UnitedHealthcare vs Humana Medicare

UnitedHealthcare vs. Humana Medicare: A Full Comparison Guide

When it comes to Medicare coverage, two names consistently lead the way: UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Humana. Both are industry giants with millions of members and nationwide presence, offering strong Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Below is a side-by-side breakdown to help you understand which may be the right choice for your specific healthcare and budget needs.


Overview of Each Company

UnitedHealthcare

  • A division of UnitedHealth Group—the largest health insurer in the U.S.

  • Offers Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans in all 50 states.

  • Exclusive partner of AARP for Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

  • Known for its Renew Active wellness program and HouseCalls services.

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Humana

  • Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • One of the nation’s largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Offers a wide range of plan types, including special plans for veterans.

  • Known for robust preventative care, chronic condition management, and home healthcare options.

UnitedHealthcare vs Humana Medicare
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UnitedHealthcare vs Humana Medicare Comparison

Medicare Plans Offered

Plan Type UnitedHealthcare Humana
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Yes – HMO, PPO, HMO-POS Yes – HMO, PPO, PFFS
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) Yes – AARP-branded options Yes – typically 3 options
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Yes – AARP-branded Plans A–N Yes – in select states
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) Yes – broad SNP coverage Yes – chronic, dual, and institutional SNPs

Network & Availability

UnitedHealthcare:

  • Offers plans in all 50 states and most U.S. territories.
  • One of the largest provider and pharmacy networks nationwide.
  • Strong ties to CVS, Walgreens, and other major chains.

Humana:

  • Available in all 50 states, especially strong in South and Midwest.
  • Broad provider networks, including many rural areas.
  • Veterans may add Humana plans alongside VA benefits.

Benefits & Extras

Feature UnitedHealthcare Humana
Dental, Vision, Hearing Included in most plans Included in most plans
Fitness Program Renew Active SilverSneakers
OTC Allowance Yes – varies by plan Yes – quarterly or monthly
Telehealth & Virtual Care Yes – via Teladoc and UHC Yes – includes home health services
Chronic Condition Support HouseCalls, care management Chronic care programs & in-home support
Veteran-Focused Plans Not veteran-specific Yes – Honor plans for veterans

Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs

  • UnitedHealthcare:
    • $0 premium Advantage plans widely available.
    • Low copays for Tier 1 drugs and preferred pharmacies.
    • Medigap plans may have higher premiums, but stable costs.
  • Humana:
    • $0 premium Advantage plans also available.
    • Some plans offer Part B giveback incentives.
    • Out-of-pocket limits vary more between plan types.

Enrollment & Ease of Use

UnitedHealthcare:

  • AARP affiliation provides simple enrollment.
  • Strong online tools and mobile app support.
  • Easy access to virtual care and HouseCalls.

Humana:

  • Clear website navigation and in-person agent support.
  • Helpful caregiver tools and member services.
  • Proactive outreach for chronic condition management.

Who Each Plan Is Ideal For

Beneficiary Type Best Pick
Veterans Humana
Tech-savvy users UnitedHealthcare
Rural residents Humana
Wellness & fitness focused UnitedHealthcare
Lowest prescription drug costs Both
Chronic condition care Humana

Pros and Cons

UnitedHealthcare

Pros:

  • Largest network and strong nationwide coverage.
  • Excellent fitness and wellness extras via Renew Active.
  • AARP-branded plans offer stability and trust.

Cons:

  • Medigap plans may cost more.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans have limited networks.

Humana

Pros:

  • Ideal for veterans and rural residents.
  • Part B premium giveback options in some plans.
  • Strong chronic condition and in-home care support.

Cons:

  • Tech tools may be less advanced than UHC.
  • Plan benefits vary more significantly by location.

Final Verdict: Which Medicare Plan Wins?

Both UnitedHealthcare and Humana offer competitive, highly-rated Medicare plans. The best option depends on your lifestyle, healthcare needs, and personal preferences:

  • Choose UnitedHealthcare if you want top-tier digital tools, nationwide access, and fitness-focused perks.
  • Choose Humana if you value personalized care, live in a rural area, or are a veteran seeking supplemental benefits.

Need help deciding? Speak with an independent Medicare agent to compare personalized quotes, benefits, and provider compatibility.

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UnitedHealthcare vs Humana Medicare FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better: UnitedHealthcare or Humana Medicare?

Both are top-tier providers with national coverage. UnitedHealthcare may be better for those wanting tech-savvy features and wellness programs, while Humana is ideal for veterans, rural residents, and those needing chronic care support.

Do both UnitedHealthcare and Humana offer $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans?

Yes, both providers offer $0 premium plans in many areas. Availability and costs vary by ZIP code and plan type.

Which company is better for veterans?

Humana offers veteran-specific Medicare Advantage plans (like Honor plans), which are designed to complement VA healthcare.

Can I use my UnitedHealthcare or Humana plan nationwide?

UnitedHealthcare offers a large nationwide network, making it more travel-friendly. Humana also has a broad network, especially strong in rural areas, but availability may vary more by region.

Do these companies include dental, vision, and hearing in their Medicare Advantage plans?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans from both UHC and Humana include dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Which provider offers better fitness and wellness programs?

UnitedHealthcare includes Renew Active, while Humana offers SilverSneakers. Both are excellent, but Renew Active is more comprehensive for tech users and brain health programs.

Does either provider offer Part B premium giveback plans?

Yes, Humana offers Part B giveback in some Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare may offer similar options in limited regions.

How do I compare UnitedHealthcare and Humana plans available in my ZIP code?

You can compare plan availability, benefits, and costs by speaking with an independent Medicare agent or using Medicare’s official Plan Finder tool.

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