Humana expands Medicare Advantage benefits nationwide

For 2027, Humana unveiled its Medicare Advantage plans, featuring $0 or low monthly premiums, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, along with enhanced coverage for individuals with specific chronic conditions. These plans will be accessible in roughly 2,600 counties spanning 45 states and Washington, D.C., encompassing over 80% of U.S. counties. This coverage area is slightly reduced compared to 2026, when Humana offered plans in 46 states and Washington, D.C., covering 85% of counties.

Humana’s Focus on Affordability and Care Coordination

Aaron Martin, Humana’s president of insurance, stated, “Medicare Advantage brings healthcare coverage, care coordination, and additional benefits together in a way that helps support both health and affordability.” These plans are designed to provide full coverage, coordinated care, and extra benefits, appealing to beneficiaries seeking convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Humana emphasized new benefits, including $0 routine in-network lab services, alongside existing $0 copays for in-network primary care visits and numerous prescription medications in eligible plans. The company is also expanding its Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) to Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wisconsin.

To simplify plan comparisons, Humana is standardizing core benefits across much of its portfolio. This initiative aims to assist beneficiaries in selecting the most suitable plan for their individual needs.

Aetna, in its 2027 offerings, highlights low or $0 monthly premium plans, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as SilverSneakers fitness benefits on its Medicare website. Their plan comparison tool features health maintenance organization (HMO), HMO with point-of-service (HMO-POS), and preferred provider organization (PPO) options.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forecasts a 16.5% decrease in the weighted average monthly Medicare Advantage premium, dropping from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027. CMS anticipates that supplemental benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing coverage, will remain consistent nationwide.

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. CMS advises beneficiaries to compare costs, benefits, drug coverage, and other plan details, as coverage can change annually. As the market evolves, insurers like Humana and Aetna are adjusting their offerings to stay competitive and meet member needs.

Previously, Humana announced 2027 plan exits affecting approximately 600,000 Medicare Advantage members. The company is targeting less profitable plans to achieve a sustainable margin of at least 3%.

Aaron Martin, Humana’s president of insurance, showed the role of Medicare Advantage in supporting health and affordability. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review and compare plan options during open enrollment. CMS projects that around 5,532 Medicare Advantage plans will be available in 2027, with over 99% of beneficiaries having access to at least one plan. Approximately eight in 10 current MA beneficiaries can remain in their plan with the same or a lower premium.