Humana Gold Plus is a Medicare Advantage (Part C) HMO plan offered by Humana Inc.. It combines:
- Medicare Part A (hospital)
- Medicare Part B (medical)
- Usually Part D (prescription drugs)
- Extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare
It’s mainly designed for seniors who want low premiums and coordinated care through a network of providers.
Key Features of Humana Gold Plus
1. HMO Plan Structure
- Must use in-network doctors and hospitals
- Primary care physician (PCP) required
- Referrals needed for specialists (usually)
- Emergency care covered anywhere
👉 This keeps costs lower but limits flexibility.
2. Prescription Drug Coverage (Usually Included)
Most Gold Plus plans include:
- Tiered drug pricing
- Mail-order pharmacy options
- Preferred pharmacy discounts
(Some plans may vary by state.)
3. Extra Benefits (Beyond Medicare)
Many Humana Gold Plus plans offer:
- Dental coverage
- Vision exams and glasses
- Hearing exams and aids
- Fitness programs
- Telehealth services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Over-the-counter health allowances
These extras are why many seniors choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare.
4. Costs (Typical Range)
Costs vary by location, but generally:
- Monthly premium: $0–$50 (many $0 plans)
- Primary care visits: Low copay
- Specialist visits: Higher copay
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum: Required limit (protects spending)
You must still pay the Medicare Part B premium.
Pros of Humana Gold Plus
✅ Very low or $0 monthly premiums
✅ Extra benefits not included in Original Medicare
✅ Built-in prescription drug coverage
✅ Preventive care coverage
✅ Spending cap protection
✅ Coordinated care through PCP
Many users choose it mainly for affordability + extra benefits.
Cons of Humana Gold Plus
❌ Limited provider network
❌ Referrals needed for specialists
❌ Not ideal for frequent travelers
❌ Coverage varies heavily by region
❌ Prior authorization may be required for some procedures
HMO structure is the biggest downside for people who want flexibility.
Who Should Choose Humana Gold Plus?
Best For:
✔ Budget-conscious seniors
✔ People comfortable using network providers
✔ Those wanting dental/vision benefits included
✔ Individuals who prefer coordinated care
Not Ideal For:
✘ People who travel often
✘ Those wanting nationwide doctor choice
✘ Patients needing specialized care outside networks
Customer Satisfaction & Ratings
Humana Medicare Advantage plans typically receive:
- Strong Medicare star ratings (varies by region)
- Good preventive care programs
- Competitive pricing vs other insurers
However, like most HMOs, complaints often involve:
- Network restrictions
- Authorization delays
- Coverage approvals
Humana Gold Plus vs Original Medicare
| Feature | Humana Gold Plus | Original Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Often $0 | Part B premium required |
| Doctor Choice | Network only | Nationwide |
| Drug Coverage | Usually included | Must buy separately |
| Extra Benefits | Yes | No |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit | Yes | No |
Final Verdict
Humana Gold Plus is one of the strongest low-cost Medicare Advantage options, especially for seniors who want:
- predictable healthcare costs
- extra benefits
- simple coverage management
But the network restrictions and referral requirements make it less suitable for people needing maximum flexibility.
⭐ Overall rating: 4.2 / 5 (strong value, limited flexibility)