Medicare Modernization Act Promises Significant Enhancements in Health Plan Coverage Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in 2006 Beneficiaries in Texas will have access to health plans that feature prescription drug benefits and low out-of-pockets, alternative to Medicare supplement SAN ANTONIO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare beneficiaries in rural America will soon have more than one option for health care coverage thanks to the passing of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) in 2003. Up until recently, Medicare beneficiaries in Texas had little, if any, health care insurance options other that traditional Medicare or Medicare supplemental insurance (MediGap policies). Beginning January 1, 2006, the more than 2.5 million Medicare beneficiaries of Texas -- Medicare Advantage's recently established Region #17 -- will have access to a new type of Medicare health plan known as regional preferred provider organizations (PPOs). Regional PPOs differ from an HMO in that there is no referral necessary to see a physician or specialist of choice. These plans also differs from traditional Medicare in that they feature a prescription drug benefit, and are designed specifically by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries living in all areas of the country have ready access to affordable, comprehensive health care -- especially those who live in underserved rural areas. "Humana intends to offer a Medicare Advantage regional PPO in up to 14 of the nation's 26 regions," said Steve Brueckner, Humana vice president, Senior Products. "We applaud Congress for taking this historical step forward to modernize the Medicare program, and we are taking action to make healthcare coverage more affordable and accessible by expanding our Medicare Advantage product offering into regions such as Texas. The MMA has enabled Humana to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries and enhance benefits, particularly the prescription drug benefit which previously may not have been available to many beneficiaries living in rural areas." 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 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 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 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; - 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. DATASOURCE: Humana Inc. CONTACT: Ross McLerran of Humana Corporate Communications, +1-210-617-1771, or Web site: http://www.humana.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/423125.html

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