Humana Choice PPO offers another affordable option in health benefits to
Medicare beneficiaries
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM)
announced today plans to introduce the Humana Choice PPO health plan to
Medicare eligible beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare Part A and B in
Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass counties in Missouri and Johnson County, Kan.
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 is consumer focused in that it provides health plan
members with more choices than original Medicare or a supplement plan
including fixed costs and an $84 monthly premium. 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 places
an emphasis on health education and wellness strategies, health screenings,
monthly maintenance brand and generic drug allowances, and free membership in
the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program.
"Our plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
wants an affordable, yet robust, alternative to original Medicare or
supplemental plan," said Roger Diemert, MD, vice president of senior products
for Humana's Kansas/Missouri market. "It features an excellent drug benefit
package that includes a generous 12 month drug rollover of up to $1,800 and a
$150.00 monthly allowance for designated brand and lifestyle drugs. It also
offers emergency and urgent care worldwide with no co-pay."
"We've listened to what seniors are asking for, and our longevity and
experience in serving this segment of the market has enabled us to offer
seniors more health benefits choices that are very competitive in the Kansas
City area," Diemert added.
The Humana Choice PPO caps at $3,500 -- the amount a member would pay in
annual out-of-pocket expenses ... providing a safety net and peace of mind for
Humana members who are on a budget.
The following hospitals will also be available to Humana Choice PPO
members. Those facilities include: Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City,
Saint Luke's Northland Hospital - Barry Road Campus, Saint Luke's Northland
Hospital - Smithville Campus and Saint Luke's South Hospital, Saint Joseph
Health Center, St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs, & Olathe Medical Center.
Humana Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original 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
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
passed by Congress. 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.
SOURCE Humana Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Mary Sellers, Media Relations Manager of
Humana's Kansas-Missouri Market, +1-502-580-3689, or
msellers1@humana.com
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