Humana offers both Medicare and Medicaid plans, so the answer depends on which program you are looking at
Humana is an insurance company that contracts with both Medicare and Medicaid to offer coverage. When you see a Humana plan, you need to check which program it belongs to — they are separate products with different rules, costs, and coverage. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan is not the same as a Humana Medicaid plan, even though both come from the same company.
This matters because Medicare and Medicaid are two different government programs. Medicare is for people 65 and older, regardless of income. Medicaid is for people with lower incomes, and the rules vary by state. Humana sells insurance under both programs, but you cannot use a Medicaid plan if you may have access to for Medicare, and vice versa.
Key Takeaways
- Humana sells Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), Medigap plans, and prescription drug plans (Part D) to people 65 and older.
- Humana also sells Medicaid plans in many states for people under 65 with lower incomes, including managed long-term care plans in some areas.
- The plan documents and enrollment periods are different for Medicare and Medicaid products, so you must know which one you are looking at.
- You can contact Humana directly or use Medicare.gov and your state Medicaid office to find out which Humana plans are available to you.
Humana Medicare plans and what they cover
Humana offers three main types of Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) bundle hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into one plan. Medigap plans (also called Supplement plans) work alongside Original Medicare to cover costs that Medicare does not pay. Prescription drug plans (Part D) cover medications only and work with Original Medicare.
Most Humana Medicare plans have monthly premiums, copays for doctor visits, and deductibles. The exact costs and coverage rules depend on which specific plan you choose. Humana Medicare plans are available to anyone 65 or older who is enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can join during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65.
Humana Medicaid plans and what they cover
Humana sells Medicaid plans in many states, though not all. These plans are for people under 65 with lower incomes who meet their state's Medicaid rules. Humana Medicaid plans typically cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and preventive services with little or no cost to you. Some states offer Humana managed long-term care plans that also cover nursing home or home care services.
Medicaid rules and available plans change by state. Your state Medicaid office decides which insurance companies, including Humana, can sell plans in your area. You cannot enroll in Medicaid on your own schedule — enrollment periods depend on your state and your reason for explore (such as a job loss or move). If you think you may may have access to for Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to find out what is available where you live.
How to tell which type of Humana plan you are looking at
The plan name and documents will tell you which program a Humana plan belongs to. Medicare plans say "Medicare Advantage" or "Medigap" or "Part D" in the title. Medicaid plans say "Medicaid" in the name. The plan documents (called the Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage) will also clearly state whether it is a Medicare or Medicaid product.
If you are unsure, you can call Humana directly at the phone number on any plan materials and ask which program the plan is under. You can also visit Medicare.gov to search for Humana Medicare plans in your area, or contact your state Medicaid office to ask about Humana Medicaid plans. Having the plan name or member ID number handy will help Humana answer your question faster.
When you might have both Medicare and Medicaid
Some people may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. This usually happens when someone is 65 or older with a low income, or when someone under 65 has both a disability that qualifies them for Medicare and an income low enough for Medicaid. These people are called dual may be able to access.
If you are dual may be able to access, Humana may offer special plans designed for people in your situation. These plans coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits so you do not have to manage two separate insurance cards. Your state Medicaid office and Medicare.gov can both help you find plans for dual may be able to access people in your area. It is important to understand which benefits come from which program, because the rules for using them are different.
Questions to ask Humana or your state
Before you choose a Humana plan, ask whether it is a Medicare plan or a Medicaid plan. If it is a Medicare plan, ask which type (Advantage, Medigap, or Part D). Ask what the monthly premium is, what your copays will be, and whether your doctors and pharmacy are in the plan's network. Ask about the coverage period — when the plan starts and when you can make changes.
If you are looking at a Medicaid plan, ask your state Medicaid office whether Humana plans are available in your area and whether you meet your state's income and other rules. Ask what the enrollment process looks like and when you can enroll. Ask whether the plan covers the doctors, hospitals, and services you use now.
Where to find Humana plan information
For Medicare plans, visit Medicare.gov and use the plan finder tool. You can search by your zip code and see all Humana Medicare plans available to you, along with costs and coverage details. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask about Humana plans.
For Medicaid plans, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find your state office by visiting Medicaid.gov or calling 211. Humana's website also lists which states have Humana Medicaid plans, though you will need to contact your state to enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a Humana Medicare plan to a Humana Medicaid plan?
No. If you may have access to for Medicare, you must use a Medicare plan. Medicaid is only for people who do not may have access to for Medicare. If your income drops and you lose Medicare may be able to access (which is rare), you could then look at Medicaid plans, but you would need to contact your state Medicaid office to start that process.
Does Humana charge the same premium for Medicare and Medicaid plans?
No. Medicare plan premiums vary by plan type and region. Medicaid plans typically have no monthly premium or a very low one, depending on your state. The costs are set by different government programs, so they are not comparable between Medicare and Medicaid.
What if I do not see a Humana plan in my area?
Humana does not sell plans everywhere. For Medicare, check Medicare.gov to see if Humana offers plans in your zip code. For Medicaid, call your state Medicaid office — Humana may not contract with your state, or the plan may be full. Your state can tell you which other insurance companies offer plans in your area.
How do I know if I should choose Medicare or Medicaid?
You do not choose between them — your age and income determine which one you may have access to for. If you are 65 or older, you may have access to for Medicare regardless of income. If you are under 65 and have a low income, you may may have access to for Medicaid. If you meet both rules, you are dual may be able to access and can have both. Contact Medicare.gov or your state Medicaid office to find out which you may have access to for.
Can I enroll in a Humana plan outside the normal enrollment period?
Medicare has specific enrollment periods: the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) and your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65. You can enroll outside these windows only if you have a may have access to life event, such as losing other coverage. Medicaid enrollment rules vary by state. Contact Humana or your state Medicaid office to ask whether you can enroll now.