Humana introduces 2007 generics program to help members reduce out-of-pocket medication costs.LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Humana Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : HUM) announced today that it will introduce a Waive Generic Copayment co·pay·ment n. A fixed fee that subscribers to a medical plan must pay for their use of specific medical services covered by the plan. copayment, n program in 2007 to its fully insured Commercial members on tiered copay co·pay n. A copayment. prescription drug prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, plans. Under the program, members who elect to switch to generic alternatives for certain classes of medications where they are available will have the first copayment for their prescription waived. The targeted classes of medications include proton pump inhibitors Proton Pump Inhibitors Definition The proton pump inhibitors are a group of drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric (stomach) acid. They act by binding with the enzyme H+, K(+)-ATPase, hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (heartburn heartburn, burning sensation beneath the breastbone, also called pyrosis. Heartburn does not indicate heart malfunction but results from nervous tension or overindulgence in food or drink. medications), Cox 2 inhibitors (pain medications), hypertension, cholesterol, depression and diabetes oral medications. "Humana's goal is to raise awareness of the availability and value of generic medications which may help consumers save money while providing the same medical result," said William Fleming, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy and clinical integration. "Numerous brand medications have therapeutically equivalent generics available and we encourage our members to talk with their physicians about whether a generic alternative is right for them." Providing information on choices and options is core to Humana's consumer-oriented strategy and the Waive Generic Copayment campaign is the most recent addition to the company's robust menu of money-saving and quality-enhancing guidance tools. The campaign will entail providing information through written correspondence to members. Humana health plan members can use Humana's award winning online Pharmacy tools found on www.humana.com to determine their potential out-of-pocket savings associated with using generic alternatives. About Humana Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with more than 11 million medical members. 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 45-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 Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. 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 news releases; * Replays 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 research analysts and institutional investors); * Corporate Governance Corporate Governance The relationship between all the stakeholders in a company. This includes the shareholders, directors, and management of a company, as defined by the corporate charter, bylaws, formal policy, and rule of law. Information. |
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