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MIRAMAR, Fla., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Humana Inc. is expanding its product offering in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties with the addition of the Humana Choice PPO to its Medicare Advantage product offering. Beginning Jan. 1, Medicare recipients can participate in the Humana Choice PPO and have the freedom to utilize Humana's extensive provider network of more than 7,000 South Florida area physicians and specialists without a referral, or elect to enroll in the Humana Gold Plus HMO with $0 premium. Humana Choice PPO members also have the flexibility to select a provider or facility of choice out of network, although benefits are reduced.

The 2005 benefit package, as filed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is effective Jan. 1.

The Humana Choice PPO provides seniors with an affordable alternative to a Medicare supplement, and features a $0 deductible and low out-of-pocket costs for members who stay in network, worldwide coverage, and prescription drug benefits on certain plan options. Monthly premiums for the Humana Choice PPO range from $39 to $119.

"Our plan has been designed specifically for the Medicare beneficiary who is on a fixed income and wants an alternative to the high monthly premiums associated with a Medicare supplement," said Michael A. Seltzer, CEO, Humana Florida Senior Products.

Seltzer cited the PPO benefit options as a real value-add for seniors. "Two of our plans feature a drug benefit that includes a 12 month drug rollover of up to $1,000 and a $200 monthly prescription or drug refill allowance. Seniors can use this money when they need it, and that provides them with peace of mind. Now, they can choose a Humana Choice PPO with low monthly premium, or a traditional Humana Gold Plus HMO with $0 premium. Either way, it's a win-win situation for them," he added.

The Humana Choice PPO plans all place an emphasis on health education and wellness programs, and include preventive screening benefits, routine physical exams, and immunizations. All members receive a free membership in the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, which is a specially designed exercise program that features low-impact group aerobics, seated exercise classes and free gym membership at participating health clubs.

Humana is one of Florida's largest health benefits providers, insuring more than 607,000 members statewide, including nearly 280,000 Medicare and Medicaid members. Humana Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original Medicare, not a supplement. For more information about enrolling in the Humana Choice PPO plan, call toll-free 1-800-842-4179.

About Humana Medicare Advantage and the Humana Choice PPO

Humana Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice) is available to all Medicare-eligible individuals. This type of health plan is an alternative to original Medicare and is a direct result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 passed by Congress. Unlike original Medicare, Humana Medicare Advantage plans include a prescription drug benefit, limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and worldwide coverage for emergency care and urgently needed care.

Humana offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans in 15 states. The Humana Choice PPO is open to all Medicare eligible beneficiaries, and differs from a traditional HMO in that members have the freedom to select any network doctor, hospital, or health care provider of their choice without a referral. Members may also see an out-of-network provider, but at reduced benefits. More than 368,000 individuals are currently enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

About Humana Inc.

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 43-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 (including detailed description of unusual items, where applicable); -- 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.Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030425/HUMANALOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comHumana Inc.

Web site: http://www.humana.com/

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