Humana will provide Medicare HMO, PPO options in Manatee starting Jan. 1, 2005
TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today
announced it will introduce both a Medicare HMO plan and a PPO plan in Manatee
County starting Jan. 1, 2005, providing Manatee seniors with greater health
benefit options and choices.
The 2005 benefits package for both the HMO and PPO plans have been
approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and are effective
Jan. 1, 2005 for Manatee County.
Humana's comprehensive Medicare benefits program, Humana Gold Classic HMO,
will be offered to Manatee seniors. There's no premium for the Humana Gold
Classic HMO plan; no co-payment for primary care physician office visits; a
$30 co-pay for specialist office visits; and an unlimited generic drug
benefit.
The Gold Classic plan features an excellent drug benefit package that
includes a generous 12-month drug rollover of up to $1,000 and a $150 monthly
allowance for designated brand and lifestyle drugs.
Starting Jan. 1, Humana will also offer Manatee seniors the Humana Choice
PPO health plan to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare
Part A and B.
The new Humana Choice PPO focuses on providing rich drug benefits, as well
as low out-of-pocket costs for members who utilize Humana's extensive provider
network in Manatee County of more than 150 area primary care physicians and
specialists without a referral.
The Humana Choice PPO is consumer focused in that it provides health plan
members with more choices than original Medicare or a supplemental plan,
including fixed costs, a $59 monthly premium and no deductible. There are low
out-of-pocket costs for members who stay in network. Members also have the
flexibility to select a provider or facility out of network, although those
benefits are reduced.
The new PPO plan also places an emphasis on health education and wellness
strategies, health screenings, monthly maintenance brand and generic drug
allowances.
Both the HMO and PPO Medicare plans offer free membership in the
SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, a specially designed exercise program that
features low-impact group aerobics, seated exercise classes and free gym
memberships at two Manatee County fitness centers. SilverSneakers was first
introduced to Humana Medicare Advantage members earlier this year in Tampa.
"Our plans have been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary
who wants an affordable alternative to the original Medicare or supplemental
plan - one that includes a prescription drug benefit," said Scott Latimer, MD,
Humana region senior products vice president.
"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
Manatee seniors more health benefits choices that are very competitive on both
price and providers," Latimer added.
Seniors can select from the Humana Choice PPO with a low monthly premium,
or a traditional Humana Gold Classic HMO with no premium.
The Humana Choice PPO plan places an emphasis on health education and
wellness programs, and includes preventive screening benefits, routine
physical exams and immunizations.
Humana is one of Florida's largest health benefits providers, insuring
more than 607,000 members statewide, including nearly 277,000 Medicare and
Medicaid members. 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
Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available
to all Medicare-eligible individuals. This type of health plan is an
alternative to the original Medicare or supplemental plan and is a direct
result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act
of 2003 passed by Congress.
Unlike the 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 Private Fee for Service Plans in 15 states, including
Florida.
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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CONTACT:
Mitch Lubitz Corporate Communications of
Humana, +1-813-287-6180, or mlubitz@humana.com
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