When shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in Florida, two big insurers you’ll come across are Humana and Florida Blue. Both offer a variety of plans and benefits to meet different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will compare Humana vs Florida Blue to help you determine the best Medicare Advantage option for you.
We’ll analyze plan networks, premiums, benefits, prescription drug coverage, customer service ratings, and more. Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering switching plans, read on for an in-depth look at Humana and Florida Blue.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Humana | Florida Blue |
| Plan Availability | 67 Florida counties | 66 Florida counties |
| Provider Networks | 11,500 doctors, 125 hospitals | 15,000 doctors, 200+ hospitals |
| Plan Types | HMO, PPO, PFFS | HMO, PPO |
| Premiums | More $0 premium options | Premiums average higher |
| Deductibles | Lower overall | Higher deductibles |
| Copays | Lower copays emphasized | Varies by plan |
| Coinsurance | 20-50% | 20-50% |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | $4,500 on average | Varies by plan |
| Extra Benefits | Meal allowances | More telehealth access |
| Part D Drugs | Insulin coverage at $35 | Vary by plan |
| Travel Coverage | Covered internationally | Limited abroad |
| Customer Service | 4 stars, faster claims | 3.5 stars, more online options |
| Financial Rating | A- Excellent from A.M. Best | A+ Superior from A.M. Best |
Medicare Advantage Overview
First, a quick refresher on Medicare Advantage. Also known as Medicare Part C, these plans are an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits. They are offered by private insurers and combine Part A, Part B, and usually Part D prescription coverage in one plan.
Some key things to know:
- You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B to qualify
- Plans have a monthly premium, but offer capped out-of-pocket costs
- Most include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and more
- Provides all your coverage in one plan versus multiple to manage
Key Differences Between Humana And Florida Blue
Now let’s dive into how Humana and Florida Blue Medicare Advantage stack up.
1. Plan Availability and Networks
Both insurers offer plans across Florida, but there are some differences in availability and provider networks.
Humana has Medicare Advantage plans available in 67 of Florida’s 67 counties. This gives them very extensive statewide coverage. They have over 11,500 physicians and 125 hospitals in their Florida network.
Florida Blue serves all of Florida’s counties except Monroe county. They have around 15,000 primary care doctors and specialists as well as over 200 hospitals statewide.
For both companies, seeing which doctors and facilities are in-network for the specific plan you choose is key. Comparing provider directories in your county and confirming they include your preferred doctors will ensure the best access.
2. Plan Types
Humana and Florida Blue offer all the main Medicare Advantage plan types – HMO, PPO, and PFFS.
Humana’s options include:
- HumanaChoice HMO – Requires using in-network providers
- HumanaChoice PPO – Out-of-network care allowed but costs more
- Humana Gold Plus HMO – $0 premium plans with extra benefits
- Humana Honor PFFS – No network restrictions
Florida Blue provides:
- BlueMedicare HMO – Only in-network coverage
- BlueMedicare PPO – Out-of-network care allowed
- BlueMedicare Saver – Lower premiums with copays
- BlueMedicare Premier Rx – $0 premium with Part D drugs
Both have plans with and without prescription drug coverage. Humana offers more $0 premium plans that include Part D coverage.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ambetter And Florida Blue
3. Costs and Benefits
A major point of comparison is the costs and benefits offered by each insurer. Here’s an overview:
Monthly Premiums – On average, Humana premiums tend to run lower than Florida Blue in the same coverage area. They have more $0 premium options.
Deductibles and Copays – Florida Blue has higher deductibles overall, while Humana plans emphasize lower copays for doctor visits and preferred medications.
Coinsurance – The coinsurance percent you pay is similar for both, ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the service.
Out-of-Pocket Max – Humana generally has lower out-of-pocket maximums limiting your annual costs. Many of their plans cap this at around $4,500.
Extra Benefits – Humana and Florida Blue both offer comprehensive dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and telehealth benefits on most plans. Humana emphasizes healthy food allowances.
Part D Drugs – Both use preferred pharmacy networks and tiered drug formularies. Humana offers insulin coverage at $35 per prescription.
Travel Coverage – Humana provides emergency care, urgent care, and ambulance transportation while traveling abroad. Florida Blue limits coverage outside the U.S.
Based on these factors, Humana comes out slightly ahead for costs and benefits overall. But give priority to the plan with your doctors in-network and prescription needs covered.
4. Customer Satisfaction
Member satisfaction and customer service should also guide your choice between insurers. Here’s how Humana and Florida Blue compare:
- Member Experience Ratings – Humana gets 4 out of 5 stars from CMS, while Florida Blue gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
- Complaint Ratings – Humana has fewer member complaints according to CMS data. They average 3 per 1000 members, versus Florida Blue’s 5 complaints.
- Customer Service – Both get positive reviews for knowledgeable reps and member resources. Florida Blue offers more online chat and video service options.
- Claims Processing – Humana processes claims a bit faster with an average of 8 days versus 15 days for Florida Blue.
Overall, Humana performs better for member satisfaction ratings and seamless service quality. But Florida Blue also has solid customer support.
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5. Company Financials
You want your insurer to be stable and able to pay members’ claims long-term. Here are key financial details:
- Humana is rated A- Excellent by AM Best for financial strength. They’ve been in business 60+ years with 2020 revenue over $77 billion.
- Florida Blue has an A+ Superior rating from AM Best, operating for 75+ years with 2020 revenue around $29 billion.
Both companies are established non-profits with strong performance. Humana’s larger size gives them greater scale. But Florida Blue also has excellent financial standing.
Also Read: Is Kaiser Permanente Better Than CareFirst?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Humana vs Florida Blue for Medicare Advantage:
The “best” Medicare coverage depends on your budget, health needs, doctor preferences, and whether you want additional benefits beyond original Medicare. Many people find Medicare Advantage plans to be an affordable way to get comprehensive coverage in one plan.
Yes, Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in all 67 counties in Florida. They have over 11,500 physicians and 125 hospitals in their Medicare provider network across the state.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage carrier by membership nationally with over 5 million members. Humana is second largest with around 3.5 million members enrolled in their Medicare plans.
Florida Blue is a Medicare Advantage provider. They offer private Medicare Advantage plans as an alternative to original Medicare. Their plans are not related to Medicaid, which is the government low-income health program.
We hope this detailed Humana vs Florida Blue comparison helps you select the right Medicare Advantage plan for your needs! Reach out with any other questions.
Also Read: Is Priority Health Better Than Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Final Thought
When selecting between Humana and Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans, first make sure your doctors participate with the plan you’re considering. Then compare premiums, drug coverage, and extra benefits most important to you.
Consider travel needs if you regularly head North in the summer or spend extended time abroad. Weigh member satisfaction and complaints between the two companies. If you value low costs and extras like meal benefits, Humana may be the better fit. But for a larger regional network in-state, look closer at Florida Blue.
No matter which Medicare Advantage carrier you select, read all plan materials closely before enrolling. Confirm the plan’s service area, network, premiums, drug formulary, and all costs and restrictions to avoid surprises. Leverage the initial enrollment period to make changes if needed.