Humana announces expansion of its Medicare offerings in California

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today an expansion of its Medicare offerings in California. Beginning on November 15, individuals eligible for Medicare in Fresno, San Bernardino and Riverside counties can enroll in a local Humana Gold Plus HMO plan – for a January 1, 2010 effective date. This expansion, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), builds upon other Medicare plans currently available in California, and focuses on providing greater choice to meet the changing needs of senior citizens and disabled people.

The Humana Gold Plus HMO plans provide Medicare beneficiaries in these California counties with affordable alternatives to original Medicare or a Medicare supplement plan. Members can enjoy broad coverage, all the benefits of original Medicare and prescription drug coverage.

The annual enrollment period to sign up for the Humana Gold Plus HMO plan is November 15 through December 31, 2009. Individuals already participating in the Medicare Part D program have until March 31, 2010, to enroll in the Humana Gold Plus plan.

The plan offers members their choice of a primary care physician in the plan network, no or low monthly plan premiums, low co-payments for doctor visits and annual routine physicals, coverage for most annual screenings at no charge, and emergency coverage anywhere in the world.

“As baby boomers and those eligible for Medicare age, their insurance needs change. We’re committed to changing our Medicare product offerings to meet people where they are in their lives,” said Debra A. Smith, regional president of senior products for Humana’s West Coast and Intermountain Regions. “We’ve listened to Medicare-eligible individuals about what they want and used our experience in health benefits to give them more options that fit their health needs. The addition of these HMOs in California is another example of our commitment to provide people eligible for Medicare access to the right plan for them.”

The new Medicare HMO plan will include money-saving features, like discounts on vision and hearing care, prescriptions and complimentary and alternative medicine, as well as access to Humana’s nurse support service, HumanaFirst, and a member-assistance program to provide those with Medicare additional life support services and guidance.

Medicare-eligible people throughout California continue to have the choice of Humana’s other Medicare plans, including Humana Gold Choice, the private fee-for-service plan that offers members nationwide medical coverage, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

“The expansion of Humana’s participating hospital and physician network in California is a key to the health care options that we offer to individuals eligible for Medicare and employers seeking competitive alternatives,” said Terry M. Smith, vice president of contracting for Humana’s West Coast Region. “Our network includes some of the most respected hospitals and physicians in the area providing a comprehensive range of treatment and diagnostic services.”