Humana is one of the many Medicare-approved private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. These plans are an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) plans.
Medicare Advantage plans provide the same benefits as Original Medicare and often also include prescription drug coverage and supplemental benefits, such as dental and vision care.
Humana offers six types of Medicare Advantage plans. The options vary in terms of costs, coverage, and rules regarding choosing a doctor.
Glossary of Medicare terms
- Out-of-pocket cost: This is the amount a person must pay for care when Medicare does not pay the total amount or offer coverage. Costs can include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.
- Premium: This is the amount of money someone pays each month for Medicare coverage.
- Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before Medicare starts to fund their treatments.
- Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs that a person must self-fund. For Medicare Part B, coinsurance is 20%.
- Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount a person with insurance pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.
The coverage that Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans provide includes the Part A and Part B benefits of Original Medicare. The plans may also provide coverage for prescription drugs.
Other additional benefits may include fitness programs, vision, and dental care. Some plans also cover emergency healthcare when traveling in a foreign country.
Humana offers 4 types of Medicare Advantage plans.
HMO plans
HMO plans require a person to select their primary care doctor from in-network providers. This doctor coordinates all of their care.
If an individual wants to change their doctor, they may do so as long as they pick from those within the network.
If a person needs a specialist, the primary care doctor can refer them to one who is also within the network. HMO plans typically have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other plans.
PPO plans
PPO plans allow an individual to choose any Medicare-approved doctor, even if the doctor is not within the network of providers. However, costs are usually lower if the doctor is in-network.
An individual with a PPO plan does not need a referral to see a specialist.
PFFS plans
PFFS plans determine the amount that healthcare providers receive and the amount that enrollees have to pay.
An individual may see almost any Medicare-approved doctor. The only regulation is that a person’s doctor must consent to Humana’s payment terms and conditions.
The terms involve agreeing to provide services that the plan considers medically necessary, as well as accepting the payments that Original Medicare has set.
Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) tailor benefits to specific groups’ health needs. Humana offers two types: dual eligibility SNPs (D-SNP) and chronic condition SNPs (C-SNP).
D-SNPs are available to people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
C-SNPs are available to anyone with at least one of the conditions below:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- chronic heart failure
- end stage renal disease (ESRD)
- chronic lung disorders
- chronic alcohol or other dependence
- certain autoimmune disorders
- dementia
- end stage liver disease (ESLD)
- certain severe hematologic (blood) disorders
- HIV
- certain chronic and disabling mental health conditions
- certain neurological disorders
- stroke
The two types of SNPs may not be available in all states. To find SNPs in a particular area, a person can search their ZIP code on the Humana website.
Humana was founded in 1961, and its headquarters are in Louisville, Kentucky.
The company offers healthcare coverage for both Medicare beneficiaries and individuals who do not have Medicare.
Humana Medicare health policies include:
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Part D plans (prescription drug coverage)
- Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (Medigap)
Humana Medicare Advantage plans had around 6 million enrollees in 2024, according to the non-profit KFF.
The costs associated with Medicare Advantage plans vary, and involve several components.
Each plan fixes the amounts for premiums, deductibles, and services, as well as how much a person pays for services. The average Medicare Advantage premium in 2025 is estimated to be $17.
Copayments and deductibles also differ. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) expense cap. The MOOP for Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 is $9,350. However, some plans may set the amount at less.
A person with a Medicare Advantage plan must also pay the Medicare Part B premium, although some plans may pay part of it. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185. This amount may vary based on income.
A person may enroll in one of the Humana Medicare Advantage plans during the Initial Enrollment Period. This 7-month window includes the 3 months either side of the month in which an individual turns 65.
If someone misses enrolling during this time, they may sign up during the annual open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
A person can find the Humana Advantage plans available in their area and compare costs using this tool. Once they have selected the plan that suits their needs, they may enroll by calling Humana at 888-204-4062.
As companies other than Humana offer Advantage plans, and prices vary among companies, it is a good idea to compare prices before buying. This tool shows the options from all of the companies serving a person’s area.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Humana Medicare Advantage plans provide the basic coverage of Original Medicare, but they often include additional benefits. A person may choose from four plans that differ in various ways. Humana also launched two new plans.
The costs may include monthly premiums, copayments, and deductibles. Each plan puts a yearly cap on costs, so an individual does not have to pay healthcare expenses exceeding this amount.
If someone is interested in getting an Advantage plan, they may consider the Humana plans while also checking out Advantage plans from other health insurance companies.
