Humana files two "zero premium" HMO plan benefits for
Medicare eligible beneficiaries in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced
today plans to enhance benefit offerings for its New Orleans Medicare
Advantage plan including the addition of a new zero premium option, enhanced
pharmacy benefits and a free exercise program. Humana included the
enhancements in its 2005 Medicare Advantage plan benefit package for the
greater New Orleans area, filed with the federal government's Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The 2005 benefit package is effective January 1 for Medicare eligible
beneficiaries in New Orleans pending CMS approval.
Humana's Medicare Advantage plans for 2005 include several upgrades. Both
plans feature reduced inpatient co-pays (from $200 to $175) and unlimited free
access to the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program. The new Humana Gold Plus
Value HMO plan is benefit rich, and includes a $5 co-pay for physician visits
and $30 co-pay to a referred specialist, a twelve month prescription drug
allowance rollover benefit of up to $600, and an unlimited generic drug
benefit. Humana's Gold Plus Standard HMO plan features a $0 physician visit
co-pay and $30 co-pay to a referred specialist along with the free exercise
program.
"Seniors have asked for more benefits, and now they have them," said
George Renaudin, Humana's Louisiana President for Senior Products. "Humana's
innovative plans not only provide greater value than traditional Medicare
through enhanced health care and prescription drug benefits, they also support
healthy, active lifestyles with wellness benefits such as SilverSneakers."
Currently, Humana has over 22,000 Medicare Advantage members in the New
Orleans area, including those formerly with Ochsner Health Plan which was
acquired by Humana Insurance Company this past April. Humana's Medicare
Advantage health plan is an alternative to traditional Medicare, not a
supplement. For more information about enrolling in a Humana Medicare
Advantage plan, call toll-free 1-800-201-5779.
Humana is one of Louisiana's leading health benefits providers with over
33,000 Medicare Advantage members statewide. In April 2004, Humana acquired
Ochsner Health Plan of Louisiana, the third largest health benefit plan in the
state. In addition to Humana's two Medicare Advantage HMO plans, Humana
offers a Medicare Advantage POS plan and a Medicare Advantage PPO plan.
About Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available
to all Medicare-eligible individuals who live in a Medicare approved service
area and are over 65 years old or qualified by disability. Unlike traditional
Medicare, Humana Medicare Advantage includes a prescription drug benefit,
limits on out-of-pocket expenses, unlimited, medically necessary inpatient
hospital stays and worldwide coverage for emergency care and urgently needed
care. More than 368,000 individuals are currently enrolled in a Humana
Medicare Advantage plan.
About Humana Inc.
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's
largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately
5.8 million medical members located primarily in 15 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:
* 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);
* Corporate Governance Information.
SOURCE Humana Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Ross McLerran of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-210-617-1771, or rmclerran@humana.com
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