Humana Choice PPO is alternative to Medicare supplement, features rich
benefits and low out-of-pockets
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM)
announced today plans to enhance its Medicare Advantage product offering with
the introduction of the Humana Choice PPO health plan to Medicare eligible
beneficiaries in 14 markets nationwide. Seniors who are covered by Medicare
Part A and B in approved service areas are eligible for enrollment. (Please
see page 4 for the list of all cities and counties.)
The 2005 benefit package, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), focuses on providing rich drug benefits as well as low out-of-
pocket costs for members who utilize Humana's extensive provider network.
The Humana Choice PPO provides seniors with an affordable alternative to a
Medicare supplement plan. Members have the flexibility to select a provider
or facility of choice either in or out of network, although out-of-network
benefits are reduced. The plan also features rich benefits and places an
emphasis on health and wellness. Many plan options include monthly
maintenance brand and generic drug allowances, preventive screening programs,
dental discounts, maximum out-of-pocket co-pays, and free membership in the
SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program.
"This plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
wants an affordable, yet robust, alternative to original Medicare or
supplemental plans. It features an excellent drug benefit package and also
offers emergency and urgent care worldwide with no co-pay," said R Eugene
Shields, senior vice president of government and senior products for Humana.
"We've leveraged our experience in health benefits to give seniors more
choices at the best prices possible. This year marks the first time that
Medicare eligibles have had the opportunity to join a PPO (Preferred Provider
Organization), a type of coverage familiar to many people," Shields added.
According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services
(HHS), the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans to provide more health care
access to seniors represents a significant shift from years of plans dropping
out of the Medicare Advantage program and reducing seniors' access to
coverage.
Humana Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare, not a
supplement. For more information about enrolling in the Humana Choice PPO
plan, call toll-free 1-800-842-4179.
About Humana Medicare Advantage and the Humana Choice PPO
Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available
to all Medicare-eligible individuals. This type of health plan is an
alternative to original Medicare or supplement plan and is a direct result of
the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003
enacted by Congress and signed into law by the president. Unlike original
Medicare, Humana Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription drug benefit,
limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and worldwide coverage for emergency care
and urgently needed care.
Humana offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS plans in 15 states.
The Humana Choice PPO is open to all Medicare eligible beneficiaries who are
covered by Medicare Part A and B. It differs from a traditional HMO in that
members have the freedom to select any network doctor, hospital, or health
care provider of their choice without a referral. Members may also see an
out-of-network provider, but at reduced benefits. More than 368,000
individuals nationwide 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 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.
MARKET: COUNTIES EFFECTIVE DATE
HumanaChoice PPO
Atlanta, GA Dekalb, Fulton 1/1/05
Austin, TX Bastrop, Caldwell, 1/1/05
Hayes, Travis,
Williamson
1/1/05
Baton Rouge, LA Ascension, East
Baton Rouge,
Iberville,
Livingston, West
Baton Rouge
Cincinnati, OH Brown, Butler, 1/1/05
Clermont, Hamilton,
Warren (Ohio);
Boone, Campbell,
Kenton (KY)
Corpus Christi, TX Aransas, Neuces, 1/1/05
San Patricio
Houston, TX Ft. Bend, Harris, 1/1/05
Montgomery
Jacksonville, FL St. Johns 1/1/05
Kansas City, MO Cass, Clay, 1/1/05
Jackson, Platte
(Missouri); Johnson
(Kansas)
Louisville, KY Bullitt, Jefferson, 1/1/05
Oldham (Ky.);
Clark, Floyd (Ind.)
New Orleans, LA Jefferson, Orleans, 1/1/05
Plaquemines, St.
Bernard, St.
Charles, St.
Tammany
Phoenix, AZ Maricopa 1/1/05
San Antonio, TX Bexar, Comal, 1/1/05
Guadalupe, Kendall,
Medina
South Florida, FL Broward, Miami- 1/1/05
Dade, Palm Beach
Tampa, FL Hillsborough, 1/1/05
Pasco, Pinellas,
Hernando, Manatee
SOURCE Humana Inc.
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