Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can be overwhelming with so many options in 2025. Among the top choices are WellCare and Humana Gold Plus—both highly rated and widely available plans offering extensive benefits beyond Original Medicare. However, each caters to different needs depending on your health priorities, preferred doctors, and budget. This detailed comparison breaks down WellCare Medicare Advantage and Humana Gold Plus in terms of costs, coverage, provider networks, and overall value.
1. WellCare Medicare Advantage Plans (2025)
Overview
WellCare, a part of Centene Corporation, offers a variety of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans across most U.S. states. These include HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) designed to meet the needs of Medicare-eligible individuals, particularly those on a tight budget.
Plan Features
- $0 Premium Options: Many WellCare MA plans offer $0 monthly premiums.
- Low Prescription Drug Costs: Many WellCare plans include $0 copays for Tier 1 generics.
- Wide Plan Availability: Available in all 50 states, although plan details vary by zip code.
- Types of Plans Offered:
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan)
- C-SNP (Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan)
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
Extra Benefits
- Dental, vision, and hearing
- Transportation to doctor appointments
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) card for eligible items
- Fitness programs (SilverSneakers)
- Telehealth services
- Home-delivered meals (after inpatient stay)
Cost Snapshot
- Monthly Premium: $0 in many service areas
- Deductible: $0–$1,000 depending on service
- Max Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Generally $3,500–$6,700
- Drug Coverage: Included in most plans
Pros
- Affordable $0 premium plans available
- Expansive network in many urban areas
- Good for dual-eligible and low-income beneficiaries
Cons
- Varying plan quality across states
- Limited provider networks in some rural regions
- Lower CMS star ratings than some competitors
2. Humana Gold Plus Medicare Advantage (2025)
Overview
Humana Gold Plus is one of Humana’s flagship Medicare Advantage HMO plans. It is well known for strong provider networks, robust wellness benefits, and high CMS star ratings. Humana is one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers in the country.
Plan Features
- HMO Only: Requires members to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and get referrals for specialists.
- Broad State Availability: Humana Gold Plus is offered in over 30 states.
- Part D Included: Most Gold Plus plans include Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Extra Benefits
- Dental with coverage for crowns, dentures, and fillings
- Vision coverage, including eye exams and eyewear
- Hearing aids and routine hearing exams
- Telehealth with 24/7 virtual visits
- OTC benefit card (up to $100 per quarter)
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
- Healthy Foods Card (for D-SNP enrollees)
Cost Snapshot
- Monthly Premium: $0 in most counties
- Deductible: $0 for in-network services
- Max Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): Averages around $3,000–$5,000
- Drug Coverage: Excellent Tier 1–3 copay structure
Pros
- High CMS star ratings (often 4+ stars)
- Strong customer satisfaction
- Comprehensive dental and wellness coverage
- Extensive provider networks
Cons
- HMO-only model may restrict provider flexibility
- Requires referrals for specialty care
- Not available in every state
Comparison Table: WellCare vs. Humana Gold Plus
| Feature | WellCare Medicare Advantage | Humana Gold Plus Medicare Advantage |
| Plan Type | HMO, PPO, SNPs | HMO only |
| Availability | All 50 states | Available in 30+ states |
| Monthly Premium | $0 in many areas | $0 in most areas |
| Max Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) | $3,500–$6,700 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Prescription Drug Plan | Included in most plans | Included in most plans |
| Dental Coverage | Basic to moderate | Comprehensive, includes major services |
| OTC Benefits | Included, varies by state | Up to $100 per quarter |
| Transportation Services | Included in many plans | Often included |
| Telehealth Services | Available | 24/7 Virtual Visits |
| Fitness Program | SilverSneakers | SilverSneakers |
| CMS Star Rating | Typically 3.5 or lower | Often 4 or higher |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose WellCare if:
- You want $0 premium options and basic coverage
- You are eligible for Medicaid (D-SNP)
- You live in a region where WellCare has a strong provider network
- You prefer flexibility between HMO and PPO options
Choose Humana Gold Plus if:
- You value high-quality care and top-rated plans
- You want more comprehensive dental and wellness benefits
- You don’t mind using an HMO model with referrals
- You are looking for reliable customer service and a well-established brand
Both WellCare and Humana Gold Plus offer competitive Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, but the right choice depends on your personal needs, preferred providers, and available benefits in your area. While WellCare excels at offering low-cost coverage for dual-eligibles, Humana Gold Plus stands out with better ratings, service quality, and wellness support.
To make the best decision:
- Compare plans using the Medicare Plan Finder
- Check CMS Star Ratings
- Review in-network doctors and hospitals
- Consider the value of extra benefits like dental, vision, and transportation