Humana is a private insurance company that offers Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans

Humana is one of the largest private insurers selling Medicare plans to people 65 and older. The company does not run Medicare itself — Medicare is a federal program — but Humana contracts with Medicare to sell plans that cover hospital, doctor, and prescription drug costs under the Medicare name. You pay Humana a monthly premium, and Humana pays your medical bills according to the plan you choose.

Humana operates in most U.S. states and offers two main types of plans: Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) and Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap). The type you choose changes what you pay, which doctors you can see, and how much coverage you get. Humana also sells standalone prescription drug plans (Part D) for people who have Original Medicare instead.

This guide explains what Humana plans are, what they cover, and how to find out whether a Humana plan is available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Humana Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital, doctor, and drug coverage in one plan, usually with lower monthly premiums than Medigap but higher costs when you use care.
  • Humana Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare and cover costs that Medicare does not pay, such as copays and coinsurance, but do not include prescription drug coverage.
  • Humana plans vary by location — the plans available in your county depend on Humana's contracts with Medicare and your state's insurance rules.
  • You can only join or switch Humana Medicare plans during specific enrollment periods, usually October 15 through December 7 each year.
  • Humana plans often include benefits beyond basic medical coverage, such as dental, vision, or fitness programs, but these vary by plan and location.

How Humana Medicare Advantage plans work

A Humana Medicare Advantage plan is a single insurance policy that covers hospital care (Part A), doctor visits (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D) all in one. You pay Humana a monthly premium — often $0 to $50, though this varies — and Humana pays your medical bills. You must use doctors and hospitals in Humana's network, except in emergencies or urgent situations.

When you use care, you typically pay a copay (a fixed amount like $20 for a doctor visit) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). Humana Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum — a cap on how much you pay in a year. Once you reach that limit, Humana covers the rest of your care for the rest of the year. Out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan but typically range from $5,000 to $7,000.

Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing coverage, and many include a fitness benefit or allowance for over-the-counter items. These extras are not part of Original Medicare, which is why some people choose Advantage plans even if the monthly premium is higher elsewhere.

How Humana Medicare Supplement plans work

A Humana Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) is a separate insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare. You keep your Original Medicare coverage and pay Humana an additional monthly premium for the Supplement plan. Humana then pays some or all of the costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government, so a Humana Plan G covers the same things as a Plan G from any other insurer. The difference is the monthly premium Humana charges. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, and there is no network restriction.

Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need drug coverage, you must also join a standalone Humana Part D plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead.

Humana prescription drug plans (Part D)

If you have Original Medicare and do not want a Medicare Advantage plan, you can join a Humana standalone prescription drug plan (Part D). This plan covers the cost of medications at pharmacies and through mail order. You pay a monthly premium to Humana, and Humana pays a portion of your drug costs depending on the plan.

Humana Part D plans cover drugs in different tiers — generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs. The plan pays more for some drugs and less for others based on Humana's formulary, which is a list of covered medications. You can view Humana's formulary online before you join to check whether your medications are covered and at what cost.

What Humana plans cost

Humana Medicare Advantage premiums vary widely depending on the plan, your location, and the benefits included. Some plans have a $0 monthly premium, while others cost $50 to $100 or more per month. You will also pay copays or coinsurance when you use care, and you have an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Humana Medicare Supplement premiums are typically higher than Advantage premiums — often $100 to $300 per month — but you have lower or no copays when you use care. The exact cost depends on which plan you choose (Plan A, Plan G, Plan N, and so on) and your age and location.

Humana Part D premiums range from about $5 to $100 per month depending on the plan and the drugs you take. You also pay copays at the pharmacy, and the amount changes depending on which tier your drug is on.

Where Humana Medicare plans are available

Humana operates in most states, but the specific plans available in your area depend on where you live. Humana's Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans are sold at the county level, so availability can differ between neighboring counties. You can check which Humana plans are available in your zip code on Humana's website or by calling 1-800-833-2590.

Humana's service areas change each year. A plan that was available in your county last year may not be available this year, or new plans may be added. It is worth checking each year during the open enrollment period to see what is new.

When you can join or switch Humana plans

You can join a Humana Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Coverage begins on January 1 of the following year. If you miss this window, you can only join outside of open enrollment if you have a may have access to life event, such as losing other coverage, moving to a new county, or turning 65.

If you are already in a Humana plan and want to switch to a different Humana plan or leave Humana for another insurer, you can do so during the Annual Enrollment Period. You can also switch plans if you move to a county where your current plan is no longer available.

How to find and compare Humana plans

You can search for Humana plans on Medicare.gov, which is the official Medicare website. Enter your zip code, and Medicare.gov will show you all available plans in your area, including Humana plans, with their premiums, copays, and covered benefits side by side. You can also call Humana directly at 1-800-833-2590 or visit Humana's website to see plans and get more information.

When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium, the copays for the services you use most often (such as doctor visits or prescription drugs), the annual out-of-pocket maximum, and which doctors and hospitals are in the network. If you take prescription drugs, check whether your medications are covered and at what cost. Many people find it helpful to compare three to five plans before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a Humana Medicare Advantage plan to a Humana Medicare Supplement plan?

Yes, you can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7). However, if you are switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap after your initial enrollment period, Humana may require medical underwriting, which means they can deny you or charge you more based on your health. Some states limit this practice, so check your state's rules.

Do Humana Medicare plans cover my current doctor?

It depends on the plan. Humana Medicare Advantage plans have networks, so your doctor must be in the network for you to pay the lower copay. Humana Medicare Supplement plans work with any doctor who accepts Medicare. You can search Humana's provider directory on their website or call 1-800-833-2590 to confirm your doctor is in the network before you join.

What happens to my Humana plan if I move to a different state?

Your Humana plan may not be available in your new state or county. When you move, you have a special enrollment period to switch to a different plan. Contact Humana or Medicare.gov as soon as you know your new address so you can find out what plans are available and make a change before your current plan ends.

Does Humana Medicare cover dental and vision?

Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision benefits, but coverage varies by plan and location. Some plans cover routine cleanings and exams, while others cover more extensive work. Medicare Supplement plans do not include dental or vision coverage. Check your specific plan's benefits to see what is covered.

Can I use Humana Medicare outside the United States?

Humana Medicare Advantage plans generally do not cover care outside the U.S., except in limited cases such as emergency care in Canada or Mexico near the border. Humana Medicare Supplement plans may offer limited coverage abroad. Check your plan documents or call Humana to understand what coverage you have if you travel internationally.