Lowest Premium - Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan - Announced

According to Humana Inc., a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan co-branded with Walmart Stores Inc. - The Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) - can, according to CMS, save over $450 in 2011, with a monthly premium of $14.80, as well as low copays and cost-shares for Medicare beneficiaries, including people with disabilities and seniors. Humana says this is the lowest national deal for 2011 for a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan premium, which is on offer in Washington D.C. and all 50 states.

Humana and Walmart say this plan provides a prescription solution which nearly 18 million Americans can afford; those who rely on Medicare Part D for their prescriptions.

William Fleming, PharmD, vice president of Humana Pharmacy Solutions, said:

One of the primary goals of health care reform is to make health coverage more affordable - and that's what we're doing with the introduction of this low-cost Medicare Part D plan. People are more likely to take the medications prescribed for them when they can afford those medications. And adhering to prescription-drug regimens can enable people to be healthier and prevent future illness. At Humana, we believe that this prevention helps people live healthier lives and achieve lifelong well-being.

John Agwunobi, M.D., president of Walmart's Health and Wellness division, says:

We know every dollar counts, especially when you live on a fixed income. We believe no one should have to choose between buying their groceries or their medications. Financial health is a fundamental part of a person's well-being. At Walmart, the customer is always front and center, and that is why we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure seniors have access to the medications they need at a price they can afford.

Highlighted below are some of the benefits and details of the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan:

• Same monthy premium across the USA - no matter where the individual lives, they will pay no more than $15 per month in premiums. CMS says this is the lowest national plan for 2011 for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription plan offered nationwide. A monthly premium of $14.80 is less than half the weighted 2010 national average for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans' monthly premiums, Humana says.
• Copayments - at preferred pharmacies, such as Walmart, Sam's Club or Neighborhood Market, generic prescription copayments start at $2. Generic prescriptions filled via Humana's RightSource home delivery prescription services start at zero dollars.
• Wide range of prescription medications, comparable to what is available in other major plans.

Enrolling in the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan

Annual enrollments start on November 15 and continue up to December 31 2010.

To enroll, or click on humana-medicare.com or medicare.gov. Source: Humana Inc.