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.

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.

Written by Christian Nordqvist