ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To better meet members’ needs and expand access to care, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), a leading health and well-being company, is teaming up with MDLIVE, a leading telemedicine services and software provider, to provide Humana Medicare beneficiaries virtual access to doctors in select counties in Georgia and South Carolina.
Humana is including the telemedicine benefit on certain Medicare Advantage plans offered for the 2017 plan year. Members who choose plans with this benefit can access doctors through personal computers, telephone or mobile devices for a wide range of non-emergency medical conditions, such as cold and flu, headaches and skin infections, with an applicable co-pay for each visit.
Telemedicine can be beneficial for people who might need to see a doctor outside of their primary care physicians’ office hours, such as on the weekend or evenings, or when they are traveling. It can also be beneficial for those who may not have access to transportation or become unable to drive when ill. MDLIVE’s network of board-certified physicians consistently achieves high patient satisfaction scores. Telemedicine should not be used for emergency situations or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, and does not replace an in-person visit with a primary care physician or other provider. Limitations on healthcare and prescription services delivered via telemedicine vary by state.
With the member’s consent, Humana utilizes its clinical data technology to ensure individual health records are available to MDLIVE medical professionals and the MDLIVE clinician’s prescribed treatment is shared with the member’s primary care physician.
This marks the first year the telemedicine benefit is offered on the Humana Regional Medicare Advantage PPO plan in Georgia and South Carolina. However, since introducing the benefit on some Medicare Advantage plans in 2016, 90 percent of Humana members who used the service and took the post-care survey ranked their experience as either good or excellent.
“With on-demand services playing a big role in people’s lives today, it’s important that we offer our members access to on-demand care to help reduce some of the primary barriers that prevent people from getting medical care,” said Humana’s Regional Medicare President Jim Laughlin. “Video and telephonic visits allow our members to receive health care when and where they need it so we can help them achieve their optimal health. For Medicare beneficiaries, getting care when it’s needed may be able to help reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits.”
People with Medicare may select these plans during the annual Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan enrollment period, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2016. Those selecting a plan with this option will be able to start using the benefit Jan. 1, 2017.
Medicare beneficiaries living in Georgia and South Carolina who are interested in utilizing MDLIVE should visit www.Humana-Medicare.com to research these plans and learn more about this and other plan benefits.
About MDLIVE
Founded in 2009, MDLIVE is a visionary and pioneer in the digital delivery of high-quality, convenient, cost-efficient virtual care for medical and behavioral health conditions. The company provides consumers, health plans, health systems and self-insured employers with 24/7/365 access to its network of board-certified doctors and licensed therapists via secure online video, and phone through the MDLIVE service and technology platform. Registered users can receive a virtual consultation through the company’s HIPAA and PHI-compliant secure, cloud-based platform from home or on the go. To learn more about how MDLIVE is using telehealth innovations to improve the delivery of healthcare, visit www.MDLIVE.com.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Most recent investor conference presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases
- Calendar of events
- Corporate Governance information
Additional Information:
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Humana is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Washington Medicaid program. Other Physicians/Providers are available in our network.
Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Humana”) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-552-0751 (TTY: 711).
Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-845-7639 (TTY: 711).
繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-552-0751 (TTY：711).
