Humana Choice PPO offers another health benefits option to Medicare
beneficiaries
CINCINNATI, 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 Brown,
Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell,
and Kenton counties in Kentucky. The 2005 benefit package, approved by the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), focuses on providing drug
benefits as well as low out-of-pocket costs for members who stay in-network
and utilize Humana's extended provider network.
The Humana Choice PPO is consumer focused in that it provides health plan
members with more choices than original Medicare including fixed costs and
an $65 monthly premium. Members have the flexibility to select an in-network
or out-of-network provider, although out-of-network benefits are reduced. The
plan also places an emphasis on health education and wellness strategies,
health screenings, and monthly maintenance brand and generic drug allowances.
"Our plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
wants an affordable, yet robust, alternative to original Medicare or
supplemental plan," said Rob Hitchcock, Humana regional president for Senior
Products. "It features an excellent drug benefit package that includes a
generous 12 month drug rollover of up to $600 with $100 monthly allowance for
designated brand and lifestyle drugs. It also offers emergency and urgent
care worldwide with no co-pay," he added.
"Humana has a great deal of experience and longevity serving the senior
population across the country," said Humana of Ohio President and CEO Larry
Savage. "That experience and understanding of seniors' needs enabled us to
offer more health benefits choices that are very competitive here in Greater
Cincinnati. The Humana Choice PPO is packed with value. We're especially
proud that the plan includes the Mercy Health Partners Hospital System and St.
Elizabeth Medical Center as part of the provider network."
Tom Urban, President and CEO of Mercy Health Partners states, "We are
pleased to be included in Humana's new Medicare Advantage PPO health plan.
Medicare Advantage members will benefit from Mercy's ability to provide
quality healthcare close to home. From diagnosis to treatment, from rehab to
fitness and wellness, Mercy offers a full continuum of high-tech, high-quality
services in the communities where Humana Advantage members live." The Mercy
healthcare network includes five hospitals, three HealthPlex fitness centers
and urgent care and imaging facilities serving residents in Greater Cincinnati
and Butler, Warren and Clermont counties.
Humana Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original Medicare, not a
supplement. For more information about enrolling in a 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 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, and
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 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:
Jeff Blunt, Humana Corporate Communications,
+1-513-357-6515, or jblunt@humana.com
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