Humana - HUM STOCK NEWS

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is enhancing hospice services under specific Medicare Advantage plans to improve care continuity and access for advanced illness patients. This initiative, part of a four-year CMS demonstration, aims to offer better palliative support and transitional services. The program, launched on January 1, 2021, is available in cities including Atlanta and Denver, utilizing a preferred network of hospice providers. The goal is to foster seamless transitions between care teams, enabling members to benefit from hospice services while receiving necessary curative care for longer periods.

Humana reported a consolidated pretax loss of $458 million for 4Q20, compared to a $593 million income in 4Q19. Full-year 2020 revenues rose to $77.155 billion from $64.888 billion in FY 2019. Adjusted EPS declined to $(2.30) from $2.28 year-over-year. Medicare Advantage (MA) membership grew by 11% in 2020, with Dual Special Needs Plans up 41%. The company expects 2021 GAAP EPS guidance of $20.82 to $21.32, despite pandemic-related uncertainties. A 3.7% Medicare Advantage rate increase is anticipated.

Humana Inc. has entered into a partnership with DispatchHealth to provide an advanced level of in-home medical care for its members. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, enabling them to receive hospital-level care at home in Denver and Tacoma, with plans to expand to Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The program allows Humana members to avoid hospital visits, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the increased demand for in-home care. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in integrated healthcare delivery.

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) has been selected by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to provide health care coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries through its Medicaid division, Humana Healthy Horizons. This initiative will serve Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Medicaid Expansion populations, enhancing access to health services in Oklahoma. Humana, which already serves over 270,000 Oklahomans, aims to address physical and mental health needs through a whole-person approach. The contract will take effect later this year with opportunities for renewal.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has added Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) to its Healthy Connections Medicaid and Prime programs, enabling the company to serve Medicaid recipients in South Carolina. Enrollment for new Medicaid members will start on July 1, 2021, followed by Prime members on January 1, 2022. Humana currently serves 425,000 members in the state and provides coordinated benefits through Medicare Advantage and TRICARE. This partnership aims to enhance health coverage options for residents, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the Humana Foundation have released a report highlighting the digital isolation crisis among U.S. seniors, revealing that nearly 22 million older Americans lack broadband access at home. The report underscores the need for digital health tools and launches the Aging Connected initiative, aiming to connect at least one million seniors to high-speed internet by 2022. Key findings include correlations between digital disengagement, race, and socioeconomic status, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships for closing the connectivity gap.

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced the winners of its 2020 Go365 National Step Challenge, engaging over 42,000 participants who logged 8.6 billion steps, equating to one million meals donated to Feeding America. Teams competed in divisions based on size, with meals donated in amounts of 30,000, 15,000, or 5,000 meals for winning teams. The initiative highlights Humana's commitment to community health and wellness while addressing food insecurity. Participants also earned Points towards rewards in the Go365 program for their activity.

Monogram Health has expanded its partnership with Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM) to provide care coordination services for Medicare Advantage and commercial health plan members with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Alabama and Tennessee. This agreement builds on existing services in Louisiana and Mississippi. The initiative aims to enhance patient care through personalized plans, medication compliance, and education on treatment options, ultimately improving health outcomes for affected patients.

Partners in Primary Care, a subsidiary of Humana (NYSE: HUM), announced plans to expand its operations significantly in 2021, aiming to open up to 20 new centers. This follows the successful launch of 15 centers in 2020, bringing the total to nearly 80 centers nationwide, with expectations to reach about 100 by 2023. The organization serves approximately 57,000 patients, focusing on senior care and personalized health services. Notably, its care model has demonstrated lower hospital readmission rates and increased patient engagement even during the pandemic.