Humana does offer Medicare Advantage plans with $0 monthly premiums, but the $0 refers only to the plan premium itself—not to your total out-of-pocket costs.

When Humana advertises a $0 monthly premium, it means you pay nothing to Humana each month for the plan. However, you still pay your Part B premium to Medicare (currently $164.90 per month for most people in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). You will also pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you use doctors, hospitals, or prescription drugs—the amounts depend on which specific Humana plan you choose and what services you receive.

Humana's $0 premium plans are Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which combine your Part A and Part B coverage under one private insurance company. These plans often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) bundled in, which is one reason insurers can offer low or no monthly premiums—they receive a fixed payment from Medicare for each member.

Key Takeaways

  • A $0 monthly premium means you pay Humana nothing each month, but you still owe Medicare your Part B premium and any copays or deductibles when you use services.
  • Humana's $0 plans are Medicare Advantage plans that bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D prescription coverage into one plan.
  • The out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) vary widely between different Humana $0 plans, so comparing the specific plan documents matters more than the premium amount.
  • Availability of $0 plans from Humana changes by year and by county, so you need to check during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) to see what is offered in your area.
  • You can switch to a Humana $0 plan only during open enrollment or if you may have access to for a special enrollment period due to a life event or loss of coverage.

How Humana's $0 Premium Plans Work

Humana receives a monthly capitated payment from Medicare for each person enrolled in their Medicare Advantage plan. This payment is based on your age, health status, and location. Because Humana's revenue is fixed per member, they can afford to charge $0 in monthly premiums and still make money if they manage claims efficiently. This is different from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), where you pay premiums directly to the government.

When you join a Humana $0 plan, you are switching from Original Medicare to a managed care network. That means Humana decides which doctors and hospitals are in-network, and you typically pay less (or nothing) if you use in-network providers. If you go out-of-network, your costs are usually much higher or not covered at all, depending on the plan.

Most Humana $0 plans include prescription drug coverage at no extra premium. Some also include dental, vision, or hearing benefits, though the scope of these extras varies by plan and location. You should read the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document to see exactly what is included.

What You Actually Pay With a $0 Plan

Your actual costs depend on the specific Humana plan you choose. Two Humana $0 plans in the same county can have very different copays and deductibles. For example, one plan might charge a $15 copay for a primary care visit and a $250 annual deductible for hospital care, while another charges $30 for the same visit and $500 for the hospital deductible.

Common out-of-pocket costs on Humana $0 plans include:

  • Copays for doctor visits (typically $15 to $50 per visit)
  • Copays for urgent care or emergency room visits (typically $50 to $300)
  • Coinsurance for hospital stays (typically 10% to 20% of the bill after the deductible)
  • Prescription drug copays (typically $5 to $50 per medication, depending on the drug tier)
  • Annual deductibles for hospital or medical services (typically $0 to $500)

You also continue to pay your Part B premium to Medicare every month. If you receive Social Security, this amount is deducted automatically. If you do not receive Social Security, you receive a bill from Medicare.

Comparing Humana $0 Plans in Your Area

Humana offers different $0 plans in different counties, and not every county has a $0 option. During open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year), you can view all available plans on Medicare.gov by entering your zip code. The site shows the monthly premium, deductibles, copays, and which doctors and hospitals are in-network for each plan.

When comparing plans, focus on the services you use most. If you take many prescription medications, look closely at the drug formulary (the list of covered drugs) and the copay tiers. If you have a regular doctor, check whether that doctor is in-network. If you have a chronic condition that requires frequent specialist visits, compare the copays for specialists across plans.

You can also call Humana directly at 1-800-833-2590 (TTY 711) to ask questions about a specific plan. Have your zip code and the plan name ready. Humana representatives can tell you whether a particular doctor or pharmacy is in-network and what your costs would be for specific services.

When You Can Switch to a Humana $0 Plan

You can join a Humana Medicare Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year. If you miss open enrollment, you cannot switch plans until the next October, unless you may have access to for a special enrollment period.

You may have access to for a special enrollment period if you experience certain life events, such as losing your current coverage, moving to a new county where your current plan is not available, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid. If you believe you may have access to, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to confirm and to find out how long you have to make a change.

Switching From Original Medicare to a Humana $0 Plan

If you are currently on Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and want to switch to a Humana $0 plan, you can do so during open enrollment. You do not need to do anything special—straightforward enroll in the Humana plan on Medicare.gov or by calling Humana. Your Original Medicare coverage will end on December 31, and your Humana coverage will begin on January 1.

Before you switch, understand that Medicare Advantage plans use networks. Your current doctor may not be in Humana's network in your area, or Humana may not be available where you live. Check the plan's provider directory on Medicare.gov or call Humana to confirm your doctor is in-network before you enroll.

If you decide later that you prefer Original Medicare, you can switch back during open enrollment. However, if you had a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance) before you joined the Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be able to buy the same Medigap policy again—insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on your health. This is an important consideration before you leave Original Medicare.

What Happens if Humana Stops Offering Your Plan

Humana sometimes discontinues a $0 plan in a particular county or changes the plan's benefits. If this happens, Medicare sends you a notice by September 30 each year. The notice explains your options: you can switch to a different Humana plan, switch to another insurance company's plan, or switch back to Original Medicare.

If you do not choose a new plan by December 7, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a similar Humana plan (if one exists) or in Original Medicare. Automatic enrollment is not ideal because the new plan may have different copays, deductibles, or providers. It is better to actively choose a plan that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any doctor with a Humana $0 plan?

No. Humana Medicare Advantage plans use networks, so you pay less (or nothing) if you use in-network doctors and hospitals. Out-of-network care is usually much more expensive or not covered. You should check the plan's provider directory before you enroll to make sure your doctor is in-network.

Does a $0 plan cover everything Original Medicare covers?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can charge different copays and deductibles. Some services may require prior authorization from Humana before you receive them. Humana may also limit the number of visits you can make to certain specialists or therapists each year.

What if I move to a different county?

Humana's $0 plans vary by county. If you move, your current plan may not be available in your new location. You would may have access to for a special enrollment period, which gives you 60 days to switch to a different plan without waiting for open enrollment. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your may be able to access and important date.

Do I still need to pay my Part B premium if I join a Humana $0 plan?

Yes. The $0 premium covers only Humana's fee—it does not cover your Medicare Part B premium, which you pay to Medicare. Part B premiums are deducted from your Social Security check (if you receive one) or billed separately. The amount changes yearly based on your income and other factors.

Can I go back to Original Medicare if I do not like the Humana plan?

Yes, during the next open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). However, if you had a Medigap supplemental policy before you joined the Humana plan, you may not be able to buy the same policy again. Some insurers will deny you or charge more based on your health status. Ask about this before you leave Original Medicare.