Have you ever checked your credit card statement and spotted a mysterious HGB Prime charge on credit card followed by some numbers and “KY”? It can be confusing at first.
You might wonder if it’s a scam or something you forgot about. Don’t worry. We’ll break it down step by step. We’ll explain what this charge means, why it shows up, and what you can do about it.
Understanding the HGB Prime Charge
The HGB Prime charge is not a random fee. HGB stands for Humana Government Business. This is a part of Humana, a big health insurance company.
They handle payments for TRICARE, which is health coverage for U.S. military members, retirees, and their families.
The “Prime” part refers to TRICARE Prime. This is a specific health plan under TRICARE.
If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime, this charge is likely your enrollment fee or premium payment. It often appears as “HGB PRIME 800-4445445 KY” on statements.
The “KY” means Louisville, Kentucky, where Humana processes these payments.
Many people see this charge and think it’s fraud. But in most cases, it’s legit. It’s just how Humana bills for TRICARE services.
What Is TRICARE Prime?
TRICARE Prime is a managed care health plan. It’s like an HMO for military families.
You get a primary care manager who coordinates your care. This plan is available in certain areas called Prime Service Areas.
Who can use it? Active duty service members must enroll in TRICARE Prime.
Their families can too. Retirees under age 65 and their families qualify as well. It’s designed to keep costs low and care organized.
Benefits include no out-of-pocket costs for preventive care. You pay fixed fees for other services. But there are enrollment fees for some groups.
If you’re new to military benefits, TRICARE Prime helps you get doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions covered.
Why Does This Charge Appear on My Statement?
This charge pops up for a few reasons. First, if you signed up for TRICARE Prime, Humana charges your card for the enrollment fee. They might bill monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Second, it could be a renewal. Enrollment fees adjust each year on January 1. So, you might see a charge around that time.
Third, if you set up automatic payments, the charge happens regularly. Humana uses your credit or debit card details to pull the funds.
Sometimes, it’s for back payments. If there’s a delay in setup, they might charge up to three months at once.
If you’re a sponsor or family member in the military system, check your DEERS record. That’s the database that tracks eligibility.
Is the HGB Prime Charge Legitimate?
Yes, it’s usually legitimate. Humana is the contractor for TRICARE East region. They process billions in payments each year. The charge comes from their office in Louisville.
But always double-check. Scams happen.
Look for these signs of a real charge:
- The amount matches TRICARE fees.
- The phone number is 800-444-5445.
- It says “KY” for Kentucky.
If it doesn’t match, it could be a mistake or fraud.
To verify, call Humana Military at 800-444-5445. They can confirm the charge.
How Much Is the TRICARE Prime Enrollment Fee in 2025?
Fees vary by group. Group A is for sponsors who entered service before January 1, 2018. Group B is for those who entered on or after that date.
Active duty families pay no enrollment fee. Retirees do.
Here’s a simple table with 2025 annual fees:
| Beneficiary Group | Individual Annual Fee | Family Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Group A Retirees | $372 | $744 |
| Group B Retirees | $450 | $901 |
These fees increase each year based on cost-of-living adjustments. You can pay quarterly too. For Group A, that’s about $93 individual or $186 family per quarter.
Check the official TRICARE site for your exact amount. It depends on your status.
Payment Options for TRICARE Prime
You have choices on how to pay. Humana makes it easy.
- Allotment: If you’re active duty or retired, deduct from your pay.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): Pull from your bank account automatically.
- Credit or Debit Card: Pay online, by phone, or mail. This is where the HGB Prime charge comes in.
Set up recurring payments to avoid late fees. If you miss payments, you risk losing coverage.
Call your regional contractor. For East, it’s Humana at 800-444-5445. For West, it’s Health Net at 844-866-9378.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Charge
Seeing an unknown charge? Stay calm.
Follow these steps:
- Review your statement. Match the date and amount to any TRICARE emails.
- Log into your Humana Military account. Check payment history.
- Contact Humana. Ask about the charge. They can explain or refund if wrong.
- If it’s fraud, dispute with your credit card company. You have 60 days usually.
- Update your payment info if your card changed. This prevents future issues.
Many people report confusion at first. But once they call, it clears up.
Tips to Avoid Surprise Charges
Want to stay on top? Here are quick tips:
- Sign up for email alerts from TRICARE.
- Check statements monthly.
- Use the TRICARE app for updates.
- If switching plans, confirm old charges stop.
Being proactive saves time and stress.
Common Misconceptions About HGB Prime Charges
Some think it’s Amazon Prime. No, that’s different. Amazon charges show as “AMZN” or similar.
Others worry it’s a scam from overseas. But Humana is U.S.-based.
If you’re not military, this charge shouldn’t appear. Check for identity theft.
FAQs About What Is HGB Prime Charge on Credit Card
Q: What does HGB stand for in the charge?
HGB means Humana Government Business. It’s the division handling TRICARE payments.
Q: How can I stop the HGB Prime charge?
If you want to cancel TRICARE Prime, contact your regional contractor. They’ll guide you through disenrollment. But think carefully, as you might lose benefits.
Q: Is there a way to pay without credit card?
Yes. Use bank transfer or allotment from pay. These avoid card fees.
Q: Why is the charge from Kentucky?
Humana’s processing center is in Louisville, KY. That’s standard for TRICARE East.
Conclusion
The HGB Prime charge on credit card is typically a payment for TRICARE Prime enrollment. It’s a key part of military health benefits.
Now you know what it is, how much it costs, and what to do if something seems off. Always verify charges to protect your money.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It’s not financial or legal advice. Consult TRICARE or a professional for your specific situation.
Savita is a passionate finance writer with a strong background in the world of money management and financial planning. With over 4 years of blogging experience, she has been helping readers simplify complex financial topics and make smarter money decisions.
