What do you get when Humana teams with Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, to offer a new prescription drug plan for people eligible for Medicare?We're very excited to offer the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Prescription Drug Plan for people eligible for Medicare. With a monthly premium of only $14.80*, this plan has the lowest-priced national premium in the country.We all know that people are more likely to take the medications prescribed for them when they can afford those medications. And we know that taking prescribed medications can both help people to be healthier and prevent future illness.With the new Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan, you will also have $2 copayments when you fill your preferred generic prescriptions at one of the more than 4,000 Walmart, Sam's Club or Neighborhood Market pharmacies nationwide. These savings are also available at other preferred pharmacies, besides those I just mentioned. And, you get $0 copayments for some prescriptions when you use RightSource RX, Humana's preferred mail-order pharmacy.Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to anyone entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B. To get prescription drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan, offered by a Medicare-approved organization. Your first option would be to join a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan that covers prescription drugs only. The Humana Walmart Preferred RX plan is a stand-alone plan.A second option is to join a Medicare Advantage plan, or another type of Medicare health plan that covers your doctor and hospital care as well as your prescriptions. For example, Humana offers an HMO Medicare Advantage plan here in Tampa Bay that combines a $0 monthly premium with prescription drug coverage.With many plan choices available it is important to select the plan that best meets your needs and budget.The annual election period to choose a 2011 Medicare plan begins next Monday, Nov. 15, and ends Dec. 31, 2010.It's also important to note that the plan you select during this election period will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2011. Unless you return to Original Medicare with the option to choose a Prescription Drug Plan, this will be your plan for all of next year. In addition to Original Medicare, you can choose:•Medicare Prescription Drug plans - like the Humana-Walmart Preferred Rx plan we talked about - which offer relief from the high costs of medications.
•Medicare Supplement plans that can work with Original Medicare to cover "gaps" in medical coverage like deductibles and coinsurance; and
•Medicare Advantage plans that cover a full range of medical care in addition to or beyond standard Medicare benefits. This includes the HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans that Humana offers here in Tampa Bay. Humana offers valuable information for Medicare beneficiaries through our website: humana-medicare.com. Two other good resources are the Medicare website: medicare.gov; and the America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) guide: healthdecisions.org/guide. During the annual election period that starts Nov. 15, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan for 2011.For example, people who currently participate in Original Medicare coverage as well as a prescription drug plan may decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that offers Part D prescription drug coverage. Really, choosing a 2011 Medicare Advantage plan boils down to three things: First, you must sign up for your plan before the end of this year. Second, remember that whatever plan you choose, you'll have it for all of next year. And finally, choose carefully -- find a company you can trust and rely on.Look at health plan companies that have been in the community a long time, that have established a relationship with local physicians and hospitals, and that have earned a respected business reputation.At Humana, we're proud to have been serving the Tampa Bay area for 20-plus years. And please be careful. Don't give your personal information to any uninvited home visitors or solicitors who call selling Medicare-related products. You can come talk to us in person at one of the free events Humana will be participating in here in the Tampa Bay area.First, we'll be at the Senior Connections Senior Friendly Extravaganza on Wed., Nov. 17 at the Largo Cultural Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.And, next month, on Wed., Dec. 15, we'll be at the Strawberry Festival Grounds in Plant City for the Senior Connection Fun Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.You can also look for us at your local Walmart. Humana has representatives in-store at about 50 Walmart stores in the Tampa Bay region. Just look for the Humana kiosk. And if it's more convenient, you can get information at humana-medicare.com or by calling 1-800-301-8998.A health plan and a stand alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. For more information contact the plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, Limitation, copayments and restrictions may apply. You must use network pharmacies, except under non-routine circumstances. Quantity limitations and restrictions may apply. Other mail order pharmacies are available in our network. Cost comparison information, "Centers for Medicare amp; Medicaid Services." Click on the "2011 Drug Plan Information - State Fact Sheets" under "Spotlights." September 2010. http://www.cms.gov/center/openenrollment.aspY0040_GHA0BK2HH File amp; Use 11132010/span>/>
