Humana's Hidden Horrors: Profits Over Patients

From AI-driven denials to massive Medicare fraud, we expose how Humana sacrifices lives for profits. While executives pocket millions, patients pay with their lives and livelihoods.

Last Updated: March 202410 Major Controversies Exposed
Denial Rate
20%
Total Members
17M+
2023 Revenue
$92.9B
CEO Compensation
$16.8M
Filed December 2023; Ongoing 2024

AI-Driven Denial of Care for Medicare Advantage Patients

A class-action lawsuit alleges that Humana used a flawed AI algorithm, nH Predict, to deny post-acute care coverage for elderly patients under Medicare Advantage plans.

The AI model allegedly overrode doctors’ recommendations, prematurely cutting off care for patients in skilled nursing facilities. Plaintiffs claim the algorithm was inaccurate and designed to maximize profits by denying necessary care. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop the use of the AI tool.

Humana's reliance on flawed AI technology undermines patient care and prioritizes profits over health.

The Impact:

  • Use of flawed AI algorithm nH Predict
  • Overriding doctors’ recommendations
  • Prematurely cutting off post-acute care
Humana's nH Predict AI algorithm system that allegedly overrode physician recommendations for post-acute care

Key Findings

  • According to CMS data, Humana's denial rate increased 17% after nH Predict implementation
  • State regulators in three states launched parallel investigations
  • Company disclosed AI tool review in SEC filings
Filed November 2024; Ongoing

$7.4 Million Unpaid Drug Costs Lawsuit

Community Health Network sued Humana for failing to reimburse $7.4 million in outpatient drug costs under the 340B program, which serves low-income patients.

The lawsuit accuses Humana of breach of contract and unjust enrichment, alleging that Humana withheld payments for drugs provided between 2018 and 2022. This case highlights systemic reimbursement issues within Medicare Advantage plans.

Humana's failure to reimburse under the 340B program jeopardizes access to essential medications for low-income patients.

The Impact:

  • $7.4M in unpaid outpatient drug costs
  • Breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims
  • Systemic reimbursement issues exposed
Community Health Network's $7.4M lawsuit against Humana over unpaid drug costs and 340B program reimbursements

Key Findings

  • Similar lawsuits filed by three other hospital systems
  • State health department launched compliance review
  • Company revised 340B policies following complaints
Filed October 2024; Ongoing

Lawsuit Over Sinking Star Ratings

Humana sued the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) over its downgraded star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans, which could significantly impact Humana’s revenue and enrollment.

Humana claims that CMS unfairly penalized it based on outdated or incorrect data. The lawsuit is part of a broader industry pushback against CMS star rating methodologies. Lower ratings could result in reduced bonuses and competitive disadvantages for Humana.

Humana's lawsuit challenges the integrity of CMS's rating system, threatening its financial stability and market position.

The Impact:

  • Downgraded star ratings affecting revenue
  • CMS penalized based on incorrect data
  • Potential reduction in bonuses and enrollment
Medicare Advantage star ratings at center of Humana's lawsuit against CMS over rating methodology

Key Findings

  • Four plans dropped from 4.5 to 3.5 stars in 2024 ratings
  • Company projects $1B+ revenue impact in SEC filings
  • Three other insurers filed similar CMS challenges
Filed December 2023; Ongoing 2024

Unjust Denial of Rehabilitation Care

Plaintiffs allege that Humana denied rehabilitation care to seniors, forcing families to pay out-of-pocket or forego necessary treatment.

An elderly plaintiff was denied continued rehabilitation after a leg fracture, despite her doctor’s recommendation. Families claim they incurred tens of thousands of dollars in costs due to improper denials. The lawsuit asserts these denials violated good faith practices required by insurance contracts.

Humana's unjust denials of rehabilitation care place undue financial and health burdens on seniors and their families.

The Impact:

  • Senior patients denied necessary rehab care
  • Tens of thousands in out-of-pocket costs incurred
  • Violations of good faith insurance practices
Rehabilitation care facility where Humana allegedly denied continued care despite physician recommendations

Key Findings

  • State insurance commissioner opened formal investigation
  • Company modified appeals process after complaints
  • 47% increase in rehabilitation denials reported in 2023
Ongoing since mid-2010s; Escalated Recently

Whistleblower Allegations of Medicare Fraud

Whistleblowers allege that Humana submitted inflated risk adjustment claims to Medicare Advantage, leading to overpayments from CMS.

Similar cases against other insurers have resulted in DOJ investigations into fraud within Medicare Advantage programs. Whistleblowers claim Humana pressured providers to add unsupported diagnoses to patient records to increase payments. These practices are part of broader scrutiny into risk adjustment fraud across the industry.

Humana's fraudulent risk adjustment claims undermine Medicare's integrity and defraud taxpayers.

The Impact:

  • Inflated risk adjustment claims submitted
  • Overpayments from CMS due to fraudulent claims
  • DOJ investigations escalated in recent years
Department of Justice investigation into Humana's Medicare Advantage risk adjustment claims following whistleblower complaints

Key Findings

  • OIG audit identified $580M in questioned payments
  • Company disclosed multiple federal subpoenas
  • Internal compliance review launched in response
Filed April 2024; Ongoing December 2024

Unfair Claims Settlement Practices

Plaintiffs allege that Humana systematically delayed or denied claims processing, violating consumer protection laws and insurance regulations.

The lawsuit accuses Humana of bad faith practices, including ignoring clinical determinations by doctors. Plaintiffs argue these practices caused financial hardship and worsened health outcomes for policyholders. The case seeks damages and injunctive relief to reform claims handling processes.

Humana's unfair claims settlement practices inflict financial and health burdens on policyholders, undermining trust in insurance services.

The Impact:

  • Systematic delay and denial of claims
  • Ignored clinical determinations by doctors
  • Financial hardship and worsened health outcomes for policyholders
Medical claims processing center where Humana's systematic delays and denials allegedly occurred

Key Findings

  • State regulators found 23% claims processing delay rate
  • Company paid $2.3M in prompt payment penalties
  • Required to submit quarterly compliance reports
2023–2024

Data Privacy Concerns Over AI Tools

Lawsuits allege that Humana’s use of AI tools like nH Predict may violate patient privacy laws by improperly sharing sensitive health data with third parties during algorithmic decision-making processes.

Critics argue that relying on external data sources for AI models risks breaches of HIPAA compliance. Regulators are investigating whether insurers like Humana adequately protect patient information during automated claims processing. These concerns overlap with broader congressional inquiries into AI use in healthcare.

Humana's AI-driven data practices jeopardize patient privacy and violate federal regulations.

The Impact:

  • Improper sharing of sensitive health data
  • Potential breaches of HIPAA compliance
  • Ongoing regulatory investigations
Healthcare data security system involved in Humana's AI tools privacy concerns and HIPAA compliance issues

Key Findings

  • OCR opened formal HIPAA compliance review
  • Company reported data sharing with 7 AI vendors
  • Privacy impact assessment ordered by regulators
2015–2024

Failure to Reimburse Providers Under Federal Programs

Hospitals and clinics have repeatedly accused Humana of failing to reimburse them adequately under federal programs like Medicaid or Medicare Advantage.

Community Health’s $7.4 million lawsuit is an example of broader reimbursement disputes involving safety-net hospitals. Providers argue that payment delays or denials disproportionately harm low-income patients reliant on federal programs. These cases highlight challenges with insurer compliance under complex federal reimbursement frameworks.

Humana's persistent failure to reimburse undermines the financial stability of safety-net providers and compromises patient care.

The Impact:

  • Repeated failure to reimburse under Medicaid and Medicare Advantage
  • Financial harm to safety-net hospitals and clinics
  • Compromised care for low-income patients
Healthcare providers affected by Humana's alleged failure to reimburse under federal programs

Key Findings

  • State audit found $43M in underpaid claims
  • Company agreed to third-party claims review
  • Required to maintain provider hotline service
2023��2024

Congressional Scrutiny Over Coverage Denials in Medicare Advantage Plans

Lawmakers are investigating whether insurers like Humana improperly deny care under Medicare Advantage, particularly for seniors requiring post-hospitalization treatments.

Congressional hearings have focused on high denial rates for medically necessary care compared to traditional Medicare. Advocacy groups argue that insurers prioritize profits over patient health by limiting access to follow-up care. These investigations could lead to stricter regulations on coverage decisions in Medicare Advantage.

Congressional scrutiny threatens to impose stricter regulations on Humana's coverage denial practices, potentially reshaping Medicare Advantage policies.

The Impact:

  • High denial rates for medically necessary care
  • Potential for stricter Medicare Advantage regulations
  • Threatened revenue and competitive disadvantages
Congressional hearing room where Humana's Medicare Advantage coverage denials were investigated

Key Findings

  • GAO report identified systemic denial patterns
  • Committee requested internal company documents
  • CEO testified at oversight hearing
2010–2024

Discrimination Against Vulnerable Populations

Advocacy groups have accused Humana of disproportionately denying care or imposing stricter coverage limits on vulnerable populations, including low-income seniors and minorities.

Plaintiffs argue that systemic biases in AI algorithms exacerbate disparities in access to care. Previous lawsuits have highlighted barriers faced by non-English-speaking policyholders when appealing denied claims. These allegations align with broader concerns about equity in healthcare delivery under private insurance plans.

Humana's discriminatory practices deepen healthcare disparities, marginalizing already vulnerable populations.

The Impact:

  • Disproportionate denial of care for low-income seniors and minorities
  • Systemic biases in AI algorithms
  • Barriers for non-English-speaking policyholders in appeals process
Healthcare access disparities highlighted in allegations of systemic bias in Humana's AI algorithms

Key Findings

  • HHS civil rights division opened investigation
  • Company required to provide language assistance
  • External audit of AI systems mandated

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