Beneficiaries in Missouri and Arkansas will have access to health plans that
feature prescription drug benefits and low out-of-pockets, alternative to
Medicare supplement
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare beneficiaries in rural
America will soon have more than one option for health care coverage thanks to
the passing of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) in 2003. Up until
recently, Medicare beneficiaries in rural Missouri and Arkansas had little, if
any, health care insurance options other than traditional Medicare or Medicare
supplemental insurance (MediGap policies).
Beginning January 1, 2006, the nearly 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries
of Missouri and Arkansas - Medicare Advantage's recently established PPO
Region # 15 -- will have access to a new type of Medicare health plan known as
a regional preferred provider organization (PPOs). Regional PPOs differ from
an HMO in that there is no referral necessary to see a physician or specialist
of choice. These plans also differ from traditional Medicare in that they
feature a prescription drug benefit, and are designed specifically by The
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries
living in all areas of the country have ready access to affordable,
comprehensive health care -- especially those who live in underserved rural
areas.
"Humana intends to offer a Medicare Advantage regional PPO in up to 14 of
the nation's 26 regions," said Stefen Brueckner, Humana vice president, Senior
Segment. "We applaud Congress for taking this historical step forward to
modernize the Medicare program, and we are taking action to make healthcare
coverage more affordable and accessible by expanding our Medicare Advantage
product offerings in regions such as Missouri and Arkansas. The MMA has
enabled Humana to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries and
enhance benefits, particularly the prescription drug benefit which previously
may not have been available to many beneficiaries living in rural areas."
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is one of the nation's
largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 7
million medical members. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health
insurance products and related services - through traditional and consumer-
choice plans - to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and
individuals.
Over its 44-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to
meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer
engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health
plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the
Investor Relations page of the company's web site at http://www.humana.com,
including copies of:
- Annual report to stockholders;
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
- Most recent investor conference presentation;
- Quarterly earnings press releases;
- Audio archive of most recent earnings release conference call;
- Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates,
times, and access number, as well as planned interaction with
institutional investors);
- Corporate Governance Information.
SOURCE Humana Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Barbara Kerr of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-305-626-5736, or bkerr@humana.com
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