Humana Choice PPO offers another option in health benefits to Medicare
beneficiaries
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, 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
Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, and Medina 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 is consumer-focused in that it provides health plan
members with more choices than original Medicare including fixed costs and a
$75 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 George Smith, regional president of Humana senior
products. "It features an excellent drug benefit package that includes a
generous 12 month drug rollover of up to $600 and a $100 monthly allowance for
designated brand and lifestyle drugs. It also offers emergency and urgent
care worldwide," he added.
"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 San
Antonio area," Smith 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.
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 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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http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Ross McLerran of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-201-617-1771, or rmclerran@humana.com
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