Which is better, Humana or UnitedHealthcare AARP for Medicare Advantage?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your ZIP, doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Humana typically wins when Strong national MA network, generous extras (dental, vision, OTC, fitness via SilverSneakers), HMO + PPO availability in most states. UnitedHealthcare AARP typically wins when Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros. A free SilverEdge advisor consultation includes a real-time side-by-side comparison for your specific situation.

Does Humana or UnitedHealthcare AARP have a larger network?

Humana has approximately ~6.4 million Medicare Advantage members, and UnitedHealthcare AARP has approximately ~9.6 million. Network size varies dramatically by state and county. The right question is not 'who is bigger nationally' but 'who has my doctors and hospitals in-network in my ZIP'.

How do Humana and UnitedHealthcare AARP compare on CMS Star Ratings?

Both carriers have plans across multiple star ratings. Humana plans typically rate 4.0 stars; UnitedHealthcare AARP typically 4.0. Higher CMS Star Rating = better member outcomes + lower premiums. SilverEdge can identify the highest-rated plans available in your specific ZIP.

Can I switch between Humana and UnitedHealthcare AARP mid-year?

Yes, but only during specific windows. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) allows one plan switch per year. The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) lets you switch for the following plan year. Special Enrollment Periods (qualifying life events) may also allow mid-year switches.

Medicare carrier comparison · 2026 plan year

Humana vs UnitedHealthcare AARP: which Medicare plan wins?

A side-by-side look at how Humana and UnitedHealthcare AARP compare for 2026 Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D. Network size, star ratings, pharmacy preferred networks, and who each is genuinely the best fit for. Reviewed by licensed advisors who write these plans every day.

	Humana	UnitedHealthcare AARP
Headquartered	Louisville, Kentucky	Minnetonka, Minnesota
MA members (US)	~6.4 million	~9.6 million
Typical CMS Star Rating	4.0 stars	4.0 stars
Preferred pharmacy	Walmart preferred network for Part D — major savings if you fill at Walmart, Sam's Club, or mail-order via Humana Pharmacy.	Optum Rx preferred network with strong specialty pharmacy services. CVS and Walgreens both in preferred network in most plans.
Best for	Strong national MA network, generous extras (dental, vision, OTC, fitness via SilverSneakers), HMO + PPO availability in most states.	Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros.
Watch out for	PPO networks narrower than HMO in some markets. Some plans require referrals to specialists.	Higher Medigap premiums vs competitors in some states. AARP brand fee adds small overlay to pricing.
CMS reputation	Many MA plans rated 4.0-4.5 stars by CMS in 2025.	Strong CMS star ratings — many plans 4-5 stars. Highest member volume of any MA carrier.

Pick Humana when

Humana fits your life if…

Strong national MA network, generous extras (dental, vision, OTC, fitness via SilverSneakers), HMO + PPO availability in most states.
You fill prescriptions where Humana's preferred pharmacy network is convenient.
Your doctors and hospitals are confirmed in-network for Humana in your county.

Pick UnitedHealthcare AARP when

UnitedHealthcare AARP fits your life if…

Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros.
You fill prescriptions where UnitedHealthcare AARP's preferred pharmacy network is convenient.
Your doctors and hospitals are confirmed in-network for UnitedHealthcare AARP in your county.

The actual answer to "which is better"

Neither carrier is universally better. The right Medicare plan depends on three things: your doctors (must be in-network), your prescriptions (must be on the formulary at a manageable tier), and your total annual cost (premium + deductible + copays + max out-of-pocket). A licensed SilverEdge advisor compares both carriers — plus the 40+ other carriers in your county — on those three things in 15 minutes. Free.

Call (866) 534-1886 — free advisor comparison

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