Humana Choice PPO offers another option in health benefits to Medicare
beneficiaries
ATLANTA, Dec. 17 /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 De Kalb and Fulton
counties effective Jan. 1, and in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Forsyth and
Gwinnett counties effective Feb. 1.
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
$99 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.
The SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program provides Humana Medicare members
with access to free fitness center memberships at 22 participating fitness
centers and health clubs across Georgia. In metro Atlanta, the three
SilverSneakers locations are: Atlanta Medical Center-Highland Athletic Club at
261 Parkway Drive; Cosmos Fitness-Dunwoody at 8610 Roswell Road, Suite 200;
and Cecil B. Day Wellness Center, 1445 Mount Vernon Road.
"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. Seniors who are on a budget simply
can't pay high premiums anymore," said Humana Georgia President Alan Guzzino.
"It features a drug benefit package that includes a 12-month drug rollover
of up to $600 and a $100 monthly allowance for designated brand and lifestyle
drugs," said Guzzino. "Seniors can use this money when they need it, and that
provides them with peace of mind."
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.
With offices in Atlanta, Humana insures more than 60,000 health plan
members in Georgia.
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 of Humana Corporate
Communications, +1-305-626-5736, or bkerr@humana.com
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