When it comes to Medicare Advantage (Part C) in 2025, two highly searched and top-rated plans are the Humana Gold Plus and the Aetna Medicare Premier Plan. Both offer comprehensive benefits, low premiums, and prescription drug coverage, but they differ in network structure, availability, supplemental benefits, and out-of-pocket costs.
In this article, we compare Humana Gold Plus vs Aetna Medicare Premier Plan across key factors like plan type, drug coverage, benefits, provider access, and Star Ratings, helping you make the right choice for your Medicare coverage in 2025.
Quick Snapshot
| Feature | Humana Gold Plus | Aetna Medicare Premier Plan |
| Plan Type | HMO | PPO (also available in HMO form) |
| Monthly Premium | $0 in most areas | $0 in many areas |
| Part D Included | Yes (MAPD) | Yes (MAPD) |
| Referral Needed? | Yes (for most specialists) | No (PPO version); Yes (HMO version) |
| Out-of-Network Coverage | No (HMO), except emergencies | Yes (PPO version only) |
| Availability | 48+ states | 45+ states |
| CMS Star Rating (2024) | 4.0 – 4.5 stars | 4.0 – 4.5 stars |
Plan Structure & Network Access
Humana Gold Plus (HMO)
- Requires selection of a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
- Referrals required to see most specialists
- Must stay in-network for non-emergency care
- Designed for cost savings through coordinated care
Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (PPO)
- More flexible plan that allows out-of-network coverage
- No referrals needed for specialists (in PPO version)
- Members can see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the plan
- Offers PPO or HMO format, depending on your ZIP code
Verdict: If you value flexibility and nationwide access, the Aetna Medicare Premier PPO may be the better option. If you prefer lower costs with coordinated care, Humana Gold Plus HMO is ideal.
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
| Feature | Humana Gold Plus | Aetna Medicare Premier Plan |
| Included in Plan | Yes – MAPD | Yes – MAPD |
| Preferred Pharmacies | Walmart, Kroger, Publix, etc. | CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, etc. |
| $0 Tier 1 Generics | Often included | Often included |
| Mail-Order Option | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: Both plans offer comparable drug benefits with competitive pharmacy networks and low-cost generic drugs. Aetna may offer a slight edge if you prefer CVS Pharmacy integration.
Extra Benefits & Supplemental Features
| Benefit | Humana Gold Plus | Aetna Medicare Premier Plan |
| Dental Coverage | Yes – routine & comprehensive | Yes – often more robust in PPO version |
| Vision & Hearing | Yes – exams & allowances | Yes – included with exam and hearing aid coverage |
| OTC Allowance | Yes – prepaid quarterly card | Yes – prepaid card for OTC items |
| Grocery/Food Allowance | Available in select D-SNP plans | Available in select regions |
| Fitness Benefit | SilverSneakers® | SilverSneakers® or Renew Active (varies) |
| Telehealth | Yes – 24/7 virtual care included | Yes – 24/7 virtual and chronic care |
Verdict: Both plans offer competitive supplemental benefits, but Aetna Premier PPO plans may include slightly higher dental allowances and broader access to OTC/grocery benefits in some regions.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Cost Element | Humana Gold Plus (HMO) | Aetna Medicare Premier (PPO) |
| Monthly Premium | $0 – varies by ZIP code | $0 – varies by ZIP code |
| Primary Care Copay | $0 – $10 | $0 – $25 (in-network) |
| Specialist Copay | $20 – $40 (referral needed) | $30 – $50 (no referral needed) |
| Out-of-Network Copays | Not covered (HMO) | 40–50% coinsurance (PPO) |
| Max Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) | $3,500 – $7,550 (in-network only) | $4,500 – $8,300 (combined in/out) |
Verdict: Humana Gold Plus HMO plans often have lower out-of-pocket limits, but Aetna PPO plans provide more flexibility at a slightly higher cost.
CMS Star Ratings (2024–2025)
- Humana Gold Plus: Many plans rated 4.0 to 4.5 stars
- Aetna Medicare Premier Plan: Most plans rated 4.0 to 4.5 stars
- Both carriers are consistently recognized for quality of care, customer satisfaction, and member experience
Pros and Cons Summary
Humana Gold Plus
Pros:
- $0 premiums in most areas
- Coordinated care with primary doctor
- Lower out-of-pocket limits
- Strong prescription and preventive benefits
Cons:
- Requires referrals
- No out-of-network flexibility
Aetna Medicare Premier Plan
Pros:
- PPO option offers nationwide access
- No referrals needed
- Generous dental/vision/OTC in many plans
- Strong pharmacy integration with CVS
Cons:
- Slightly higher costs for out-of-network care
- PPO not available in all ZIP codes
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Humana Gold Plus if:
- You want a low-cost HMO with coordinated care
- You don’t mind staying in-network
- You prefer referral-based specialist access
- You want a well-established SilverSneakers fitness program
Choose Aetna Medicare Premier Plan if:
- You want the freedom to see any doctor
- You value no-referral specialist visits
- You travel or live in multiple states
- You want enhanced dental and OTC benefits
Both Humana Gold Plus and Aetna Medicare Premier are excellent Medicare Advantage options for 2025. Your decision should be based on:
- Where you live
- How often you need specialist care
- Whether you prefer lower costs (HMO) or greater freedom (PPO)
Visit Medicare.gov or the carriers’ official websites to:
- Compare plan options in your ZIP code
- Check if your doctors and prescriptions are covered
- Review Star Ratings and benefit summaries for each plan