Humana Ranks High for Experience, Affordability Among MA Plans

Based on the 2024 Medicare Advantage star ratings, Humana received the highest ranking for overall plan quality, member experience, and low premiums, a US News & World Report analysis shared.

The US News Honor Roll of Best Medicare Advantage Plans used the star ratings to determine the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in each state. Companies with plans that received at least three stars and had an average rating of 4.5 or more stars within the state were considered a Best Insurance Company.

Humana earned the highest overall star rating for 2024, receiving 4.3 out of five stars. The plan is available in 49 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the payer offers plans in 89 percent of US counties, and 92 percent of people eligible for Medicare have access to at least one Humana plan.

Nearly all of Humana’s plans have vision, hearing, dental, and fitness benefits. The payer also offers the highest share of plans with benefits for over-the-counter medications and products. However, the payer’s Special Needs Plans are not available in every state, the report noted.

Humana was declared the best company for member experience, earning 3.9 stars. Member experience is based on how easy it is for members to access care, how soon members can get an appointment, member ratings, and care coordination efficiency.

Humana member experience rating increased from last year’s 3.8 stars and exceeded the national average rating of 3.5 stars.

The payer was also named the best company for low premium plans. Humana is offering around 9,400 plans in 2024 with a $0 Part C premium. Among these plans, 91 percent also include drug coverage with no additional Part D premium.

UnitedHealthcare earned a four-star rating, making it the second-highest-rated company. Additionally, the payer earned four stars for its prescription drug plan, leading US News to name it the best company for drug plan ratings. Its rating was higher than the national average of 3.8 stars, the report indicated.

UnitedHealthcare has no copay for tier one and tier two prescriptions when members use the payer’s Optum Home Delivery option. The payer classifies Viagra, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 as tier two drugs, even though Part D does not typically cover prescription vitamins or medications for erectile dysfunction.

Four payers earned the “Best” status in four or more states. Humana earned it in Connecticut, Washington, DC, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Vermont. Essence Healthcare earned the status in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri.

Quartz Medicare Advantage was considered a Best Insurance Company in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Select Health earned the status in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.

The average Medicare Advantage and Part D plan star ratings declined compared to 2023. The average rating for Medicare Advantage plans fell from 4.14 to 4.04 stars, while the average for Part D plans went from 3.25 to 3.11 stars.