LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In a statement released today,
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) commended the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) for its open, deliberative and responsive process for
determining PPO and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) geographic regions.
"With the designation of regions and the growth of local PPOs, CMS has
tried to achieve Congress' intent of bringing private plan health care options
to seniors across the country," said R. Eugene Shields, senior vice president
of government and senior products. "The number and design of the regions
recognize each geographic area's specific characteristics and appear to
maximize private plans' ability to offer seniors the same kinds of consumer-
oriented products now offered to the under-65 market."
Humana most recently received approval to market local PPO products in 14
markets. The company has filed for approval of eight additional markets, with
seven others in process for filing. The announcement of these regions allows
Humana to finalize its plans for participating in the regional PPO program
pending issuance of definitive program rules.
"We will continue to work with CMS to ensure the success of this program,
including ensuring that seniors have adequate access to necessary provider
networks," Shields said.
"The determination of PDP regions will give us data needed to further
evaluate program participation. We look forward to the expeditious issuance of
definitive rules for both Titles I (prescription drug plans) and II (Medicare
Advantage) so that our plans can be made final and seniors can have access to
more affordable and value-added health care coverage options."
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 43-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 (including detailed description of
unusual items, where applicable);
- 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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CONTACT:
Tom Noland of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-502-580-3674, or tnoland@humana.com
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