The bottom line: Humana Medicare Advantage plans are widely available, have relatively low premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and often include Part B Giveback benefits that cover some or all of your Medicare Part B premium. Humana doesn’t score well on third-party customer satisfaction surveys, however, and its quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are below average. Jump to: Full Review
Humana Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost: Many Humana plans have low or $0 premiums, and their out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs are on the lower side.
- Giveback benefits: Many Humana plans offer a Part B Giveback benefit, which means the plan covers some portion of your Medicare Part B premium.
- Widely available: With plans available in 85% of U.S. counties, Humana is an option for most Americans.
Cons
- Unhappy members: Humana gets below-average scores for customer satisfaction in nine out of 10 Medicare markets in JD Power’s latest study.
- CMS ratings: Humana’s quality ratings from CMS are below average, and only about 37% of its members are in plans rated at least 4 stars out of 5.
Compare against other providers
🔍 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Advantage plans
Compare against other providers
🔍 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Advantage plans
Our full review
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NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
NerdWallet star rating for Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage plans earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account premiums, out-of-pocket costs, government quality ratings, customer complaints, disenrollment survey data, third party quality accreditation and more.
Based on these ratings, Humana is among NerdWallet’s best Medicare Advantage companies for 2026.
NerdWallet star ratings are different from CMS ratings for Medicare plans.
Our data-driven, consumer-first scoring rubric for Medicare Advantage plans includes crucial metrics like cost and a wider range of data sources for quality and customer satisfaction in addition to the information incorporated into CMS ratings.
CMS quality ratings for Humana Medicare Advantage
Average CMS star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.79
Humana Medicare Advantage plans are rated below the industry average, receiving an average rating of 3.79 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2026, weighted by enrollment. For comparison, the average weighted star rating for plans from all providers is 4.02.
About 37% of Humana Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4 stars or better for the 2026 plan year.
CMS maintains its own database of star ratings, which rank each plan from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.
All Medicare Advantage plans are evaluated on health plan measures, and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage are also evaluated on drug plan measures.
You can find a plan’s rating with Medicare's plan finding tool.
How much does Humana Medicare Advantage cost?
Premiums
About 66% of Humana Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium.
Humana plans with a monthly premium cost about $26.88 per month on average, weighted by enrollment.
With any Medicare Advantage plan, you'll also be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $202.90 per month in 2026.
Most people pay this standard Part B amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you'll pay the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Some Medicare Advantage plans cover part or all of your Part B premium.
Prescription drugs
About 90% of Humana Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
Here's what you might pay for prescription drugs at some common price points.
Tier 1 (Preferred generics) 99.2% of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays/coinsurance.
$3.38: Average out-of-pocket cost for a drug with a $15 retail price, among Humana plans with copays or coinsurance at Tier 1 (after deductible, if any).
Tier 2 (Most generics) 38.2% of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays/coinsurance.
$5.68: Average out-of-pocket cost for a drug with a $50 retail price, among Humana plans with copays or coinsurance at Tier 2 (after deductible, if any).
Tier 3 (Preferred brands) 1.2% of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays/coinsurance.
$44.34: Average out-of-pocket cost for a drug with a $200 retail price, among Humana plans with copays or coinsurance at Tier 3 (after deductible, if any).
Other out-of-pocket costs
Humana Medicare Advantage plans have an average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) spending cap of $5,951, weighted by enrollment. That’s pretty close to average among the companies NerdWallet reviews.
Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other costs to consider include:
Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.
The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.
Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.
The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.
Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out-of-network for care.
Whether you require extra benefits, and whether the plan charges for them.
To get a sense of costs, Medicare.gov and most other Medicare shopping tools can help you compare plans' premiums and out-of-pocket costs for certain services and prescription drugs in your location.
Why do people leave Humana Medicare Advantage plans?
CMS surveys people who voluntarily leave their Medicare plans about their reasons for leaving. Here’s the breakdown of issues people identified with their former Humana Medicare plans.
Problems getting covered care: 11% (All-company average: 11%).
Problems with doctor/hospital networks: 19% (All-company average: 17%).
Financial issues: 14% (All-company average: 17%).
Problems with prescription drug benefits: 4% (All-company average: 3%).
Problems getting information from the plan: 8% (All-company average: 9%).
(Members can give more than one reason for leaving on the survey and might leave plans for other reasons, so the categories won’t add up to 100%.)
Humana Medicare Advantage plan types
Humana offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage. And Humana and USAA have partnered to offer the Humana USAA Honor Giveback plan — part of the Humana Honor portfolio designed for veterans — that offers a Part B Giveback.
Other plan offerings include the following types:
A Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.
HMO point-of-service plans are HMO plans that allow members to get some out-of-network services, but you’ll pay more for those services.
Medicare preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.
Humana’s private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans allow you to see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts your Humana plan. You won’t have to pick a primary doctor, and you won’t need a referral to see a specialist.
Special needs plans (SNPs) restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics. Hence, the benefits, network and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Humana offers three types of SNPs:
Chronic Condition SNP: For people with one or more conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure or chronic lung disorders.
Dual-Eligible SNP: For people who are entitled to Medicare and who also qualify for assistance from a state Medicaid program.
Institutional plans: For people who live in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities and need an institutional level of care.
Third-party ratings of Humana
AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent) for most
AM Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry. In December 2025, AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for Humana Health Group.
AM Best also affirmed the FSR of B+ (Good) for Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico Inc. and Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico Inc., which are Humana subsidiaries.
An A rating in this category indicates that AM Best believes Humana has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. (The two subsidiaries with a B+ rating are deemed to have a “good” ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.)
JD Power Ranking
JD Power releases an annual study measuring member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans. It uses eight factors, such as level of trust, ability to get health services, ease of doing business and resolving problems or complaints.
Here’s how Humana ranked among major providers in the 10 Medicare markets surveyed:
California: 7th out of 8.
Florida: 2nd out of 6.
Georgia: 4th out of 5.
Illinois: 3rd out of 5.
Michigan: 5th out of 5.
New York: 3rd out of 6.
North Carolina: 4th out of 4.
Ohio: 4th out of 4.
Pennsylvania: 6th out of 7.
Texas: 5th out of 6.
NCQA accreditation: 59% of plans
About 59% of Humana Medicare Advantage plans are NCQA accredited as of the most recent annual update in September 2025.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) evaluates health insurance plans based on clinical measures and customer experience survey results. To earn NCQA accreditation, plans need to meet standards related to quality, population health management, provider networks, member experience and more.
Humana Medicare Advantage service area
Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Humana Medicare Advantage plans are available in 85% of U.S. counties, according to the company.
Humana is the second-largest Medicare Advantage insurance company. About 7.1 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Humana Medicare Advantage plans.
About Humana
Humana is a health insurance company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Its insurance offerings include Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicaid coverage and dental and vision plans.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other Humana Medicare offerings:
Humana customer service
Humana members can contact their plan’s customer service in the following ways:
Call 800-457-4708 (TTY: 711), which is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Use online chat, after you've logged into your account.
Compare Medicare Advantage companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:
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?
Is your doctor in-network? If you have preferred medical providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
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?
Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
- Low premiums and prescription drug costs.
- Many plans include Part B Giveback benefits.
- Available in 85% of U.S. counties.
- Customer satisfaction scores are low in most major markets surveyed.
- Government quality ratings could be better.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Humana Gold Plus is an HMO Medicare Advantage plan offered in most states that Humana operates in. Because it’s a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, you’ll need to choose a primary care physician within the Humana network who can provide referrals to see specialists.
Original Medicare is federal government-provided health insurance for people 65 and older and those under 65 with certain conditions or disabilities. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Original Medicare, provided by private insurance companies like Humana, that provides the same coverage as Original Medicare, and usually prescription drug coverage.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. 2026 Star Ratings Data Tables. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 2.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. CY2026 Landscape 202603. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 3.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 4.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. Beneficiary Cost File. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 5.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. 2026 Star Ratings Data Table - Disenrollment Reasons (Oct 8 2025). Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 6.AM Best. AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Humana Inc. and Its Subsidiaries. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 7.JD Power. Medicare Advantage Plan Member Satisfaction Facing Headwinds; Digital Innovation an Emerging New Solution, JD Power Finds. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 8.NCQA. Health Plans. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 9.Humana. Humana’s 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans Prioritize Simplicity, Stability and Quality Care for Beneficiaries. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 10.American Medical Association. Competition in Health Insurance. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
- 11.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. Monthly Enrollment by Plan. Accessed Apr 17, 2026.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage ratings are based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, quality data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, consumer experience and more. We calculate each health insurance company’s rating on a curved 5-point scale.
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzed companies covering about 87% of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States. We reviewed 25 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurance companies having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.)
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies. In many places, one company serves more than half of the market. At the national level, NerdWallet’s reviews include each of the 10 largest brands by enrollment.
At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in every state where Medicare Advantage plans are sold, and includes the top two insurers in 40 of those 49 states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
Insurance company | CMS star rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.11 | 4.11/5 | 48 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.74 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.79 | 3.79/5 | 46 states and Washington, D.C. | Low (49% or less) | 3.82 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on http://askchapter.org on NerdWallet | 4.20 | 4.20/5 | 43 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.89 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on http://askchapter.org on NerdWallet |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.76 | 3.76/5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.96 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |