Choosing the right health insurance carrier is essential for financial security and access to quality care. In this series, we review health insurance carriers based on various criteria.
Pros:
- Wide Coverage Options: Offers a broad range of plans, including individual, family, group, Medicare Advantage, and supplemental coverage.
- Nationwide Provider Network: Access to over 350,000 medical providers and 3,000+ hospitals.
- Member Benefits: Depending on the coverage type, plans may include discounts on dental, vision, hearing aids, weight loss programs, and complementary medicine services.
- Strong Financial Stability: High ratings from A.M. Best, S&P, and Fitch, indicating strong financial health.
- Claims Customer Support: Offers multiple ways to file claims, including online or by phone.
Cons:
- Customer Complaints: Common complaints relate to claims handling, network access, and marketing/sales practices.
- Slight Decline in Satisfaction: Small decrease in customer satisfaction (82 in 2023 to 81 in 2024).
- Limited Network in Certain Areas: Some members report difficulties finding in-network providers, especially in rural or underserved regions.
Shop Plans From Humana
About Humana
Humana is a major health insurance provider with a nationwide presence, offering a range of plans to meet diverse needs. Serving consumers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Humana provides coverage options for individuals, families, and businesses.
Founded in 1961 and based in Louisville, KY, Humana serves over 17 million people. The company’s network includes over 350,000 medical providers and 3,000+ hospitals. Its dental network features 135,000+ dentists.
Health Insurance Plans Offered By Humana
Humana offers a variety of health insurance plans, including:
- Individual & Family Plans: ACA marketplace and private coverage for individuals and families.
- Group Plans: For small businesses to offer employee coverage.
- Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: For those 65+ and some under 65 with disabilities. Compare the differences.
- Short-Term & Supplemental Plans: Including sickness, critical illness, hospitalization, and accident coverage.
- Additional Coverage: Dental, vision, life insurance, and health savings accounts.
Member Benefits for Humana
Humana members have access to several benefits, including:
- Dental & Vision Discounts: Save 20-60% on dental services and eyewear.
- Hearing Aid Discounts: Save on hearing aids and accessories.
- Weight Loss Programs: Discounts on meal delivery and weight management services.
- Aging-in-Place Solutions: Fall detection systems to support independent living.
- Complementary Healthcare Discounts: Access to chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition services.
How to Enroll in Humana Coverage
To enroll in a Humana plan, you can:
- Visit humana.com to shop for plans.
- Call customer service for assistance.
- Work with a licensed insurance agent to find the right coverage.
How to File Claims with Humana
To file a claim:
- In-network providers: Humana will pay directly, minus any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance.
- Out-of-network providers: Submit a claim with details of services, diagnoses, and dates. See Claims Submission Guide.
How Is Humana Rated?
Financial Strength:
- A.M. Best: “A” (Excellent) Read A.M. Best Rating
- Standard & Poor’s: “A” (Strong) Read S&P Rating
- Fitch Ratings: “A-” (Strong) Read Fitch Rating
Customer Satisfaction: Humana scored 81 (down from 82 in 2023) in the American Customer Satisfaction Index. See ACSI Results.
Complaints & Customer Experience: Humana received 163 complaints in 2023, down from 196 in 2022 and 236 in 2021. The main issues reported include:
- Claims Handling: Many complaints involve delays, denials, or difficulties in processing claims.
- Network Access: Customers often struggle to find in-network providers or face higher costs when using out-of-network care.
- Marketing and Sales: Complaints about unclear or misleading information regarding plan benefits and coverage options.
- Underwriting: Issues with coverage eligibility and higher-than-expected premiums.
Bottom Line
Humana provides a robust health insurance option with diverse plans, a network of over 350,000 providers and 3,000+ hospitals, plus perks like discounts on dental, vision, hearing aids, weight loss programs, and alternative medicine.
Its financial stability and robust customer support add further confidence. However, potential buyers should be mindful of reported issues with claims handling, network access, and a slight decline in customer satisfaction, particularly in rural areas where finding in-network providers can be challenging.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthCareInsider.com or HealthCare, Inc.