Humana Press Release

Humana announces preferred pharmacy network for its Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

Humana’s Medicare members will have access to four national pharmacy retailers with 14,500 stores throughout the country for their prescription needs

LOUISVILLE, KY - Sep 14, 2005 - Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today that four national retail pharmacy chains, which are part of Humana’s national pharmacy network, will be its Preferred Pharmacy Network for members enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans and its new Medicare Part D prescription drug plans that will become effective on January 1, 2006. All Wal*Mart, SAM’S CLUB and Neighborhood Market locations, as well as CVS, Rite Aid, and Brooks Eckerd, will be the preferred pharmacies for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Humana’s Medicare plans.

“Humana has a long history in serving Medicare beneficiaries, so we understand what is important to this segment of the population. Humana’s preferred pharmacy partners recognize that creating an integrated experience of clinical programs and education for these Medicare beneficiaries adds value and gives them peace of mind about their health care,” said Stefen Brueckner, vice president of senior products for Humana. “Equally important is that the pharmacies in Humana’s Preferred Pharmacy Network have the distribution and geographic reach Humana needs to ensure all its Medicare members have access to a broad network of pharmacies, and pharmacists who have the background and understanding of the needs of Medicare beneficiaries.”

In addition to being a preferred pharmacy network with 14,500 locations nationwide, the pharmacists at these retail pharmacies will assist in educating Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Humana’s plans about the Maximize Your Benefit (MYB) program. This outreach program, which has been in place for Humana commercial members for several years, provides education about lower cost alternative medications that may help reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare members. The Preferred Pharmacy Network will work closely with Humana on its Medication Therapy Management Program to achieve greater medication compliance and appropriate utilization of medications. In addition, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to receive a 90-day supply of their prescription medications from any of the retail pharmacies in Humana’s Preferred Pharmacy Network.

“Many Medicare beneficiaries have complex drug regimens that require a tremendous investment in health literacy. These Preferred Pharmacy Network relationships provide another opportunity for us to expand our clinical program offerings and provide yet another avenue for giving our Medicare members access to affordable, quality pharmaceutical care.” said William Fleming, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy and clinical integration. “Humana Medicare members referred to these pharmacies through our Medication Therapy Management Program will have the opportunity to have their drug regimens reviewed by a pharmacist. These pharmacists will deliver health education to the individual member and/or talk with his/her physician about potential issues with the member’s drug regimen.”

Humana has already announced its intention to offer the new Medicare prescription drug plan in 46 states and the District of Columbia. It already provides Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans in nearly 40 markets nationwide as well as its Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans in 35 states.

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 7 million medical members 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 44-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 www.humana.com, including copies of:

Annual report to stockholders;
Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
Most recent investor conference presentation;
Quarterly earnings news releases;
Replays 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.