What went wrong with Humana?

Asked by: Kaylah Wiza II  |  Last update: March 6, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

Humana's stock dived when it announced a sharp decline in memberships for the top-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. There are serious concerns among investors that the company may not be as attractive an income investment play as it used to be. Humana earns revenue through healthcare services and health insurance.

Is Humana in trouble financially?

Humana shares, among the sector's most hard hit, have fallen nearly 44% so far this year, after the company withdrew its 2025 forecast previously, citing disappointing government Medicare reimbursement rates.

What went wrong at Humana?

Based on its own review, Humana claimed that the drop was due to “narrowly missing higher industry cut points on a small number of measures.” Cut points are part of the measurement process used to ultimately rank health plans at a certain star rating.

Is Humana insurance having problems?

Humana's plummeting stars continue a run of misfortune for the Kentucky-based payer. More so than most of its peers, Humana — the second-largest MA provider in the U.S. — has struggled to contain rising costs in MA and been forced to roll back its plan offerings in a bid to preserve profits.

Why did Humana lose star ratings?

More than one dozen of Humana's plans received lower stars because of the higher cut points, the payer said. Humana also accused the CMS of not giving the insurer a chance to verify regulators' calculations, in a break with historical norms.

Humana Benefits Card/ Expires12/31. Part2

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What is going on with Humana?

Humana has announced that it will be exiting the Employer Group Commercial Medical Products business, which includes all fully insured, self-funded and Federal Employee Health Benefit medical plans, as well as associated wellness and rewards programs. No other Humana health plan offerings are materially affected.

What is the downside of Humana?

High cost limits: Humana's average maximum out-of-pocket limit on plans is the highest of the major providers.

Why is Humana down so much?

Shares of Humana have sunk since the CMS rating came out last week, adding to a slump that began in January when the company first warned that higher medical costs and government regulations would hurt profits. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work.

What states is Humana pulling out of?

Similarly, because of CVS Health Aetna's moves, Humana now feels secure with losing 5% of its Medicare Advantage plan enrollees after it exits unprofitable markets, primarily in the Southeastern states of Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Illinois.

Why was Humana downgraded?

The ratings downgrade Humana Health of Puerto Rico Group and outlook revision to negative reflect its weakening risk-adjusted capitalization measures, driven by significant operating losses since 2023.

Is Humana deducted from Social Security?

For most people, paying the premium is simple. Your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit payment if you get benefits from 1 of these: Social Security.

What is the two midnight rule for Humana?

What is the two-midnight rule? The two-midnight rule, enacted in 2013, states that traditional Medicare must pay for an inpatient stay if admitting clinicians anticipate patients will remain in the hospital for at least “two midnights.” Beginning this year, Medicare Advantage insurers must also follow the rule.

Where does Humana rank in HealthCare?

Humana earned 3.9 stars for member experience and an overall rating of 4.3 stars. Based on the 2024 Medicare Advantage star ratings, Humana received the highest ranking for overall plan quality, member experience, and low premiums, a US News & World Report analysis shared.

What are the Humana allegations?

Whistleblower Steven Scott filed the lawsuit in 2016 alleging that Humana was inflating its costs in order to get a higher paying contract from the government, though the insurer was providing below the required level of coverage.

Which company has the best Medicare Advantage plan?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
  • Best Overall, Best for Low Costs: Cigna.
  • Also Great for Low Costs: Alignment Health.
  • Best for Nationwide Coverage: Aetna.
  • Best for Patient Experience, Best for Drug Coverage: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best for Special Needs Plans: Humana.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What insurances are not recommended?

15 Insurance Policies You Don't Need
  • Private Mortgage Insurance. ...
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  • Automobile Collision Insurance. ...
  • Rental Car Insurance. ...
  • Car Rental Damage Insurance. ...
  • Flight Insurance. ...
  • Water Line Coverage. ...
  • Life Insurance for Children.

What is the problem with Humana?

Like other health insurers, Humana has been battling with elevated costs due to higher demand for medical care, and lower-than-expected payments from the government for managing healthcare for these members.

Why is Humana crashing?

The company said the main reason for that drop is that the 2025 rating for its H5216 plan, which contains about 45% of Humana's MA membership, fell to 3.5 stars from 4.5 stars in 2024. The H5216 plan also includes more than 90% of its employer group waiver plan membership.

Is Walmart in network with Humana?

With your Humana Select Rx Network, your in-network retail pharmacies are Walmart, CVS (including Target locations), HEB and Publix. The Walmart network of stores includes Walmart, Sam's Club, Neighborhood Market and Walmart Express. Many CVS locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How much does Humana cost per month for seniors?

Premiums for Humana's plans start at $0 per month in addition to your Medicare Part B premium. In 2024, the standard part B premium amount is $174.70, but this number can go all the way up to $594 per month for high-earning seniors3.

Is Humana insurance in financial trouble?

Analysts expect Humana's earnings to drop 38% in 2024, to $16.18 per share from $26.09 in 2023, according to FactSet. Analysts had been anticipating a recovery in 2026, with earnings climbing back to $25.77 per share.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.