Humana Medicare Advantage Review (2026): Cost, Pros & Cons

Humana offers four Medicare Advantage plan types to match different healthcare needs and budgets. Each plan type determines how you access care and which providers you can see, though availability varies by state.

• HMO: HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor who coordinates your care and refers you to specialists. You’ll need to use in-network providers except for emergency care. These plans cost less than other options but have less flexibility when choosing doctors.
• HMO-POS: HMO-POS plans work just like regular HMOs when you use in-network care, but you can see out-of-network providers without a referral. You'll pay more for out-of-network care, though coverage is available when you need it.
• PPO: PPO plans let you see any Medicare-approved provider without referrals. You'll pay less when using in-network doctors, but out-of-network care is covered at higher costs. This flexibility makes PPOs popular with people who want more control over their healthcare choices.
• PFFS: PFFS plans allow you to visit any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the plan's payment terms. You don't need referrals, and there's no provider network to navigate. Not all doctors accept PFFS plans, so you'll need to confirm acceptance before each appointment.

Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in 46 states and Washington, D.C., with plans varying widely by location. The company provides the most extensive coverage in Texas and Florida, where seniors can choose from dozens of plan options across multiple plan types.

Humana's Medicare Advantage plans earn an average CMS Star Rating of 3.66 out of 5, falling slightly below the national average of 3.81. CMS star ratings measure plan quality based on customer service, care coordination, member satisfaction and health outcomes.

Humana's performance is mixed across plan types. PPO plans outperform the national average, earning a 3.86 rating compared to 3.63 nationwide. PFFS plans also exceed national benchmarks, scoring 3.50 versus 3.25. These stronger ratings show Humana performs best in plans offering more provider flexibility. In contrast, Humana’s HMO and HMO-POS plans fall below national averages, particularly HMO-POS plans, which show the largest gap.

Humana offers affordable Medicare Advantage options, with 65% of all plans featuring $0 monthly premiums. The average monthly cost across all plan types is $25, making Humana accessible for seniors on fixed incomes.

Humana’s HMO Medicare Advantage plans are the cheapest option, with 83% offering $0 premiums and an average monthly cost of $3, which is $23 below the national average. These plans also feature the lowest out-of-pocket maximum at $4,856. HMO-POS plans closely follow with 89% at $0 premium and $2 average monthly cost.

PPO plans cost more but offer greater provider flexibility, with an average cost of $14 per month. However, PPO plans carry the highest out-of-pocket maximum at $7,200, which is $934 above the national average. PFFS plans average $27 monthly with a $6,578 out-of-pocket maximum.

Humana Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage beyond Original Medicare, including supplemental benefits that address routine healthcare needs and wellness. Most plans include prescription drug coverage alongside dental, vision and hearing benefits not covered by traditional Medicare.

• Dental Coverage: Nearly all Humana plans include dental benefits, with comprehensive coverage available in most counties. Coverage includes preventive care like cleanings and X-rays, plus restorative services such as fillings, crowns and deep cleanings.
• Vision and Hearing Benefits: All 2026 Humana plans include routine vision coverage for eye exams and eyewear. Hearing benefits cover exams and hearing aids, helping you maintain hearing and vision health without extra costs.
• Prescription Drug Coverage: Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many plans offer $0 copays for Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications at preferred pharmacies.
• Primary Care and Preventive Services: Many plans feature unlimited primary care visits with $0 copays at in-network providers. Plans also include $0 copays for preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, bone density exams and routine vaccines.
• Special Needs Plans: Humana's Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) include additional care coordination support, music therapy sessions designed by certified therapists and transportation benefits for members with chronic conditions.

Humana offers hundreds of Medicare Advantage plans across the country, with options varying by state and county. Use the table below to explore plan availability in your area and compare offerings across different plan types.

MoneyGeek evaluated Medicare Advantage plans nationwide using a scoring system that weighs quality, affordability and availability. We analyzed data on all Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify the best plans across different plan types.

Scoring System

Our methodology evaluates three main factors to help you identify plans that deliver the best value for your healthcare needs:

• Affordability (50%): Cost makes up half of our overall score, because it directly impacts your budget. We evaluated monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage combined (30% weight) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (20% weight). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP amounts score higher, since they reduce your total annual healthcare spending.
• Star Ratings (40%): CMS ratings measure plan quality across categories like care effectiveness, customer service and member satisfaction. The Overall Star Rating combines both Part C (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription drug) ratings on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Higher-rated plans earn better scores in our analysis.
• Availability (10%): We factor in how many states each provider operates in. Providers with broader geographic availability score higher because they're more likely to maintain coverage if you move and have more resources for customer support and plan improvements.

This scoring system helps you compare plans objectively while accounting for the factors that matter most, including what you'll pay and the quality of care you'll receive.