Humana Choice PPO is cost-effective alternative to Medicare supplement,
features prescription drug benefits and low monthly premiums
MIRAMAR, Fla., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is
expanding its product offering in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties
with the addition of the Humana Choice PPO to its Medicare Advantage product
offering. Beginning Jan. 1, Medicare recipients can participate in the Humana
Choice PPO and have the freedom to utilize Humana's extensive provider network
of more than 7,000 South Florida area physicians and specialists without a
referral, or elect to enroll in the Humana Gold Plus HMO with $0 premium.
Humana Choice PPO members also have the flexibility to select a provider or
facility of choice out of network, although benefits are reduced.
The 2005 benefit package, as filed with the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), is effective Jan. 1.
The Humana Choice PPO provides seniors with an affordable alternative to a
Medicare supplement, and features a $0 deductible and low out-of-pocket costs
for members who stay in network, worldwide coverage, and prescription drug
benefits on certain plan options. Monthly premiums for the Humana Choice PPO
range from $39 to $119.
"Our plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
is on a fixed income and wants an alternative to the high monthly premiums
associated with a Medicare supplement," said Michael A. Seltzer, CEO, Humana
Florida Senior Products.
Seltzer cited the PPO benefit options as a real value-add for seniors.
"Two of our plans feature a drug benefit that includes a 12 month drug
rollover of up to $1,000 and a $200 monthly prescription or drug refill
allowance. Seniors can use this money when they need it, and that provides
them with peace of mind. Now, they can choose a Humana Choice PPO with low
monthly premium, or a traditional Humana Gold Plus HMO with $0 premium.
Either way, it's a win-win situation for them," he added.
The Humana Choice PPO plans all place an emphasis on health education and
wellness programs, and include preventive screening benefits, routine physical
exams, and immunizations. All members receive a free membership in the
SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, which is a specially designed exercise
program that features low-impact group aerobics, seated exercise classes and
free gym membership at participating health clubs.
Humana is one of Florida's largest health benefits providers, insuring
more than 607,000 members statewide, including nearly 280,000 Medicare and
Medicaid members. 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 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:
Barbara Kerr, Corporate Communications of
Humana, +1-305-626-5736, or bkerr@humana.com
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