Humana expands Medicare Advantage fee-for-service plans.

2004 SEP 20 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Humana Inc. (HUM) is offering the Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service health plan, Humana Gold Choice, to Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona, Utah, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Premiums range from zero to $105 for Humana Gold Choice based on which county beneficiaries reside in. Humana's Gold Choice plan is the only Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service plan available to Medicare-eligible individuals in North Carolina.

Humana Gold Choice offers eligible beneficiaries a $5 primary care physician office visit co-pay with the specialist office co-pay set at $15. As an exclusive sponsor of the Medicare Prescription Drug Card program, all Humana Medicare Advantage members are automatically enrolled in the Medicare-approved drug discount program as part of their membership.

Humana's Medicare Advantage health plan is ideally suited for statewide applications. Subscribers can go to any physician and hospital that is Medicare-certified and accepts Humana Gold Choice terms and conditions. Anyone who is entitled to Medicare Part A, and enrolled in Part B is eligible to enroll in the new plan.

Humana Gold Choice also places an emphasis on wellness strategies and preventive services, including bone mass measurement, colorectal screening and immunizations at no cost.

Members will also have free access to the SilverSneakers Fitness Program at designated area fitness centers in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area or a self-directed walking program depending upon where they live.

All exercise classes - whether seated or walking -- focus on fitness training through combined strength and aerobic regimens designed to improve flexibility and coordination, improve cognitive performance, and encourage socialization.

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a publicly traded health benefits company, with approximately 5.8 million medical members located primarily in 15 states and Puerto Rico. Humana offers coordinated health insurance coverage and related services - through traditional and Internet-based plans - to employer groups, government- sponsored plans and individuals.

This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.