).

Humana Medicare Advantage Costs

Costs for Medicare Advantage Plans depend on the plan, your geographic location and your health needs. Here are some costs to consider:

1. Premiums: Humana offers many Medicare Advantage Plans with a $0/mo. premium.
2. Out-of-Pocket Maximums: This is the maximum amount you would have to pay for covered services in a year.
3. Copays and Coinsurance: These are the costs that you have to pay when you receive medical services or prescriptions.
4. Deductibles: This is the amount you have to pay for covered services before your insurance starts to pay.

Ratings and Reviews

Humana has received high ratings from various organizations for its Medicare Advantage plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains its own database of star ratings on every Medicare Advantage and separate Medicare Part D plan. In 2024, 94% of Humana Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in plans rated 4 stars and above, and 61% of members are in plans rated 4.5 and above.³

Humana Medicare Advantage Service Area

Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states and Puerto Rico and Medicare prescription drug plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It has the most widely available Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S.

Customer Service

Humana offers extensive customer service options for its members. You can reach Humana’s customer service via phone, online chat, Twitter, or through the Humana Support Community.

Why It’s Important to Speak with a Medicare Licensed Insurance Agent from Ensurem

Working with licensed Medicare experts from Ensurem allows you to:

1. Gain a thorough understanding of various Medicare Advantage Plans, including HMOs, PPOs and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans.
2. Get assistance in comparing the most Medicare Advantage Plans to find the one that offers the best value.
3. Receive guidance on how to optimize Medicare benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
4. Understand the complexities of Medicare Advantage enrollment periods and procedures.
5. Learn about extra benefits such as dental care benefits that certain plans might offer.
6. Get clear explanations of terms like “Medicare Part B premium” and “supplemental coverage,” enabling you to make informed decisions.

Consulting with Medicare licensed insurance agents not only helps you navigate through the complexities of Medicaid services and Medicare Advantage cost but also ensures that you get the most out of your medical insurance. It’s the best way to secure peace of mind, knowing you’re getting the coverage you need at the value you deserve.

Conclusion

Humana is a well-rounded Medicare Advantage provider, offering comprehensive coverage options and high customer satisfaction rates. Though its costs are higher than many of its competitors, Humana provides flexibility and quality that few other providers can match. Understanding Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans can help you make an informed decision about your health coverage.

Whether Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans are right for you depends on your specific needs, preferences and budget. If you’re considering a Humana plan, it’s essential to evaluate all your options, consider the costs and understand the benefits and limitations. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Humana’s customer service or consult with a trusted insurance advisor.

Call the telephone number on your screen to speak with an Ensurem Licensed Insurance Agent to see if you’re interested in learning if there are Humana Medicare Advantage Plans available in your area. More of an online shopper? Then check out Ensurem’s Medicare Advantage online comparison tool, click here.