Humana Introduces New Medicare Advantage PPO In 14 Markets

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Humana Inc announced today plans to enhance its Medicare Advantage product offering with the introduction of the Humana Choice PPO health plan to Medicare eligible beneficiaries in 14 markets nationwide. Seniors who are covered by Medicare Part A and B in approved service areas are eligible for enrollment. (Please see page 4 for the list of all cities and counties.)

The 2005 benefit package, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), focuses on providing rich drug benefits as well as low out-of- pocket costs for members who utilize Humana's extensive provider network.

The Humana Choice PPO provides seniors with an affordable alternative to a Medicare supplement plan. Members have the flexibility to select a provider or facility of choice either in or out of network, although out-of-network benefits are reduced. The plan also features rich benefits and places an emphasis on health and wellness. Many plan options include monthly maintenance brand and generic drug allowances, preventive screening programs, dental discounts, maximum out-of-pocket co-pays, and free membership in the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program.

"This plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who wants an affordable, yet robust, alternative to original Medicare or supplemental plans. It features an excellent drug benefit package and also offers emergency and urgent care worldwide with no co-pay," said R Eugene Shields, senior vice president of government and senior products for Humana.

"We've leveraged our experience in health benefits to give seniors more choices at the best prices possible. This year marks the first time that Medicare eligibles have had the opportunity to join a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), a type of coverage familiar to many people," Shields added.

According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans to provide more health care access to seniors represents a significant shift from years of plans dropping out of the Medicare Advantage program and reducing seniors' access to coverage.

Humana Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare, not a supplement. For more information about enrolling in the Humana Choice PPO plan, call toll-free 1-800-842-4179.

About Humana Medicare Advantage and the Humana Choice PPO

Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available to all Medicare-eligible individuals. This type of health plan is an alternative to original Medicare or supplement plan and is a direct result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 enacted by Congress and signed into law by the president. Unlike original Medicare, Humana Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription drug benefit, limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and worldwide coverage for emergency care and urgently needed care.

Humana offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS plans in 15 states. The Humana Choice PPO is open to all Medicare eligible beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare Part A and B. It differs from a traditional HMO in that members have the freedom to select any network doctor, hospital, or health care provider of their choice without a referral. Members may also see an out-of-network provider, but at reduced benefits. More than 368,000 individuals nationwide are currently enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

About Humana Inc.

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 7 million medical members located primarily in 15 states and Puerto Rico. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services -- through traditional and consumer-choice plans -- to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals.

Over its 43-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at http://www.humana.com/ , including copies of:

- Annual report to stockholders; - Securities and Exchange Commission filings; - Most recent investor conference presentation; - Quarterly earnings press releases (including detailed description of unusual items, where applicable); - Audio archive of most recent earnings release conference call; - Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates, times, and access number, as well as planned interaction with institutional investors); - Corporate Governance Information. MARKET: COUNTIES EFFECTIVE DATE HumanaChoice PPO Atlanta, GA Dekalb, Fulton 1/1/05 Austin, TX Bastrop, Caldwell, 1/1/05 Hayes, Travis, Williamson 1/1/05 Baton Rouge, LA Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, West Baton Rouge Cincinnati, OH Brown, Butler, 1/1/05 Clermont, Hamilton, Warren (Ohio); Boone, Campbell, Kenton (KY) Corpus Christi, TX Aransas, Neuces, 1/1/05 San Patricio Houston, TX Ft. Bend, Harris, 1/1/05 Montgomery Jacksonville, FL St. Johns 1/1/05 Kansas City, MO Cass, Clay, 1/1/05 Jackson, Platte (Missouri); Johnson (Kansas) Louisville, KY Bullitt, Jefferson, 1/1/05 Oldham (Ky.); Clark, Floyd (Ind.) New Orleans, LA Jefferson, Orleans, 1/1/05 Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Tammany Phoenix, AZ Maricopa 1/1/05 San Antonio, TX Bexar, Comal, 1/1/05 Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina South Florida, FL Broward, Miami- 1/1/05 Dade, Palm Beach Tampa, FL Hillsborough, 1/1/05 Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Manatee

CONTACT: Barbara Kerr of Humana Corporate Communications,+1-305-626-5736, or bkerr@humana.com

Web site: http://www.humana.com/

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