Humana launches Medication Therapy Management program to provide clinical and economic guidance to Medicare members

Program will assist beneficiaries in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing the risk of adverse drug events

LOUISVILLE, KY - May 23, 2006 - Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) has launched its Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program as required by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and within the required timelines of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) for all Medicare Part D plan sponsors. Humana's program has been designed to assist beneficiaries optimize therapeutic outcomes, decrease the likelihood of adverse drug events and prevent over- or under-utilization of medications.

The program is being rolled out through a three-fold member communications strategy that includes personalized member mailings, telephonic communications and pharmacy consultations. All Humana Medicare members are mailed a monthly SmartSummary Rx SM prescription benefits statement that tracks their monthly prescription medication expenditures and provides relevant and timely information designed to help maximize their prescription drug benefits.

Humana is also working closely with its MTM program network of more than 2,000 retail pharmacies to meet program goals. A dedicated call center staffed by pharmacists and nurses will take calls from members and conduct telephonic outreach to select Humana members to help them better understand their medication regimens. Additionally, specially-trained MTM pharmacists will provide in-store comprehensive medication reviews to identify problems or gaps in prescription drug therapy, and consult with the referring physician to recommend and change in medication. In some cases, the pharmacist will refer the member to the prescribing physician for a follow up communication.

"Our MTM program services will be available to all Humana Medicare members who meet eligibility requirements as put forth by CMS," said William Fleming, PharmD, Humana vice president, pharmacy and clinical integration.

"These include members who have two or more chronic disease conditions, have anticipated costs of medications above $4,000 for the 2006 calendar year and take eight or more Part D medications within a 90-day interval," he added.

Humana has had the opportunity to test the effectiveness of its Medication Therapy Management program since November 2005 when it partnered with Albertson's Pharmacies in the Chicago-area to conduct a twelve month pilot program regarding face-to-face interactions at the retail pharmacy level. The quality results obtained from those interactions have since been used to improve processes that are now in place for the program's national launch.

"We have been extremely pleased with the program results based on the positive interaction between Humana members and pharmacists to date, and are confident that this model will facilitate improved prescription medication usage for our members," said Rob McMahan, PharmD, Humana MTM Manager. "Our MTM program incorporates best practices, including a significant education outreach to Humana network pharmacists and providers to ensure that our members can maximize the benefits of this new patient-focused program," he added.

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