7 tips for selecting a health plan

Consider these questions when you think about the kind of healthcare plan you want:

• Do you have one or more chronic conditions? If so, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan that could give you access to additional health coverage and benefits that could help you better manage your condition(s). Having access to a network of doctors that include a value-based provider in your Medicare Advantage plan could give you even more support. 
• How often will you need to go to the doctor? Check before you sign up for a plan where your PCP is in network. If you see your PCP regularly, you may want to select a Medicare Advantage that offers a $0 PCP copay. If you struggle getting to and from the doctor, look for a plan that offers transportation benefits. Some value-based providers offer transportation services as well.
• Are you anticipating any surgeries or procedures? You may want to opt for a Medicare Advantage plan that limits your out-of-pocket costs for covered medical services. 

Figure out what you’re currently paying for health insurance premiums, copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses including prescription drug costs and over-the-counter products and supplies. Are these costs affordable? If not, try to figure out what dollar amount would be more affordable.

If you’re struggling to pay Medicare costs, you may be eligible for additional government programs. For example, if prescription drug costs are posing a problem, you may be eligible for Medicare Part D program’s Low-Income Subsidy or Extra Help program. A Medicare Advantage plan could also help with low-cost to zero-dollar premiums, copays and limits on maximum out-of-pocket for covered medical services. Providers can also review your medications and may suggest lower-cost generics to help you save.

Whole-person health means looking at more than just your body—it’s about your physical, mental and social needs and how they all work together. For example, healthy eyes help you stay independent and do everyday things like reading, cooking or driving. Strong teeth give you a confident smile, let you eat the foods you enjoy and even help you speak clearly. If you’re managing a chronic condition, the right medicines can be life changing.

That’s why choosing a health plan that cares for the whole you is so important—body, mind, eyes, mouth, prescriptions, environment, everything that shapes your well-being. A Medicare Advantage plan is designed to support your whole-person health with coverage that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle. Plus, value-based care providers may help you get even more from your plan, offering services like support for chronic conditions and connections to additional care and community resources.

Original Medicare allows you the freedom to see any provider or facility enrolled in Medicare whereas a Medicare Advantage plan typically offers a network of providers. You’ll want to choose a plan that works for you and also gives you access to providers who can give you the right care for your needs.

At Humana*, 70% of our Medicare Advantage members receive care from doctors who offer value-based care.¹ Value-based care compensates doctors based on overall patient outcomes rather than the number of visits, tests or procedures they perform. According to our 2024 Value-based Care Report, members seeing value-based providers receive more preventive screenings, allowing health issues to get caught sooner.1 The report shows that Humana patients in value-based care had 32% fewer hospital stays than people on Original Medicare and 11% fewer ER visits than those in Medicare Advantage without value-based care.¹

Knowing you can trust your healthcare insurance carrier is important. Humana has decades of experience serving Medicare beneficiaries, with approximately 8.51 million Medicare members—including approximately 6.21 million enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA). We’re focused on offering flexible, affordable and high-quality care options to fit different budgets and lifestyles.²

Quality of care also applies to providers and hospitals. Learn more about PCP quality of care here. Humana’s Find Care tool with Care Highlight^® ratings can help you find a doctor who meets your needs. Look for the green hearts and badges to find in-network doctors, including many providers that may meet care quality and cost-efficiency ratings. You may want to explore selecting a value-based care provider to address your health needs. Learn more about value-based care here.

About 89% of adults aged 65 and older have taken prescription medicine over the last year. And about a quarter of adults age 65-plus report difficulty in affording their prescription drugs.3

A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage can help cover drug costs through its network of pharmacies, including preferred cost sharing at select pharmacies. It’s important to also talk to your doctor about the different medications and quantities you’re taking. A provider may be able to help you reduce the amount of medication you’re on or help you manage those medicines more effectively.

Original Medicare lets you see any doctor or facility enrolled in Medicare nationwide. If you travel frequently or split your time between multiple places throughout the year, you might want to consider a Medicare Advantage PPO plan with a travel benefit that offers in-network coverage across the nation.