Humana Expands Access to Affordable Medicare Options in Eastern North Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is launching a new affordable Medicare Advantage PPO plan in 37 rural counties of Eastern North Carolina, aiming to provide enhanced healthcare options during the upcoming Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2021, with coverage starting Jan. 1, 2022. The plan features a $0 premium, low copays for various services, and special support for COVID patients. Additionally, it includes benefits for veterans and is designed to integrate care effectively.

Positive

• Launch of new Medicare Advantage PPO plan in 37 rural counties, expanding service availability.
• Plan includes $0 premium with low or no copays for various healthcare services.
• Special $0 copay support for COVID testing and treatment for members diagnosed with COVID.
• Designed to integrate care effectively, which can improve health outcomes for members.

Negative

• None.

For 2022, Humana is bringing Medicare Advantage to 37 rural, underserved counties

GREENVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today it is introducing a new affordable, whole person health care Medicare Advantage PPO plan in rural communities located in 37 Eastern North Carolina counties.

This new Medicare option will be available during this year’s Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period – or AEP - which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2021, for plan coverage taking effect Jan. 1, 2022.

“In previous years, people eligible for Medicare living in our rural communities have had limited health plan options,” said Kathleen Schwarzwalder, Humana North Carolina Medicare Vice President. “We’re thrilled to bring these North Carolinians this affordable and robust Medicare Advantage plan option. Our plan focuses on whole person health care, including dental, hearing and vision, includes access to all major hospital systems, and makes getting care easier during the pandemic with virtual medical visits.”

The 37 rural counties where Humana is introducing its Humana Medicare Advantage PPO plan include: Alleghany, Ashe, Beaufort, Bertie, Chowan, Currituck, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Montgomery, Nash, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Surry, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilkes and Wilson.

The Humana Medicare PPO offered in these counties provides people with Medicare an affordable alternative to original Medicare only, or original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement plan. The plan offers a $0 premium, no or low copays for doctor’s visits, hearing, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, and $0 copay for virtual office visits for primary care, urgent care and behavioral health.

In addition, for Humana 2022 MA plan members with a COVID diagnosis, there is $0 copay for testing, treatment, vaccinations and 14 days of home-delivered meals (up to 28 meals).

Veterans Option also Available

For 2022, Humana also has its Humana Honor plan available in every county in North Carolina. While veterans can select from any Medicare Advantage plan available in their area, and this $0 premium PPO is an option for all people with Medicare, these plans are designed to complement VA health care coverage by covering health care services at non-VA (civilian) facilities and including dental coverage. Because some veterans may prefer prescription drug coverage through their VA benefits, the Humana Honor plan does not include prescription drug coverage.

For 2022, Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans, including Humana Honor plans, all are recommended by USAA, a company known for its customer satisfaction and commitment to the financial security of current and former members of the U.S. military and their families.

Most Humana Medicare Advantage plans also include:

• SilverSneakers, which provides memberships at participating fitness centers, and access to classes designed with the Medicare beneficiary in mind.
• Go365^™, a wellness and rewards program designed to motivate and reward members for taking steps toward healthy behaviors, like receiving recommended wellness screenings, flu shots, and other healthy activities.
• Humana Well Dine®, which provides nutritious meals to eligible Medicare members recovering from an inpatient stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Virtual Medicare 101 Available to All

Humana is offering educational programing online, including:

Medicare 101 – Nov. 15, 3 p.m. ET

To register, go to www.humananeighborhoodcenter.com

For more information about enrolling in Humana plans, North Carolina residents can visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or speak with one of Humana’s licensed sales agents by calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

About Humana

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools – such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions – combine to produce a simplified experience that makes health care easier to navigate and more effective.

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 reports to stockholders
• Securities and Exchange Commission filings
• Most recent investor conference presentations
• Quarterly earnings news releases and conference calls
• Calendar of events
• Corporate Governance information

Additional Information:

Humana is a Medicare Advantage PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005691/en/

Nancy A. Hanewinckel

Humana Corporate Communications

nhanewinckel1@humana.com

Source: Humana Inc.

FAQ

What is the new plan by Humana announced for 2022?

Humana is introducing an affordable Medicare Advantage PPO plan in 37 rural counties of Eastern North Carolina.

When will Humana's new Medicare Advantage plan take effect?

The plan will be effective starting January 1, 2022.

What benefits does Humana's new Medicare Advantage plan offer?

The plan offers a $0 premium, low copays for doctor visits, and includes dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Are there special provisions for COVID patients in Humana's new plan?

Yes, members with a COVID diagnosis will have $0 copay for testing, treatment, vaccinations, and home-delivered meals.

Is there a Medicare Advantage plan specifically for veterans?

Yes, Humana offers the Humana Honor plan designed to complement VA healthcare coverage.