Humana’s array of Medicare Advantage plans for 2006 will offer those eligible for Medicare more options and choices
Current Humana Medicare Advantage members will see improved prescription drug options
LOUISVILLE, KY - Sept 29, 2005 - People eligible for Medicare will have a wide range of plan options, including medical benefits that include the new prescription drug coverage with a $0 premium, in approved Medicare Advantage plans for 2006, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today. The plans, approved by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will be offered to Medicare beneficiaries beginning Nov. 15, 2005 and become effective Jan. 1, 2006.
Humana will be offering the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) in 46 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, the company will have regional PPOs in 23 states – more than any other health insurer. Humana’s wide array of plan options will include local PPOs, $0 premium HMOs that include the new prescription drug benefits in all of its Florida markets, Phoenix and Louisiana as well as private fee for service (PFFS) plans with premiums as low as $0 that include the new prescription drug benefit.
“People who are already enrolled in Humana Medicare Advantage plans will have better prescription drug coverage next year than they have in 2005,” said Steve Brueckner, Humana vice president of senior products. “There are no more maximum annual benefits or monthly limits and for the most part co-pays have been dramatically decreased.”
Brueckner said there are additional key points that illustrate Humana’s continued effort to give people with Medicare affordable plan options for 2006:
- There will be three prescription plan options in the 46 states and District of Columbia where Humana will be offering the PDP benefit, each option designed to meet the varying needs of all people with Medicare.
- The Humana PDP is the only plan with a premium under $20 in 16 states.
- Humana is also one of only two insurers in 29 states with a PDP plan premium under $20.
Humana has the nation’s largest regional PPO plan offering with coverage in 23 states. There are three plan designs in each region, with the prescription drug plan being the only difference between the plan options. Those who enroll in the Humana regional PPO will be able to see Humana contracted providers in any of the 23 states Humana will be covering and take advantage of in-network benefits.
The already successful Private Fee for Service plan, currently being offered in more than 30 states, means Medicare beneficiaries can see any provider who accepts Medicare and Humana’s payment terms and conditions. The PFFS plan for 2006 includes an enhanced prescription drug plan, and Medicare eligibles in certain counties in 28 states where Humana offers this benefit plan can choose a $0 premium plan. There are more than 10 million Medicare eligibles who live where Humana is offering that plan option.
“Overall, we believe Humana is best positioned to give people with Medicare a wide variety of plan options that will give them access to affordable health care,” said Brueckner. “Choosing the right plan is critical, and Humana has the tools and experience to help Medicare beneficiaries choose the plan that’s best for them.”
The federal government has made available several tools that people with Medicare can use to help them decide what benefits they need and what is available in their area. A Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Estimator, designed to help determine possible out-of-pocket costs and assist in choosing a plan design, is available on the Internet at www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/drugbenefit.asp. Those with questions can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.
< Back to the Humana Medicare Newsroom
|
en español
