Humana Gold Choice PFFS plans are cost effective alternatives to Medicare
supplement, feature much lower premium with prescription drug benefits and low
out-of-pocket costs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare beneficiaries in New
Mexico now have an affordable alternative to traditional Medicare or
supplemental health plan following the launch today of two private-fee-for-
service (PFFS) health plans from Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Seniors who enroll
in the Humana Gold Choice Basic or Humana Gold Choice Standard will have the
freedom to see any physician or hospital statewide without the restrictions of
a network or referral as long as the provider accepts Humana's payment terms
and conditions.
In addition, the 2005 benefit package, as filed with the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is available now to Medicare beneficiaries
throughout New Mexico at substantially lower monthly premiums than the most
common supplemental (Medigap) plans available.
This plan is a direct result of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of
2003 designed to afford the nation's 42 million Medicare beneficiaries ready
access to prescription drug coverage. This plan is ideally suited for
beneficiaries living throughout rural America who, up until now, may have had
little if any health plan options other than traditional Medicare.
"Our plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
wants an alternative to the high monthly premiums associated with a Medicare
supplement, or prefers to choose a provider without network restrictions found
in HMOs," said George F. Smith, M.D., regional president of Senior Products
for Humana in New Mexico. "Both of our private-fee-for-service health plans
feature prescription drug benefits, fixed dollar co-pays for physician
services and worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage. Additionally, those
who join one of our plans will also be entitled to free membership in Silver
Sneakers, an exercise and fitness program designed specifically for seniors,
including free access to a network of fitness facilities."
"Humana's experience in serving this segment of the market enables us to
offer Medicare beneficiaries the choice in health care delivery that they
deserve," Dr. Smith added.
Humana, which serves approximately 7 million members nationwide, recently
announced that it intends to nearly double the size of its Medicare geographic
reach through its Medicare health plan product offering filed with CMS. The
company will increase its Medicare operations from 25 states to 46 states in
2006. Humana intends to offer both the stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug
Coverage (PDP) and Medicare Advantage Health Plan with Prescription Drug
Coverage (MA-PD) in addition to its current Medicare product offerings.
"As alternatives to traditional Medicare and supplemental plans, Humana's
private-fee-for-service benefit options offer more than just affordability,"
said Dr. Smith. "Humana's industry-leading disease management programs and
care-management services are empowering members to be better health care
consumers. Providing information to help consumers make informed decisions is
crucial to having a meaningful and successful relationship between people with
Medicare and their health benefits carrier."
For more information about enrolling in a Humana Gold Choice PFFS plan,
call toll-free 1-800-201-5779.
About Humana Medicare Advantage and the Humana Gold Choice PFFS
Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available
to all Medicare-eligible individuals who are over 65 years old or qualified by
disability. This type of health plan is an alternative to original Medicare
and is a direct result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003 passed by Congress. Unlike original Medicare,
Humana Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription drug benefit, and
worldwide coverage for emergency care and urgently needed care.
Humana offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans in 25 states.
The Humana Gold Choice PFFS is open to all Medicare eligible beneficiaries,
and differs from a traditional HMO in that members have the freedom to select
any doctor, hospital, or health care provider of choice without the
restrictions of a network or referral as long as the provider accepts Medicare
assignment and Humana terms and conditions. More than 380,000 individuals are
currently enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.
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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http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Ross McLerran, of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-210-325-9904, or rmclerran@humana.com
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