Humana's Your Practice

Humana Enjoys Medicare Growth

Humana has enjoyed a tremendous response to its expanded Medicare Advantage plan offerings, including its Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs). By the end of 2006, Humana expects to reach nearly one million Medicare Advantage members and nearly two million stand-alone PDP members.

This success is grounded in Humana’s more than 20 years of experience in serving the unique needs of the Medicare population. Based on that proven track record, Humana has designed a suite of Medicare Advantage products that offer the accessibility, benefits and value that today’s active seniors demand. With a reciprocal network spanning 25 states and the availability of the private fee-for-service open access option, Humana Medicare Advantage plans are ideal for seniors who travel frequently. And each product offers a wide range of value-added services, such as the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, disease management programs, case management services and vision discounts.

This year, Humana introduced the SmartSummary statement, another service that adds value to its Medicare Advantage and PDP offerings. Members now receive a quarterly SmartSummary statement, detailing their benefits, spending and claims in language that is easy to understand. PDP members receive a monthly “Rx Manager” statement, outlining their regular prescriptions and any formulary changes or opportunities for savings with generic drugs. Members are encouraged to bring these statements with them to appointments with their physicians, to provide a comprehensive overview of the patient’s current prescriptions and their associated costs. These regular communications will help Medicare Advantage members to become better health care consumers and help them and their physicians better understand their coverage.

Humana’s suite of Medicare Advantage products and PDP products also offer exceptional value. A recent analysis by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found that Humana’s PDP offerings were among the most cost-effective options for seniors, with most plans offering more than half of the 100 most commonly used drugs for less than $20.

Humana encourages all network physicians to join in this growth of Medicare membership. As practices expand their Humana patient base, they also develop their relationship with Humana staff and their experience and familiarity with Humana’s policies and procedures. Physicians who are interested in expanding their Medicare relationship with Humana should contact their local provider contracting representative. Contracting staff can also provide materials for practices to support efforts to increase their Humana patient base.