Humana vs. United Healthcare: Medicare Plans
If you’re narrowing down your Medicare choices, there’s a good chance Humana and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) are at the top of your list.
They’re two of the biggest names in the Medicare space – both nationally recognized, both offering a wide range of plans, and both competing hard for your business.
At first glance, they might look nearly identical.
Both offer Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans packed with extras.
Both provide competitive Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options.
And both are backed by decades of experience serving millions of seniors.
But once you zoom in, the differences start to matter, especially when it comes to:
- The doctors and hospitals in your local network
- How your prescriptions are covered
- Whether you qualify for discounts or extra perks
In this comparison, we’ll break down how each company approaches Medicare coverage, where they shine, and what to watch out for.
Whether you’re leaning toward a zero-premium Advantage plan or a more predictable Medigap policy, we’ll help you decide which one better fits your needs.
Let’s start with reviewing each company in a little more detail.
Humana Overview
Humana is one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers in the country, offering plans in nearly every state.
They’ve built a strong reputation for bundling extra benefits into their plans – things like dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and gym memberships. In many areas, they’re the go-to option for zero-premium MAPD plans.
They also offer Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, though their Medigap footprint is more limited than that of United Healthcare.
Pros of Humana
- Strong Medicare Advantage presence across the U.S.
- Many Advantage plans include rich extras like dental, vision, and fitness
- Known for excellent customer service and phone support
- Competitive pricing in certain metro and suburban areas
Cons of Humana
- Smaller Medigap footprint and fewer household discounts
- Provider networks can be narrower in rural areas
- Some complaints about prior authorization and prescription denials
Our Opinion:
Humana is a strong choice for Medicare Advantage, offering broad national coverage and valuable extras like dental, vision, and fitness benefits, often at zero premium.
While their Medigap plans are more limited, Humana’s solid customer service and competitive pricing make them a top pick for those seeking value and comprehensive care.
United Healthcare Overview
United Healthcare is the single largest Medicare insurer in the country. They offer Medicare Supplement plans in all 50 states and Medicare Advantage plans nationwide.
UHC’s name recognition, size, and network stability make it stand out.
For many people, UHC feels like the “safe” choice – especially for those who want predictable premiums, widespread availability, and a massive provider network.
Pros of United Healthcare
- A highly trusted brand for seniors
- Broadest Medigap availability nationwide
- Large provider networks and strong MAPD plan stability
- Generous fitness and wellness benefits in many Advantage plans
Cons of United Healthcare
- Premiums may run slightly higher in some states
- Less flexibility on Medigap household discount rules
- Some Medicare Advantage plans come with high copays for specialists
Our Opinion:
United Healthcare is the nation’s largest Medicare insurer and a trusted, widely available option.
With strong name recognition, nationwide Medigap access, and stable Advantage plans, UHC is a safe bet, especially for those prioritizing broad networks and predictable coverage.
What's the Difference?
At a glance? Not much, at least when it comes to the basic structure of their Medicare Advantage plans.
Both companies follow the same CMS regulations, offer similar MAPD benefits, and compete in most of the same regions.
But when you dig into local differences, the better choice becomes clearer:
- In one county, Humana may have stronger provider participation.
- In another, UHC might have lower drug costs and more pharmacy options.
This is why comparing plan benefits by ZIP code is important, especially for MAPD.
When it comes to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, the difference mostly comes down to pricing and perks:
- United Healthcare may offer more consistent availability.
- Humana may be more competitive in certain states – or offer better fitness perks.
If you’re choosing between these two, the right answer isn’t about which company is “better.”
It’s about which one:
- Works best with your doctors
- Covers your medications affordably
- Offers the strongest value where you live
Next, let’s see how the two companies stack up when it comes to their Medigap offerings.
Humana vs. UnitedHealthcare: Medicare Supplement Offerings
Humana and United Healthcare each offer all 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans (Plans A through N, including High-Deductible versions of Plan F and Plan G).
The federal government standardizes these plans, meaning the benefits are identical across insurers, but premiums, customer service, and added perks can vary between companies.
For example, whether you buy Plan G from Humana or United Healthcare, your core coverage will be the same. However, differences may show up in pricing, rate increase history, and value-added extras like wellness discounts or fitness programs.
While all plans are technically available, most Medicare beneficiaries tend to gravitate toward just a few. Below, we explore the three most popular Medigap plans offered by both Humana and United Healthcare, along with their cost-sharing details and how they compare to having Original Medicare alone.
#1. Medigap Plan G – Most Popular
Plan G is the go-to choice for people who want comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs. It covers everything Medicare Part A and B don’t, except for the small Part B deductible ($257 in 2025).
Out-of-Pocket Comparison: Plan G vs. Original Medicare
| Medical Service | Original Medicare Cost | WITHOUT Medigap | WITH Plan G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Deductible | All but $1,676 | $1,676 | $0 |
| Hospital Coinsurance (Days 61–90) | Most costs | $408/day | $0 |
| Part B Coinsurance (Doctor/Outpatient) | 80% | 20% | $0 after $257 deductible |
| Part B Excess Charges | Not Covered | 15% above Medicare-approved amount | $0 |
| Emergency Room Visit | 80% | 20% of cost | $0 after deductible |
| Skilled Nursing (Days 21–100) | Most costs | $204/day | $0 |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | Not Covered | Full cost | $0 |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Not Covered | Full cost | 80% (after $257 deductible) |
#2. Medigap Plan N – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Plan N is the second most popular Medigap option. It offers lower monthly premiums than Plan G, which makes it attractive for more cost-conscious enrollees.
In exchange, Plan N requires a bit more cost-sharing: up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. Additionally, it does not cover Part B excess charges, meaning some specialists may charge more than Medicare’s standard rate.
Another appealing feature of Plan N is its historically lower rate of annual premium increases, helping beneficiaries maintain affordability over time.
Out-of-Pocket Comparison: Plan N vs. Original Medicare
| Medical Service | Original Medicare Cost | WITHOUT Medigap | WITH Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Deductible | All but $1,676 | $1,676 | $0 |
| Hospital Coinsurance (Days 61–90) | Most costs | $408/day | $0 |
| Part B Coinsurance (Doctor/Outpatient) | 80% | 20% | $20 copay for office visits, $50 copay for ER visits |
| Part B Excess Charges | Not Covered | 15% above Medicare-approved amount | Not Covered |
| Emergency Room Visit | 80% | 20% of cost | $50 copay, then covered |
| Skilled Nursing (Days 21–100) | Most costs | $204/day | $0 |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | Not Covered | Full cost | $0 |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Not Covered | Full cost | 80% (after $257 deductible) |
#3. High Deductible Plan G – Catastrophic Coverage Option
The third most popular Medigap option is High Deductible Plan G (HDG). It’s an excellent fit for those with financial flexibility who want to minimize monthly premiums but still protect themselves from major healthcare expenses.
With HDG, you pay all Medicare-covered costs out of pocket until you meet the annual deductible of $2,870 (2025), after which the plan pays 100% of approved expenses.
This plan is ideal for individuals who don’t use frequent medical care but want strong catastrophic protection.
Out-of-Pocket Comparison: High Deductible Plan G vs. Original Medicare
| Medical Service | Original Medicare Cost | WITHOUT Medigap | WITH Plan HDG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Deductible | All but $1,676 | $1,676 | Covered after deductible is met |
| Hospital Coinsurance (Days 61–90) | Most costs | $408/day | Covered after deductible is met |
| Part B Coinsurance (Doctor/Outpatient) | 80% | 20% | Covered after deductible is met |
| Part B Excess Charges | Not Covered | 15% above Medicare-approved amount | Covered after deductible is met |
| Emergency Room Visit | 80% | 20% of cost | Covered after deductible is met |
| Skilled Nursing (Days 21–100) | Most costs | $204/day | Covered after deductible is met |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | Not Covered | Full cost | Covered after deductible is met |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Not Covered | Full cost | Covered after deductible is met |
Bottom Line
Whether comparing Humana vs. United Healthcare or simply evaluating which Medigap plan fits your lifestyle and budget, understanding the differences in coverage and cost-sharing is crucial.
- Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage and is ideal for those who want almost all out-of-pocket expenses covered.
- Plan N is a solid middle-ground option with lower premiums and manageable copays.
- High Deductible Plan G is the most cost-effective monthly plan and works best for those who want catastrophic protection without paying high premiums.
Both Humana and UHC offer these plans with similar medical benefits since all Medigap plans are standardized by law. However, the price, discount structure, service experience, and extra perks differ, and that’s where the real decision-making comes into play.
- United Healthcare tends to include wellness programs, gym memberships (Renew Active), and solid customer service tailored for seniors.
- Humana may include household discounts in select states and also offers SilverSneakers (for Medicare Advantage plans), a popular fitness benefit for older adults.
If your priority is getting the most value for your dollar, not just in benefits but in ease of use and access, you’ll want to compare these extras carefully.
For couples or roommates, household discounts can also reduce costs significantly over time.
Medigap Plan Costs
Since benefits are identical between companies, cost becomes a major deciding factor. Pricing varies by age, gender, ZIP code, tobacco status, and the company’s pricing model (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated).
Here’s a general breakdown based on sample Medigap premiums:
| Age | Gender | Location | Humana Plan G | UHC Plan G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | Female | TX | $120/month | $128/month |
| 70 | Male | FL | $182/month | $190/month |
| 75 | Female | OH | $145/month | $158/month |
Medigap Plan G Cost Comparison
Based on sample quotes:
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At age 65 in Texas, Humana’s rate is about 6% lower than United Healthcare’s.
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At age 70 in Florida, Humana is roughly 4% less expensive than UHC.
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At age 75 in Ohio, Humana’s premium is approximately 8% lower than UHC’s.
Conclusion: On average, Humana’s Plan G rates are 6–8% lower than United Healthcare’s in these sample scenarios. However, prices fluctuate widely by ZIP code and personal factors, so it’s essential to compare personalized quotes before enrolling.
Note: These are illustrative and will vary. Always get a personalized quote to confirm your rate.
Medicare Advantage
Humana and United Healthcare are household names in Medicare Advantage (Part C), offering plans with zero-dollar premiums, gym memberships, dental and vision benefits, and more.
But once you scratch the surface, you’ll see it’s not just about bells and whistles – it’s about how well the plan fits your health needs, providers, and prescription list.
What Types of Medicare Advantage Plans Do They Offer?
Both Humana and United Healthcare offer a wide variety of Medicare Advantage plans, but it’s important to note that plan availability varies by county. In other words, what’s offered in your ZIP code may not be available in someone else’s.
That said, both insurers provide the most common types of Medicare Advantage plans:
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HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): The most widely available option. These plans require you to use a network of doctors, choose a primary care physician (PCP), and get referrals to see specialists. They typically offer lower costs in exchange for less flexibility.
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PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): These plans allow you to see providers in and out of network without referrals. They’re popular among those who travel or want broader access, though they often come with higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
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PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service): Less common today, these plans let you visit any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the plan’s terms. They may or may not require a network, but benefits vary widely.
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SNP (Special Needs Plans): Tailored for people with specific conditions or needs. This includes Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs), Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs), and Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs), all designed to coordinate care and enhance coverage for targeted populations.
Shared Features Due to CMS Requirements
Despite differences in branding and benefits, both Humana and United Healthcare must follow strict regulations set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This results in several important similarities:
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Standardized Core Coverage: All plans must include the same benefits as Original Medicare (Parts A and B), including hospital care, doctor visits, and preventive services.
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Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Medicare Advantage plans are required to cap annual out-of-pocket expenses, offering financial protection that Original Medicare does not.
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Enrollment Periods: Both insurers follow the same Medicare enrollment windows, including the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
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Consistent Plan Structures: HMO, PPO, PFFS, and SNP plans function similarly across carriers due to CMS-defined rules and benefit guidelines.
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Regulated Benefits and Marketing: CMS controls how plans are marketed and how supplemental benefits, like dental, vision, or fitness perks, are structured and promoted.
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Star Ratings: CMS evaluates all Medicare Advantage plans using a Star Rating system (1 to 5 stars), helping consumers compare quality and performance across all carriers.
Humana Highlights
Humana tends to attract members who want flexibility and extras. They typically offer a broader mix of PPOs and regional plans, and many include benefits like SilverSneakers, meal delivery after hospital stays, and comprehensive dental.
However, Humana was also among the hardest hit during the 2024 AEP adjustments, leading to notable network shrinkage and benefit cuts in some areas.
United Healthcare Highlights
United Healthcare emphasizes broad provider access and a strong presence in chronic care management. Their Renew Active program rivals SilverSneakers, and their plans are often recognized for doctor participation and brand trust.
Still, UHC also made significant changes following the 2024 CMS reimbursement cuts, with many members seeing provider changes, prescription tier shifts, or benefit rollbacks.
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Bottom Line:
These two companies offer similarly structured plans, and the same CMS rules regulate both. The real difference comes down to your ZIP code, your doctor, your medications, and your personal flexibility.
What works beautifully for your neighbor might be a disaster for you. That’s why Advantage needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Humana vs. UnitedHealthcare: Ratings and Customer Satisfaction
When comparing Medicare providers, star ratings and customer satisfaction scores offer helpful insight into overall performance and member experience.
Let’s take a look at how Humana and United Healthcare stack up in the latest data.
CMS Star Ratings for 2025
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates plans annually based on quality and performance.
- Humana earned an average rating of 3.63 stars, marking a slight dip from previous years.
- United Healthcare came in higher, with an average of 3.82 stars, placing it above the industry average.
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction (2023)
While CMS focuses on plan performance, J.D. Power surveys real members to assess satisfaction.
- Humana scored 824 out of 1,000, ranking among the highest in the survey.
- United Healthcare received a score of 795, a bit lower but still solid.
In a nutshell, United Healthcare has a slight edge in CMS star ratings, reflecting strong plan performance and stability. However, Humana leads in customer satisfaction, indicating that members generally report a better day-to-day experience.
Depending on what matters most – quality metrics or member feedback – both providers show strong but different strengths.
Humana and UnitedHealthcare vs. the Competition
If you’re comparing Humana and United Healthcare, it’s worth broadening your view to include other strong contenders in the Medicare Supplement (Medigap) space.
While Humana and UHC offer name recognition, stability, and broad reach, several other insurers offer competitive advantages that could be a better fit for your specific needs.
Here’s how some top Medigap providers stack up in terms of strengths and pricing:
| Company | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Cigna | Known for generous household discounts (up to 20%), solid underwriting, and nationwide reach |
| Aetna | Often priced competitively, especially for those over 70; fast application process |
| Mutual of Omaha | Strong brand recognition, good household discount (up to 12%), trusted by seniors |
Note: The below are sample Medigap quotes for a 65-year-old nonsmoking male living in Phoenix, AZ.
| Medigap Plan | Humana | UHC | Cigna | Aetna | Mutual of Omaha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $183.32 | $200.12 | $148.51 | $208.42 | $223.71 |
| Plan N | $133.28 | $166.97 | $106.33 | $150.77 | $157.24 |
| Plan A | $185.24 | $157.05 | $139.70 | $205.75 | $169.15 |
While Medigap benefits are standardized by law (Plan G from one provider is the same as Plan G from another), key differences lie in pricing, rate increases over time, underwriting flexibility, customer service, and value-added perks.
These variations may seem small upfront, but can significantly impact long-term satisfaction and costs, so it pays to shop carefully.
Medigap Wins
Let me tell you why, after more than 20 years helping clients navigate Medicare, I continue to recommend Medigap as the safer, smarter long-term solution for most people.
In 2024, CMS slashed Medicare Advantage reimbursements. That triggered a wave of cuts from the biggest names in the industry.
Humana dropped benefits. United Healthcare changed prescription formularies. Countless local Advantage plans restructured their networks or pulled out of counties altogether.
Meanwhile, Medigap didn’t flinch.
Because Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are federally standardized and work directly with Original Medicare, they aren’t affected by the same CMS funding rollercoaster. They’re not forced to “re-balance” coverage each fall. They don’t depend on private networks or corporate profitability.
They just work.
Here’s what Medigap gives you – and keeps giving you:
- No prior authorizations
- No provider referrals
- No surprise network changes
- No annual re-shopping or plan upheaval
- No headaches when you travel
If you’re hospitalized, you don’t want to spend time arguing with your insurance company about whether it’s covered. With Plan G or Plan N, you already know the answer: it is.
With Medigap, you set your plan once, and unless you’re looking to save money by switching carriers, you can forget about it. Your doctor, your hospital, and your pharmacy all stay in play, and you’re in control. That’s freedom. That’s peace of mind.
And after what we saw in 2024? That kind of consistency is more valuable than ever.
Medicare Advantage Plans = Claim Denials
One of the most critical distinctions between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medigap coverage is how claims are handled. Medicare Advantage plans operate like managed care and often require prior authorization for a wide range of services. This means that even if a service is medically necessary, your plan may deny it unless it was pre-approved.
This process can create care delays – or worse, outright denials.
A recent Senate investigation shed light on this issue, revealing a troubling trend: the three largest Medicare Advantage providers, including United Healthcare, have sharply increased claim denials since implementing AI and algorithm-driven tools to automate the approval process.
Since 2022, denial rates have climbed to nearly 1 in 4 claims, raising serious concerns about access and oversight.
For beneficiaries who need regular treatments, specialist visits, or chronic condition management, these denial rates can translate into real-world consequences – missed appointments, delayed procedures, or having to pay out-of-pocket for care that would otherwise be covered under Original Medicare with a Medigap plan.
This trend underscores the importance of understanding how each plan handles prior authorizations, especially if you anticipate needing frequent or complex care.
While Medicare Advantage plans can be attractive for their low premiums and extra benefits, it’s essential to weigh those perks against the potential challenges in accessing care when you need it most.
Hospital Network Changes and Contract Disputes
One of the key concerns with Medicare Advantage plans – particularly those from large insurers like United Healthcare – is the potential for disruptions in provider networks due to contract disputes and hospital terminations. These changes can leave beneficiaries unexpectedly out-of-network, forcing them to switch doctors or facilities and complicating ongoing treatment plans.
In recent years, several high-profile healthcare providers have severed ties with United Healthcare over concerns related to coverage denials, delayed reimbursements, and increasing administrative burdens placed on hospitals and physicians.
These disputes often stem from disagreements over payment rates or frustrations with prior authorization policies that create obstacles to timely care.
For example:
HealthPartners, a major hospital operator based in Bloomington, Minnesota, announced that it would no longer participate in United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage network for the following year. This decision impacted approximately 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom had to find alternative care providers or switch plans.
Similarly, Mount Sinai Health System – one of New York City’s most prominent healthcare networks – ended its contract with United Healthcare, affecting thousands of patients across its hospitals and clinics. For many, this created significant stress and disruption, especially for those undergoing complex or long-term treatments.
These examples highlight a larger issue within the Medicare Advantage landscape: network instability. Unlike Original Medicare paired with Medigap, which allows access to any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, Advantage plans are network-based.
When hospitals or physician groups exit a plan’s network, enrollees can be left scrambling to maintain continuity of care.
It’s a reminder that while Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower premiums and added benefits, those savings can come at the cost of flexibility and consistency in provider access.
If staying with your preferred doctors and hospitals is a top priority, it’s essential to monitor network changes closely and consider how frequently your chosen plan experiences such disruptions.
Impact of CMS Reimbursement Rates on Plan Offerings
In 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced reductions to Medicare Advantage (MA) reimbursement rates, triggering notable financial and strategic shifts among major insurers.
These cuts were part of broader efforts to control federal spending on the rapidly growing Medicare Advantage program, but they came with real consequences for insurance providers and, ultimately, enrollees.
For Humana, the impact was immediate. The company reported a medical loss ratio (MLR) of 89.5% in the most recent quarter (up from 86.8% the year prior) largely due to a spike in inpatient hospital admissions. (Source: HealthcareDive.com)
A higher MLR means more revenue is spent on patient care, leaving less room for profitability or plan enhancements. Humana has acknowledged that these cost pressures force the company to take a more conservative approach to plan design and availability.
United Healthcare also felt the pinch. CMS’s funding reductions effectively removed $9 billion from UHC’s bottom line, according to reports.
This financial tightening has contributed to higher MLRs and made it more difficult for the insurer to sustain certain benefits or maintain as broad a plan portfolio as in previous years. (Source: Norwood.com)
As a result, both Humana and United Healthcare have begun reevaluating their Medicare Advantage plan offerings, particularly in markets where rising healthcare utilization and tighter reimbursement margins make it difficult to remain profitable.
This has sometimes meant scaling back plan options, narrowing provider networks, or reducing ancillary benefits like dental and vision coverage.
For beneficiaries, these changes underscore the importance of reviewing plan details carefully during open enrollment. What was a strong offering one year may be more limited the next, especially as insurers navigate shifting financial realities tied to government funding.
Which Is Better?
When it comes to choosing between Humana and United Healthcare, there’s no universal winner – because the best Medicare plan is always the one that fits your unique needs.
Here’s what we’ve learned:
#1. Both companies offer similar plan types, regulated by Medicare and CMS, so the basic benefits are virtually identical.
#2. Differences lie in the details – drug coverage, provider networks, prior authorization rules, and extra perks.
#3. Costs and availability vary significantly by ZIP code. A perfect plan in one county might not be competitive in the next.
Our Advice:
Look at your doctors. Make sure they’re in-network.
Run your prescriptions. See how each plan covers them.
Check the fine print. Pay attention to prior authorizations and network restrictions.
Review local premiums. Rates change county by county.
And finally, don’t forget about your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options.
Medigap may be the better long-term choice if you value predictable coverage, no prior authorizations, and the freedom to see any doctor who takes Medicare.
Talk to a licensed independent agent who works with both carriers and others like Cigna, Aetna, and Mutual of Omaha. That’s the best way to compare apples to apples and ensure you get a plan that truly fits your life.
FAQs
- Why don’t many doctors like Medicare Advantage plans?
- Is Humana in financial trouble?
- How does United Healthcare rank against other healthcare companies?
- Which company has higher customer satisfaction?
- Do Humana and United Healthcare cover dental, vision, and hearing services?
