Humana Choice PPO gives seniors an alternative to original Medicare or
Medicare supplement plans
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM) announced
today plans to enhance its Medicare Advantage product offering with the
introduction of the Humana Choice PPO health plan to Medicare-eligible
beneficiaries in Maricopa County, Arizona, which is among 14 markets
nationwide where the plan is being introduced. Seniors who are covered by
Medicare Part A and B in approved service areas are eligible for enrollment.
(Please reference the list of all cities and counties.)
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 utilize Humana's provider network. This is the
latest offering in Humana's Medicare products. Medicare-eligible seniors
throughout Arizona also have a choice of Humana's private fee-for-service
plan, Humana Gold Choice, which was introduced earlier this year and offers
members nationwide medical coverage.
The Humana Choice PPO provides seniors with an affordable alternative to
original Medicare or a Medicare supplement plan. 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 offers unlimited
generic medication coverage, low co-payments for in-network specialist office
visits and no co-payment for seeing in-network primary care physicians, dental
and vision discounts. The Humana Choice PPO places an emphasis on health and
wellness.
"This plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who
wants a competitive option to original Medicare or supplemental plans," said
Terry Nittle, president of senior products for Humana's Arizona market.
"We've leveraged our experience in health benefits to give seniors more
choices and this year marks the first time that Medicare-eligibles have had
the opportunity to join a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), a type of
coverage familiar to many people," Nittle added.
According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services
(HHS), the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans to provide more health care
access to seniors represents a significant shift from years of plans dropping
out of the Medicare Advantage program and reducing seniors' access to
coverage. There are more than 400,000 seniors in Maricopa County who are
Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
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 or supplement plan and is a direct result of
the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003
enacted by Congress and signed into law by the president. 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 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.
MARKET: COUNTIES EFFECTIVE DATE
HumanaChoice PPO
Atlanta, GA Dekalb, Fulton 1/1/05
Austin, TX Bastrop, Caldwell, 1/1/05
Hayes, Travis, Williamson
Baton Rouge, LA Ascension, East Baton 1/1/05
Rouge, Iberville,
Livingston, West
Baton Rouge
Cincinnati, OH Brown, Butler, Clermont, 1/1/05
Hamilton, Warren (Ohio);
Boone, Campbell, Kenton (KY)
Corpus Christi, TX Aransas, Nueces, 1/1/05
San Patricio
Houston, TX Ft. Bend, Harris, 1/1/05
Montgomery
Jacksonville, FL St. Johns 1/1/05
Kansas City, MO Cass, Clay, Jackson, 1/1/05
Platte (Missouri); Johnson
(Kansas)
Louisville, KY Bullitt, Jefferson, 1/1/05
Oldham (Ky.);
Clark, Floyd (Ind.)
New Orleans, LA Jefferson, Orleans, 1/1/05
Plaquemines, St. Bernard
St. Charles, St. Tammany
Phoenix, AZ Maricopa 1/1/05
San Antonio, TX Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, 1/1/05
Kendall, Medina
South Florida, FL Broward, Miami-Dade, 1/1/05
Palm Beach
Tampa, FL Hillsborough, Pasco, 1/1/05
Pinellas, Hernando, Manatee
SOURCE Humana Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.humana.com
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CONTACT:
Mary Sellers, Media Relations Manager,
Humana's Phoenix Market, +1-502-580-3689, or msellers1@humana.com
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