Humana vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield

Humana and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), sometimes abbreviated as BCBS, are two of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S.

The differences between these industry leaders may be difficult to recognize, but we’ve done our best to highlight the comparisons between Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Medicare plans they offer.

Humana is one of the most popular insurance companies in the country. Nearly 1 out of every 5 Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan beneficiaries is enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is part of the Anthem family of brands which operates under different names according to the state or region where the company does business.

For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers Medicare plans in the state of Arizona, but plans might be offered by Florida Blue in Florida or by other names depending on where you live. You may even see names like “Simply” "Wellpoint” and other names associated with the Anthem brand, depending on where you live.

Humana vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield: Types of Insurance Plans Offered

Both companies sell a variety of Medicare insurance plans, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans in certain parts of the country.

One primary difference is that Blue Cross Blue Shield also provides individual insurance plans outside of the types of Medicare plans listed above, while Humana doesn't offer some of the same individual non-Medicare plans.

Humana vs. BCBS Areas Served

Both companies have near-nationwide service areas. Humana has a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its Medicare Advantage plans were sold in 2,906 U.S. counties in 2024.

Through its various regional affiliate companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield offered Medicare Advantage plans in 2,604 counties in 2024.  

Medicare Star Ratings

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Stars are used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to indicate various measures of plan quality, with five stars being the highest score.

94% of Humana Medicare Advantage plan members were enrolled in a plan rated four stars or higher in 2024.

Customer Experience

Neither Blue Cross Blue Shield nor Humana take any shortcuts when it comes to the customer experience. Both companies allow anyone to look up participating providers online, and members can log into an online portal to perform a variety of tasks related to their benefits.

Both companies have mobile apps for more streamlined access along with phone, email and social media support. Each customer experience may be slightly different with Blue Cross Blue Shield, however, as each affiliate company has its own member portal. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. Humana: The Verdict

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana are two of the largest health insurance carriers in the U.S., offering a robust portfolio of plans in nearly every region of the country that are accepted by large networks of doctors and pharmacies.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has 35 independent and locally operated affiliate companies, so not every customer experience will be the same.

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