New co-branded Medicare Part D prescription drug plan from Humana and Walmart

Today, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced an innovative Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, co-branded with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) or ("Walmart"), that can provide significant savings on monthly plan premiums and prescription medicine copayments and cost-shares for Medicare beneficiaries, including seniors and people with disabilities.

“Medicare Part D 2010 Spotlight, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in 2010 and Key Changes over Five Years”

The Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) offers one low national monthly plan premium of $14.80 - according to CMS, the lowest national plan premium in 2011 for a standalone Medicare Part D plan premium offered in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This new co-branded prescription drug plan can save a typical Medicare Part D beneficiary who enrolls in the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) an estimated average of more than $450 in 2011 on plan premiums and prescription medication copayments and cost-shares when compared with the average total costs for a Part D prescription drug plan in 2010. With nearly 18 million Americans relying on Medicare Part D for their prescriptions, the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) provides an affordable prescription solution for those who need it most.

"One of the primary goals of health care reform is to make health coverage more affordable - and that's what we're doing with the introduction of this low-cost Medicare Part D plan," said William Fleming, PharmD, vice president of Humana Pharmacy Solutions. "People are more likely to take the medications prescribed for them when they can afford those medications. And adhering to prescription-drug regimens can enable people to be healthier and prevent future illness. At Humana, we believe that this prevention helps people live healthier lives and achieve lifelong well-being."

"We know every dollar counts, especially when you live on a fixed income. We believe no one should have to choose between buying their groceries or their medications," said John Agwunobi, M.D., president of Walmart's Health and Wellness division. "Financial health is a fundamental part of a person's well-being. At Walmart, the customer is always front and center, and that is why we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure seniors have access to the medications they need at a price they can afford."

Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP): Benefits and Details

• One low monthly rate nationwide. The monthly plan premium is less than $15 a month for everyone, regardless of where they live.
  • According to CMS, the $14.80 monthly plan premium is the lowest national plan premium in 2011 for a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan offered in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
  • The Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) offers a monthly plan premium of $14.80, which is less than half the weighted 2010 national average for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans' monthly plan premiums.

• Low copayments when plan members use preferred pharmacies like Walmart, Neighborhood Market or Sam's Club pharmacies:
  • In-store copayments (at preferred pharmacies) on generic prescriptions start as low as $2 when plan members use preferred pharmacies.
  • Copayments as low as $0 for generic prescriptions filled via Humana's RightSource home-delivery prescription service.

• A broad competitive formulary comparable to other plans, with a list of prescription drugs included in the plan available at humana-medicare.com.