Exclusive: How Humana inflates benefits of Medicare Advantage for seniors

A STAT investigation reveals the insurance giant is skewing the debate over how to care for older Americans.

Log In    Subscribe A STAT Investigation   Data on Humana's clinics looked dismal. Then its corporate research machine got to work By Casey Ross and Tara Bannow Mike Reddy for STAT Humana executives told investors that the company's primary care clinics were generating extraordinary medical benefits for older Americans. However, that message sharply conflicted with the company's own internal research, a STAT investigation has found.   The company kept that disappointing data quiet. Then, Humana's research team figured out how to use it to tell a more positive story, including through a $3 million Harvard partnership.   These distortions carry real-world consequences for older adults and taxpayers who fund the $550 billion Medicare Advantage program, as well as for health care investors. READ MORE Sign up for Health Care Inc. Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry. Learn more. In Case You Missed It Inside the research machine that helps UnitedHealth protect its Medicare profits By Casey Ross, Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, and Lizzy Lawrence How RFK Jr., America's celebrity health secretary, is steamrolling science By Chelsea Cirruzzo, Casey Ross, and Sarah Todd Hospitals get dinged for reporting too many infections. In some cases, the solution is not to test By Tara Bannow American Science, Shattered: disrupted labs, upended lives, and delayed discoveries By STAT staff Don't miss out on another STAT investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us