2026 Humana Health Insurance Review

Humana

Humana is one of the largest U.S. health insurers, with a core focus on Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D drug plans in 2026. After fully exiting the ACA marketplace, short-term medical, and employer group health plans by 2025, Humana now centers its strategy on senior, Medicaid, and military members. Though it maintains a significant national footprint, quality setbacks and service complaints have impacted its reputation. Learn more at Humana Medicare.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers Medicare Advantage in 48 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico
• Comprehensive benefits: vision, dental, OTC, and prescription drugs
• Enhanced drug coverage with $2,000 cap and no donut hole for Part D
• HMO, PPO, SNP, and Medigap options available for Medicare beneficiaries
• Strong financial stability and broad geographic access

Cons

• No ACA, STM, or employer-sponsored plans for under-65 individuals
• Medicare Advantage Star Ratings dropped significantly for 2025
• Legal disputes with CMS over plan ratings impact reputation
• High complaint rates around claims handling and network access
• Exited several counties and regions, reducing plan options in 2026

Coverage Area (2026)

United States

Medicare Advantage plans are available in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, covering nearly 89% of U.S. counties. However, Humana exited parts of Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois in 2025.

International

Emergency coverage abroad is included in select Medicare Advantage plans, but comprehensive global care is not available.

Provider Network

Broad national network for Medicare plans, but provider access may vary by region, especially in areas where plan exits occurred.

Plan Types Offered (2026)

Under-65 (Individual & Family)

• ACA Marketplace Plans
  No longer offered.
• Short-Term Medical (STM)
  Not available.
• Employer-Sponsored Plans
  Fully exited as of 2025.
• Medicaid
  Offered in select states through government contracts, not widely marketed under the Humana name.

Medicare (65+)

• Medicare Advantage (MA)
  HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans are widely available, including D-SNPs for dual-eligibles and plans for chronic conditions. Most include Rx, dental, vision, OTC, and fitness benefits.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
  Standardized Medigap plans are available in most service areas.
• Part D Prescription Drug Plans
  Standalone options are available, now featuring a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket drug spending. The coverage gap (“donut hole”) has been eliminated.
• Retiree Group Medicare
  This type of coverage is available through employer contracts but not publicly listed as individual options.

Recent Changes in Cost and Options (2026)

Premiums and Rate Changes

CMS’s 2026 5.1% Medicare Advantage rate hike may help offset rising medical costs and stabilize premiums.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Part D drug costs are now capped at $2,000 per year. Many MA plans have stable copays and enhanced supplemental benefits.

Medicare Advantage Updates

Humana exited underperforming counties and trimmed unprofitable MA plans, reducing plan variety in some areas.

Plan Enhancements

New vision benefit includes annual glasses; enhanced dental is now standard in nearly all counties.

Network Agreements

Plan exits in 2025 impacted counties in FL, TX, IL, GA, and NC, which may limit provider access and local choice.

Consumer Experience Snapshot

Complaint Index

High volume of complaints on claims handling, prior authorizations, and network issues. Rural and lower-income members are most affected.

Satisfaction Scores

Humana’s percentage of Medicare Advantage members in 4+ Star plans dropped from 94% in 2024 to just 25% in 2025.

Methodology

Our Health Insurance Rating Methodology scores insurers across five main categories, each rated on a scale of 1 to 10. The overall score is the average of: Coverage Breadth and Accessibility, Plan Variety and Customization, Affordability and Value, Innovation and Care Quality, and Consumer Experience and Transparency. Categories assess provider reach, plan diversity, cost structure, care delivery, and member service experiences based on public data, filings, and expert analysis.

Bottom Line

Humana is a top Medicare insurer with enhanced drug benefits, flexible plan types, and national reach. However, 2026 is a year of transition: the company has exited major commercial markets and faced a sharp decline in plan quality ratings. Those seeking Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage will find value, especially with new caps on drug costs, but should review plan ratings and provider networks closely. Service frustrations remain a key drawback.

Best for:

Medicare-eligible adults looking for national coverage, strong Rx benefits, and bundled services.

Not ideal for:

Individuals under 65, or those seeking ACA, employer, or short-term health insurance.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of