How to Enroll in Humana Medicare Advantage Plan?

Last Updated on November 18, 2023 by SPN Editor

Humana, a leading insurance provider, commands a significant presence in the Medicare Advantage Plans, covering an extensive 89% of U.S. counties. Established in 1961, the company’s mission transcends conventional healthcare, striving to enhance the human dimension of wellness. Through philanthropy and public policy engagement, Humana endeavors to make a positive impact on individuals and communities alike. The Humana Medicare Advantage plans have several standout features. These encompass the introduction of $0 premium HMO and LPPO plans, marking a significant stride toward enhanced accessibility. Additionally, comprehensive dental coverage remains a top priority for Humana’s members. The rollout of the Healthy Options Allowance empowers beneficiaries with an expanded array of healthcare choices, emphasizing personalized care.

Looking ahead to 2024, Humana is set to expand its co-branded MA plans with USAA, with the impending launch of the Humana USAA Honor plan, tailored to complement VA veteran benefits.

Humana’s expansion strategy includes broadening Medicare HMO offerings into 260 new counties and introducing Medicare LPPO plans in an additional 260 counties. Moreover, the company’s commitment to comprehensive coverage reflects in the enhanced drug plan, offering improved benefits and coverage.

Notably, Humana’s dedication to member satisfaction earned it the top rank among health insurers for customer experience quality in Forrester’s 2022 U.S. Customer Experience Benchmark survey. This underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to meeting the diverse needs of millions of Medicare-eligible individuals.

Humana Medicare and Medicaid Advantage Plans

Humana extends its services to encompass both Medicare and Medicaid plans, addressing a wide spectrum of healthcare needs.

Medicare, a federal insurance initiative, assists individuals aged 65 and above, those under 65 with specific disabilities, and patients with conditions like end-stage kidney disease. This program helps offset medical expenses accrued by contributors to a designated fund.

Conversely, Medicaid, a joint federal and state assistance program, aids eligible individuals with limited income and resources in managing medical expenses.

Humana’s suite of offerings includes Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), integrating Part A and Part B coverage with additional benefits such as vision and dental care. Additionally, the company provides Medicaid plans, either bridging gaps in Medicare coverage or supplementing partial coverage.

For some individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, termed “dual eligible” beneficiaries, the alignment of Medicaid and Medicare plans ensures comprehensive coverage tailored to their healthcare needs.

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

In 2023, Humana expanded its Medicare Advantage plans, emphasizing value and tailored support for its members’ needs and preferences.

Understanding Humana Medicare Advantage Plans: Humana collaborates with CMS to offer Medicare Part C, combining Medicare Part A and Part B benefits with additional offerings like hearing and dental care. Plans cater to specific member preferences.

Exploring Humana’s Plan Types: Humana offers various insurance structures and payment models within Medicare Advantage, such as:

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Private Fee for Service plans (PFFSs)
These plans vary in flexibility, care coordination, and provider choices, ensuring diverse options for individuals.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs):
PPOs under Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer maximum flexibility in healthcare coverage. These plans allow beneficiaries to visit any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare. While there’s the freedom to choose out-of-network providers, significant cost savings are often realized by visiting in-network healthcare professionals and facilities. PPOs typically involve higher monthly premiums in exchange for this flexibility.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
HMO plans focus on coordinated care through a primary care physician (PCP) within Humana’s network of providers. The PCP manages the individual’s healthcare needs, including referrals to specialists when necessary. HMOs generally offer lower plan costs compared to other options. Within Humana, HMO plans may include variations like Gold Plus HMO, Gold Plus HMO-POS, and Gold Plus HMO SNP.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
SNPs cater specifically to individuals with unique health or financial needs that require specialized care coordination. These plans are designed to assist individuals with chronic conditions or those who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Humana offers two types of SNP plans: chronic condition special needs plans and dual-eligible special needs plans. The number of SNPs nationwide has increased significantly since 2018, emphasizing their importance in addressing specialized healthcare needs.

Private Fee for Service plans (PFFSs)
PFFS plans within Humana’s offerings are characterized by their flexibility in choosing any Medicare-approved provider that accepts the terms of the plan. These plans often include global emergency coverage and may also offer prescription drug coverage. PFFSs are known for their adaptability and the freedom they provide to beneficiaries in selecting their healthcare providers.

Each of these plans within Humana’s Medicare Advantage portfolio caters to different preferences, offering varying levels of flexibility, coordination, and specialized care to suit individual healthcare needs.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans

Additionally, Humana provides Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans, and separate dental and vision coverage, broadening its comprehensive offerings.

Humana offers Medicare Supplement plans, commonly known as Medigap, to individuals who have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medigap plans are designed to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover. These plans are standardized and labeled by letters (like Plan A, Plan B, etc.), each providing different levels of coverage.

Humana’s Medigap plans aim to offer additional financial assistance by filling the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. These plans provide beneficiaries with more predictable healthcare costs by covering expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, allowing for more comprehensive healthcare coverage without unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost of 2023 Humana Medicare Advantage Plan

Here is the comprehensive view of the plan’s affordability and coverage.

Analyzing Cost Factors: Scrutinizing Humana’s website facilitates a detailed comparison of crucial cost components. Beyond monthly premiums, it’s imperative to delve into deductibles, copays, coinsurance rates, and the ceiling on out-of-pocket expenses. Individuals opting for plans inclusive of prescription coverage should factor in medication expenses for a comprehensive assessment.

Average Pricing Insights: Humana Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans display an average monthly premium of $59.43, encompassing both Part C and Part D (excluding $0 premiums). In contrast, the average premium across all MA enrollees in 2023 stands at $18 per month. Notably, while Humana offers several $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans nationwide, beneficiaries might still incur a fraction of their Part B premium.

Part B Premium Specifics: In 2023, the standard monthly Part B premium for all Medicare plans, regardless of the carrier, amounts to $164.90. This rate applies to individuals earning less than $97,000 annually. However, beneficiaries exceeding this income threshold encounter higher premium rates.

Navigating Copays, Coinsurance, and Deductibles: A Humana Medicare Advantage plan inclusive of drug coverage typically commands an average monthly premium of around $321. The standard drug plan deductible across all Humana Medicare Advantage Plans featuring prescription drug coverage stands at approximately $182. Additionally, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses within Medicare Advantage plans exhibit substantial variations based on location and selected plan.

Benefits of Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer unique benefits that enhance the healthcare experience:

Part B Savings: Potentially covering a portion of your Part B Medicare Premium, offering a direct rebate.
Humana Well Dine Food Program: Providing highly nutritious, ready-to-eat meals designed by dieticians, catering to various dietary needs.
SilverSneakers Fitness Program: Granting complimentary memberships to gyms and virtual fitness classes.
Transportation Services: Offering free roundtrip transportation to medical appointments.
Medication Therapy Management: Providing a one-on-one review of prescribed medications by healthcare professionals.
These benefits aim to ensure holistic wellness and convenience for beneficiaries.

How to Enroll in Humana Medicare Advantage Plan

Enrolling in Humana Medicare Advantage Plan involves several essential steps to meet eligibility and navigate the process smoothly.

Eligibility: To enroll, individuals must be registered for both Medicare Part A and Part B, reside within the plan’s service area, and apply during the open enrollment period.

Enrollment Process: Completing separate enrollment forms for each applicant, with careful attention to detail, signing, and submitting within the specified timeframe, is crucial to avoid denial.

Submission Options: Forms can be faxed or mailed to designated Humana addresses, while online enrollment at Humana.com/Medicare offers a swift alternative.

Assistance: For guidance, contact licensed Humana sales agents, available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Considerations: Before enrollment, compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area, assessing premiums, deductibles, copays, and additional benefits. Consulting a licensed insurance agent aids in understanding network providers.

Enrolling in Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plan demands thorough consideration and an understanding of individual healthcare needs, ensuring an informed decision aligned with specific requirements.

FAQs on Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Q1. What sets Humana Medicare Advantage Plans apart?

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans distinguish themselves through comprehensive coverage, including additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care. The plans emphasize flexibility and cater to various healthcare needs.

Q2. How does Humana’s enrollment process for Medicare Advantage Plans work?

Enrollment in Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans requires eligibility in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Individuals should reside in the plan’s service area and apply during specified enrollment periods. Completing and submitting separate enrollment forms for each applicant is essential within the specified timeframe.

Q3. What types of Medicare Advantage Plans does Humana offer?

Humana provides a range of Medicare Advantage plans, including Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Private Fee for Service plans (PFFSs). Each plan offers distinct features, catering to different preferences and healthcare needs.

Q4. What additional benefits do Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans offer?

Humana’s Medicare Advantage Plans offer unique benefits such as potential Part B premium savings, specialized food programs, fitness initiatives, transportation services, and medication therapy management. These benefits are designed to enhance overall wellness and convenience for beneficiaries.

Q5. How does Humana support individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?

For those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible beneficiaries), Humana aligns Medicaid and Medicare plans to ensure comprehensive coverage that meets their healthcare needs effectively. This coordinated approach caters to the specific requirements of dual-eligible individuals.