Humana vs. UnitedHealthcare: Medicare Advantage Comparison

Humana offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and the company estimates that 15% more members will be in a $0-premium plan in 2024 than the previous year.

UnitedHealthcare offers the largest Medicare Advantage network of all companies, with more than 1 million network care providers.

Here’s a look at how Humana and UnitedHealthcare compare.

Humana Medicare Advantage

Humana

4.35

CMS Star Rating

Humana plans are widely available, highly rated by CMS and score well for member satisfaction. Humana also offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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from MedicareEnrollment.com

States available

49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico

Members in high-rated plans

High (90% or more)

Member experience

4.04 (Above average)

States available

49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico

Members in high-rated plans

High (90% or more)

Member experience

4.04 (Above average)

Pros

Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
Strong member experience scores among major providers.

Cons

Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	2nd-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	More than 5.9 million.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	63%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	63%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP.

» MORE: Read our full review of Humana Medicare Advantage plans

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

UnitedHealthcare

4.17

CMS Star Rating

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.

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from UnitedHealthcare

States available

49 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.55 (Average)

States available

49 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.55 (Average)

Pros

Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

Cons

Member experience scores are average.
Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	Largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	More than 9.4 million.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	53%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	69%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP.

» MORE: Read our full review of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans

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 a preferred medical provider or 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?