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💊 Medicare Advantage Comparison

Humana vs UnitedHealthcare Medicare — 2026

✅ Updated April 2026📊 15 metrics compared⭐ CMS Star Ratings & NCQA data
🏆Humana wins — 10 of 15 metricsBest for: Star ratings, OTC benefits & dental/vision. UHC wins for network size & Medigap (AARP).
Scores

Head-to-Head at a Glance

Humana Medicare
4.8
★★★★★
~$18/mo avg MA premium
CMS Star Rating4.5
OTC Allowance4.9
Dental/Vision4.8
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UnitedHealthcare Medicare
4.7
★★★★★
~$22/mo avg MA premium
Network Size5.0
Medigap (AARP)4.8
Telehealth (Optum)4.8
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Full Comparison

15-Metric Breakdown

Metric🏆 Humana MedicareUnitedHealthcare Medicare
Overall Score4.8/5 ✓ Better4.7/5
Customer Satisfaction4.4/5 ✓ Better4.3/5
CMS Star Rating (2026)4.5 ★ ✓ Better4.0 ★
Avg MA Premium~$18/mo ✓ Cheaper~$22/mo
$0 Premium Plans Available✓ Many markets ✓ Better✓ Many markets
Max Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)~$5,500 ✓ Lower~$6,200
Network Size49 statesAll 50 states ✓ Better
Drug Coverage (Part D)✓ Included✓ Included
Dental Coverage✓ Comprehensive ✓ Better✓ Good
Vision Coverage✓ $200 allowance ✓ Better✓ $150 allowance
OTC Allowance✓ Up to $150/quarter ✓ Better✓ Up to $100/quarter
Telehealth✓ Available✓ Optum Virtual Care ✓ Better
Medigap Plans✓ Available✓ AARP-branded ✓ Better
AM Best RatingA- A ✓ Better
Best For#1 Medicare Advantage Medigap & Network
Pros & Cons

What Each Does Best

🏆 Humana Medicare

  • #1 nationally for Medicare Advantage — CMS 4.5 stars
  • Lower average premiums (~$4/mo less)
  • Lower max out-of-pocket (~$700 less)
  • More generous OTC allowance ($150/quarter vs $100)
  • Better dental and vision coverage ($200 vs $150)
  • Not available in Alaska (49 states only)
  • Lower AM Best financial rating (A- vs A)

UnitedHealthcare Medicare

  • Available in all 50 states — widest network
  • AARP-branded Medigap plans — trusted brand
  • Optum Virtual Care — best-in-class telehealth
  • Higher AM Best financial rating (A vs A-)
  • Higher average premiums (~$4/mo more)
  • Lower CMS star ratings (4.0 vs 4.5 stars)
  • Higher max out-of-pocket (~$700 more)

💡 TheOrtus Verdict: Humana Wins for Medicare Advantage, UHC for Medigap

Humana is the #1 Medicare Advantage insurer in the US — higher CMS star ratings, lower premiums, lower out-of-pocket maximums, and better dental/vision/OTC benefits. UnitedHealthcare wins if you need coverage in Alaska, want the AARP-branded Medigap supplements, or prefer Optum’s telehealth ecosystem. For most seniors enrolling in Medicare Advantage, Humana is our top recommendation.

Choose Humana if…

You want the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plans, lower costs, or better dental/vision/OTC benefits.

Choose UHC if…

You need Alaska coverage, prefer AARP Medigap supplements, or want Optum’s integrated telehealth and pharmacy network.

FAQs

Humana vs UnitedHealthcare Medicare

Which has better Medicare Advantage plans? +
Humana wins decisively for Medicare Advantage — their 2026 CMS star rating of 4.5 stars is significantly higher than UHC’s 4.0 stars. Humana also has lower average premiums, lower out-of-pocket maximums, and more generous OTC, dental, and vision benefits. If Medicare Advantage is your focus, Humana is the clear winner.
Which is better for Medigap (Medicare Supplement)? +
UnitedHealthcare wins for Medigap — their AARP-branded Medicare Supplement plans are widely considered the gold standard, with strong brand recognition, comprehensive plan options, and widespread acceptance. Humana offers Medigap but UHC’s AARP partnership makes their supplements the most trusted and widely available in the market.
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