Humana members with chronic heartburn now have choice between a less expensive
over-the-counter alternative and prescription brands
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) health
plan members who take prescription medication for chronic heartburn can soon
try Prilosec(R) OTC at no cost to them. Humana is mailing a letter and a
coupon to qualifying members for a free 14-count package of Prilosec OTC,
which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be
sold directly to the public without a prescription. Prilosec OTC became
available to the general public as a nonprescription medication on September
15.
The free Prilosec OTC offer reinforces Humana's dedication to providing
consumers with a wide variety of cost-effective options for choosing and using
their health benefits. The letter encourages members to talk with their doctor
to determine the medication that is right for their condition.
"Our Prilosec OTC coupon offer is designed to give members new options
associated with their pharmacy benefits," said William Fleming, PharmD, vice
president of pharmacy and emerging technologies. "Humana's goal is to provide
its health plan members with the latest information and access to medications
that save them money."
In a telephone survey of health plan members conducted in July 2003
following the introduction of Claritin(R) OTC, 93 percent of health plan
members surveyed agreed that health plans should alert their members when a
prescription medication becomes available without a prescription. In addition,
61 percent of the Humana health plan members surveyed agreed or strongly
agreed that over-the-counter medications are as effective as prescription
medications. The survey question compared OTC versions of allergy medications
to the prescription medications on which they are based.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's
largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 6.6
million medical members located primarily in 18 states and Puerto Rico.
Humana offers coordinated health insurance coverage and related services --
through traditional and Internet-based plans -- to employer groups,
government-sponsored plans, and individuals.
More information regarding Humana is available via the Internet 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 participation in investor
conferences).
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:
Mary Sellers, Corporate Communications of
Humana Inc., +1-502-580-3689, or msellers1@humana.com
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