What benefits does Humana offer for seniors?

For seniors navigating the complex world of healthcare, understanding options is crucial. A study found that seniors on certain plans gain access to numerous benefits beyond traditional Medicare. This guide explores exactly what benefits does Humana offer for seniors through its diverse plan options, helping you make an informed decision about your health.

Quick Summary

Humana provides seniors with comprehensive Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage options that cover essentials like dental, vision, and hearing, as well as wellness and financial allowances.

Key Points

• Extra Coverage: Humana Medicare Advantage plans often include routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage not found in Original Medicare.

• Wellness Focus: Programs like SilverSneakers and Go365 help seniors stay active, healthy, and can even offer rewards for wellness activities.

• Financial Support: Eligible members may receive allowances for groceries, over-the-counter items, and utilities through a Healthy Options card.

• Prescription Access: Most plans include prescription drug (Part D) coverage, while stand-alone Part D plans are also available.

• Specialized Care: Humana offers Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for those with chronic conditions and Medication Therapy Management for complex drug regimens.

• Convenient Assistance: Benefits can include post-hospital meal delivery, routine transportation, and access to personalized Care Managers.

Understanding Humana's Medicare Options for Seniors

Humana offers several types of Medicare plans to suit different needs and preferences among the senior population. The most common are Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which bundle all Original Medicare (Part A and B) coverage and often include extra benefits. For those who prefer to supplement Original Medicare, Humana also provides Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Lastly, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are available for those who only need drug coverage. The benefits received will depend on the specific plan chosen and the beneficiary's location.

Comprehensive Health Coverage Beyond Original Medicare

One of the most significant appeals of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans is the extra coverage they provide for services not covered by Original Medicare. These supplemental benefits are designed to support a senior's overall health and well-being.

• Dental Coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental benefits like cleanings, exams, and X-rays. More comprehensive plans may also cover major services such as fillings, crowns, and dentures, with benefits often increasing the longer you stay enrolled.
• Vision Coverage: Many plans offer routine vision benefits, including annual eye exams and an allowance for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This can help seniors maintain healthy vision without significant out-of-pocket costs.
• Hearing Coverage: Similar to dental and vision, routine hearing benefits are a common feature. This often includes annual hearing tests and an allowance toward the cost of hearing aids.
• Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage for prescription drugs, combining health and drug benefits into one plan. Humana also offers separate, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans for seniors who have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't include Part D.

Empowering Wellness and Active Lifestyles

Humana recognizes that health extends beyond doctor visits. The company offers several innovative programs to help seniors stay active and engaged.

• SilverSneakers® Fitness Program: Many Humana Medicare Advantage plans include a free SilverSneakers membership. This program provides access to thousands of participating fitness centers nationwide, along with virtual classes and on-demand video workouts designed for seniors.
• Go365® Wellness and Rewards Program: Go365 is a personalized wellness program that rewards members for completing healthy activities. Seniors can earn rewards by exercising, getting preventive care, or participating in other health-related activities, which can be redeemed for gift cards and more.
• Humana Neighborhood Center®: In some areas, seniors can visit a Humana Neighborhood Center for health education, social events, and help with navigating their plan benefits.

Financial Allowances and Additional Support

Beyond clinical benefits, Humana provides several features that can help seniors manage their finances and address daily living needs.

1. Healthy Options Allowance: Eligible members of certain Medicare Advantage plans can receive an allowance to use on a Humana Spending Account Card. This allowance can help pay for eligible groceries, over-the-counter health products, and even utilities or rent in some cases.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance: Many plans offer an allowance specifically for OTC products, such as pain relievers, vitamins, first-aid supplies, and more. This helps reduce the cost of everyday health necessities.
3. Well Dine® Post-Discharge Meals: After an overnight hospital or nursing facility stay, some members are eligible to receive a set number of nutritious meals delivered to their home at no extra cost.
4. Routine Transportation: Select plans offer a benefit for non-emergency transportation to plan-approved locations, such as doctor visits or the pharmacy.

Comparing Humana Medicare Advantage with Original Medicare

Benefit Area	Original Medicare	Humana Medicare Advantage (Commonly Offered)
Annual Eye Exam	Not Covered	Yes, typically with low to $0 copay
Dental Care	Not Covered (routine)	Yes, often including cleanings, X-rays, and fillings
Hearing Aids	Not Covered	Yes, typically includes an allowance for hearing aids
Fitness Membership	Not Covered	Yes, via SilverSneakers program
Prescription Drugs	Not Covered (requires Part D)	Yes, often included in the plan
OTC Allowance	Not Covered	Yes, provided on a spending card
Transportation	Not Covered	Yes, for non-emergency medical needs

Specialized Plans and Support Services

Humana also offers specialized plans and programs tailored to specific needs.

• Special Needs Plans (SNPs): These are designed for individuals with specific diseases or characteristics, such as those with chronic conditions or those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans often provide superior care coordination and specialized benefits.
• Medication Therapy Management (MTM): For qualifying members, this program offers a free, in-depth review of their medications with a pharmacist to ensure their regimen is safe and effective.
• Care Management: Some plans include access to a Care Manager who provides personalized support to help members navigate their health after an illness or injury.

Conclusion: Evaluating Your Options

Humana offers a robust suite of benefits for seniors that go far beyond the standard coverage provided by Original Medicare. These include valuable extras like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as proactive wellness initiatives and financial support programs. When evaluating your choices, consider your personal health needs, budget, and desired lifestyle benefits. Comparing different plan types and specific offerings is key to finding the Humana plan that best fits your situation.

For a deeper understanding of your general Medicare options and to compare plans, the official government Medicare website is an excellent resource: www.medicare.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Humana Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare and include extra benefits, often at a low or $0 monthly premium. Medigap, or Medicare Supplement, plans work alongside Original Medicare to help cover costs like copayments and deductibles but do not include extra benefits like dental or vision.

Does Humana's SilverSneakers program cost anything for seniors?

For most Humana Medicare Advantage plans that offer it, the SilverSneakers fitness program is included at no additional cost. It provides access to thousands of gyms and online classes.

How do I use the Healthy Options allowance offered by Humana?

The Healthy Options allowance is typically loaded onto a special Spending Account Card. You can use this card at participating retailers to purchase eligible items like groceries, OTC products, and household necessities.

Are dental and vision benefits automatically included with all Humana plans for seniors?

No, dental and vision benefits are usually included with Medicare Advantage plans, but not with Original Medicare or Medigap plans. The specific level of coverage depends on the particular Medicare Advantage plan you choose.

What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP) offered by Humana?

An SNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan for people with specific chronic health conditions, those who live in certain institutions, or those with dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility. These plans offer tailored benefits and care coordination.

Does Humana offer stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans?

Yes, Humana offers several stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) for seniors who have Original Medicare and want separate drug coverage. These plans come in different tiers, such as Value, Basic, and Premier.

Can I keep my current doctor with a Humana Medicare plan?

This depends on the type of Humana plan you choose. With a PPO plan, you can typically see doctors outside the network at a higher cost. With an HMO plan, you are generally required to see in-network providers, except in emergencies.