Humana is the second-largest Medicare Advantage provider and gets high star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as high member experience scores. More than nine in 10 Humana members are in plans rated 4 stars or above.
UnitedHealthcare is the biggest Medicare Advantage provider and offers the largest Medicare Advantage network, but star ratings from CMS are slightly below the industry average. UHC member experience ratings are middle of the road. Both providers are available in 49 states and Washington, D.C., and Humana is also available in Puerto Rico.
Here’s a look at how Humana and UnitedHealthcare compare.
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana
4.34
CMS Star Rating
Humana plans are widely available, highly rated by CMS and score well for member satisfaction. Humana also offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
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States available
49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plans
High (90% or more)
Member experience
3.97 (Above average)
States available
49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plans
High (90% or more)
Member experience
3.97 (Above average)
Pros
- Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
- Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
- Strong member experience scores among major providers.
Cons
- Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
- The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
Other factors to consider
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2nd-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. |
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Medicare Advantage enrollment |
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Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher |
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Percent of plans with $0 premium |
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HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP. |
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare
3.87
CMS Star Rating
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
States available
49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experience
3.12 (Average)
States available
49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experience
3.12 (Average)
Pros
- Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
- Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
- Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
- Member experience scores are average.
- Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
Other factors to consider
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Largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. |
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Medicare Advantage enrollment |
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Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher |
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Percent of plans with $0 premium |
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HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP. |
Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
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What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?
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Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
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Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?
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Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
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Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
