Humana’s 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans with Expanded Benefits and Simplified Coverage

Humana released its 2026 Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan offerings yesterday, alongside some big players such as SCAN Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, and CVS Health’s Aetna. Humana is transitioning to a simple plan design, stable benefits and expanded access to preventive care and wellness programs for its 5.8 million members enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

These updates aim to provide members with predictable costs and easier-to-understand coverage as Medicare beneficiaries prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period from October 15 through December 7, 2025.

Humana announces its 2026 Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, focusing on stable benefits, preventive care and enhanced member support. © Bendix - stock.adobe.com

In the announcement, George Renaudin, president of insurance at Humana, shared the updates are catered to consumers’ needs.

“Our 2026 plans reflect valuable feedback from Humana members and a sustained commitment to supporting the health and independence of our members,” Renaudin said.

The new efforts will include more than 80% of Humana Medicare Advantage members who will be in plans with stable benefits for 2026, which include preventive and diagnostic screenings for breast cancer, colon cancer and bone density at no additional cost.

Every plan also provides dental, vision and hearing benefits, a level of coverage not typically provided under traditional Medicare. In addition, most non-special needs Medicare Advantage plans will feature $0 copays for preventive services, covered dental care and in-network primary care visits, along with $0 copays on Tier 1 prescriptions.

Additionally, Humana’s Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), available for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, will also provide $0 copays for preventive services, vaccinations and hundreds of prescriptions. Many D-SNPs will include a Healthy Options Allowance to help members cover over-the-counter items, while care management programs will offer extra support for chronic conditions.

SNPs continue to grow in importance.

According to a recent KFF report, SNPs now account for 21% of Medicare Advantage enrollment, with chronic condition SNPs driving most of the growth. Larger plans, including Humana and UnitedHealth, account for more than half of all SNP enrollments.

Regulatory changes affecting D-SNP integration and look-alike thresholds are also shaping how plans are offered and creating opportunities for C-SNPs to reach beneficiaries with chronic conditions, which aligns with Humana’s strategy to provide more targeted, coordinated support for members with chronic needs.

In addition, Humana is expanding value-based care programs to help members with musculoskeletal conditions, which are among the most expensive chronic health issues in the U.S. Partnerships with Vori Health, HOPCo and the TailorCare program are also providing personalized care navigation, education and digital support.

These programs help members manage conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and back pain while reducing invasive procedures, reflecting a larger industry shift toward prevention and whole-person care.

Prescription drug coverage also remains a key focus for 2026.

In fact, about 83% of Humana’s stand-alone prescription drug plans will have lower premiums, with a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap set by CMS. Options include budget-friendly, generic-focused and broad-formulary plans, many with $0 generic copays, select no-deductible tiers and nationwide pharmacy access, according to the company.

These updates respond to changes created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which introduced a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D prescriptions. Recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that some insurers, including Humana, increased deductibles and coinsurance in 2025 to adjust to the new rules, which may raise costs for beneficiaries who do not reach the cap.

Humana’s focus on stability and predictable coverage can help members navigate these changes during open enrollment.

Humana also shared it will offer Medicare Advantage coverage in 46 states and Washington, D.C., as well as new plans in four states. The company is expanding SNPs, including D-SNPs in Illinois and Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) in Idaho, Maine and New Jersey, as well.

Certain non-special needs plans in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia will offer additional benefits for members with end-stage renal disease or chronic kidney condition, including $0 or low-cost dialysis visits, care coordination, and transportation support.

Beyond medical and prescription coverage, members can also access Go365, a wellness program that rewards preventive actions and encourages proactive management of chronic conditions.

All Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan members have the option to use CenterWell Pharmacy, Humana’s home delivery service, providing safe and timely delivery for prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Humana’s new benefits will cover more than 8.2 million people, including 5.8 million enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The 2026 offerings aim to help members maintain independence while navigating an evolving healthcare landscape.