Beneficiaries in Texas will have access to health plans that feature
prescription drug benefits and low out-of-pockets, alternative to Medicare
supplement
SAN ANTONIO, July 19 /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 Texas had little, if any, health care
insurance options other that traditional Medicare or Medicare supplemental
insurance (MediGap policies).
Beginning January 1, 2006, the more than 2.5 million Medicare
beneficiaries of Texas -- Medicare Advantage's recently established Region #17
-- will have access to a new type of Medicare health plan known as regional
preferred provider organizations (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 differs 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 Steve Brueckner, Humana vice president, Senior
Products. "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 offering into regions such as Texas. 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, Kentucky, is one of the nation's
largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 7
million medical members located primarily in 15 states and Puerto Rico.
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
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/423125.html
CONTACT:
Ross McLerran of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-210-617-1771, or rmclerran@humana.com
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