Key Features of Humana Medicare Advantage Plans 2026

For the 2026 plan year, Humana has made significant changes to its Medicare Advantage offerings, including new benefits, a reduced service area, and new spending caps.

Since today is January 5, 2026, you are currently in the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This means if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time opportunity to switch plans or return to Original Medicare between now and March 31, 2026.

Here is the breakdown of Humana’s 2026 plans:

1. Key Features of 2026 Plans

• Part D “Donut Hole” Removed: Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, the “donut hole” coverage gap is gone. For 2026, once your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,100, you pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.

• $0 Copays: Most plans continue to offer $0 copays for primary care visits, preventive screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies), and hundreds of generic drugs.

• Included Extras: Dental, vision, and hearing coverage remain standard on almost all non-special needs plans.

• Veterans Plans: The Humana USAA Honor plans (which do not include drug coverage but offer a Part B premium giveback) are available in 46 states.

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2. Market Exits & Network Changes (Important)

Humana effectively “shrunk” its footprint for 2026 to stabilize costs.

• Plan Exits: Humana exited 13 specific markets and completely left 2 states for the 2026 plan year. They now operate in 46 states (down from 48).

• Hospital Disputes: Several major health systems have dropped Humana Medicare Advantage for 2026. If you live near these systems, your Humana plan may now be out-of-network:

  • Mayo Clinic (Most locations)

  • UNC Health (North Carolina)

  • Scripps Health (California)

  • Vanderbilt Health (Tennessee – some plans)

  • St. Charles Health (Oregon)

3. Available Plan Types

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Lower premiums, but you strictly must use in-network doctors and usually need referrals for specialists.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Higher flexibility; you can see out-of-network doctors for a higher cost, and you generally don’t need referrals.

• DSNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans): For those with both Medicare and Medicaid. These often include allowances for food, utilities, and OTC products.

4. What You Can Do Now (Open Enrollment)

If you are currently enrolled in a Humana plan for 2026 but are unhappy (or realized your doctor is no longer in-network):

1. Switch Plans: You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (Humana or another carrier) one time between Jan 1 and March 31.

2. Return to Original Medicare: You can drop your Advantage plan and revert to Original Medicare (Part A & B) and join a standalone Part D drug plan.