Humana signs its first Medicare Part D prescription drug plan beneficiary

Former Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula begins open enrollment with midnight signing

HALLANDALE, FL - Nov 15, 2005 - Shortly after midnight, Don Shula became what is believed to be the first person in the United States to sign up for the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). Shula, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, signed his Humana (NYSE: HUM) application at a Wal-Mart store in Hallandale, Fl., just as the official enrollment period for people with Medicare got underway. 

"I want to show that I am a firm believer in what the Medicare program can do to give access to affordable prescription drug coverage," Shula said. "This is an exciting time for people with Medicare.  I urge everyone who is eligible for Medicare to explore their options and compare plans based on what's most important to them -- including monthly out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, or if their medication is included in the plan design -- and then, sign up."

Those eligible for Medicare have until May 15, 2006, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO or Private Fee for Service (PFFS) plan that includes prescription drug coverage or a stand alone PDP without the risk of paying a premium penalty.  Humana is offering the PDP in 46 states plus the District of Columbia, and is the largest national provider of the Medicare Advantage regional PPO with plans available in 23 states.

"We are very excited that Coach Shula chose Humana as his prescription drug plan provider," said Michael Seltzer, CEO- Florida for Humana's Medicare and Medicaid products.  "We are finding that once Medicare beneficiaries, and their adult children who are helping them, take the time to navigate the information surrounding the Medicare Part D benefit, they gain a much clearer understanding of how the plans work, and are selecting plans that best suit their budget, health and lifestyle requirements.  In this case, Humana's Medicare Advisors were able to give Coach Shula the guidance he needed to pick a plan among many different choices that was right for him."

Rene Garcia, Florida House of Representatives District 110, applauded Humana's ongoing educational outreach regarding new Medicare prescription drug coverage options.  "Medicare beneficiaries and their families are taking the information that Humana provides and using it to make choices that best meet their needs.  It's real consumerism, and I'm delighted to see the results, as illustrated by Coach Shula's enrollment in a Humana prescription drug plan, Garcia said."

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