Company vs company · Hardin County, KY · 2027 plan year
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield vs Humana Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
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In most states, including Kentucky, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Kentucky can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later. Kentucky’s birthday rule helps only people who already have Medigap, not people who leave Medicare Advantage.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Hardin County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 42701 on Medicare.gov.
Original Medicare
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman here, so we cannot show this total yet. Enter your quote above to see it. Check Medigap prices on Medicare.gov
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
$6,395 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,785
- Drugs
- $2,096
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,664.
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
PPO from Humana
$5,195 a year
- Premiums
- $1,002
- Medical costs
- $2,490
- Drugs
- $1,703
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,852.
With these settings, Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) costs about $1,200 less a year than Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS).
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$0
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$0
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$45
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$40
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$50
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$45
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$0-$10
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$50-$490
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$50-$345
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$0-$700
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$780
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$130
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$115
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$115
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$30
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$35
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$40
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0-$300
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$0-$295
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$0-$450
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$450
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$260
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$350
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$325
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$325
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAnthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
$1,725
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationHumana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
$2,320
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$1,800
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS) | Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO) | Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $26.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $123 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $126 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $110 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $7,150 in network | $9,250 in network; $13,900 in and out of network | $9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network | $6,500 in network; $10,000 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $500 | $600 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0-$10 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50-$490 copayPrior authorization | $50-$345 copayPrior authorization | $0-$700 copayPrior authorization | $0-$780 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50-$130 copayPrior authorization | $90-$110 copayPrior authorization | $0-$100 copayPrior authorization | $0-$145 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $115 copay | $115 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copay | $35 copay | $40 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$490 copayPrior authorization | $0-$345 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization | $0-$295 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $260 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $345 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $580 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $360 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $205 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization | $30-$35 copayPrior authorization | $30-$40 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 15% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $687 with Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | $595 | $45 | $700 | No drug coverage |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 31% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 29% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 32% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 37% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Kentucky, 8 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $225.90 a month. Half of them cost $74.35 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in Hardin County
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- 6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $9,250
- Star ratings 3 to 4.5
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO) · $123 a month · limit $9,250
- Anthem Medicare Advantage 3 (PPO) · $70 a month · limit $5,900
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (PPO) · $41 a month · limit $9,250
- Anthem Veteran (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,250
- Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS) · $35 a month · limit $4,450
Humana
- 7 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 4 with a $0 premium; 3 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,400 to $9,850
- Star ratings 3.5 to 4.5
- Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $6,500
- HumanaChoice H5216-019 (PPO) · $34 a month · limit $6,800
- HumanaChoice H5216-188 (PPO) · $45 a month · limit $7,150
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,150
- HumanaChoice R0110-012 (Regional PPO) · $68 a month · limit $9,850
- HumanaChoice R0110-011 (Regional PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,400
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 23 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
Regional PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 23 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS) | Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO) | Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $500 a year | Comprehensive, up to $5,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $2,000 | Yes, up to $2,000 | Yes, copays from $575 | Yes, copays from $499 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $140 a year | No | $300 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | $126 a month | $110 a month |
What changed for 2027
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H9525-013-1
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,300 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $230 to $595
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $50-$450 copay to $50-$490 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$450 copay to $0-$490 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $450 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $1,500 to $1,000
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan R5941-016-0
- Monthly premium up from $97 to $123
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO)
Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H7617-005-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,150 to $9,850
- Medical deductible up from $100 to $600
- Drug deductible up from $350 to $700
- Part B giveback up from $75 to $126
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$780 copay to $0-$700 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$475 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $335 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $475 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $580 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $205 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $2,000 to $500
- Eyewear allowance down from $150 to $100
- OTC allowance removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5216-225-0
- Part B giveback up from $100 to $110
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$360 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $335 copay to $325 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
More 2027 plans in Hardin County
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS), H9730-009 (page for Jefferson County, KY)
- Wellcare Giveback (HMO-POS), H9730-007 (page for Jefferson County, KY)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plus (PPO), H5521-490 (page for Jefferson County, KY)
- Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO-POS), H0628-007 (page for Warren County, KY)
- Wellcare Simple Open (PPO), H3975-001 (page for Jefferson County, KY)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO), H5521-488 (page for Jefferson County, KY)
County guide: 2027 plans in Hardin CountyState guide: Kentucky
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. We do not have a Medigap price for Hardin County, KY. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 42701 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (Regional PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 42701 on Medicare.gov
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.