LOUISVILLE, KY — September 4, 2008— Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today that  Humana Military Healthcare Services (HMHS), TRICARE's contractor for the South Region, will continue its support and services for TRICARE beneficiaries in the Gulf Coast areas of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas who are being affected by the recent Tropical Storm Gustav.

“We empathize with our many employees, beneficiaries and fellow citizens who are suffering as a result of this latest natural disaster. We will keep those affected individuals in our thoughts during these very difficult times,” said David J. Baker, president and CEO of HMHS. “Rest assured that we will continue to support all TRICARE beneficiaries aligned with the South Region in acquiring the necessary healthcare they require.”

Just as HMHS collaborated with the Department of Defense to implement several policy changes following the 2005 hurricanes, the company is once again partnering with the government to ensure that beneficiaries affected by Tropical Storm Gustav retain access to their TRICARE benefits during this recovery period.

To assist TRICARE Prime-enrolled beneficiaries affected by Gustav enrolled to both Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and civilian Primary Care Managers (PCMs), the Department of Defense and Humana are waiving the requirement for referrals to civilian primary and specialty care providers during the period August 29-September 12, 2008.  A complete listing of affected counties is provided.  Should local conditions warrant, Humana Military Healthcare Services will make necessary recommendations on any extensions for the waivers.

All TRICARE beneficiaries should continue to use HMHS’ Disaster Preparedness page for updates.  The HMHS Customer Service line at 1-800-444-5445 is available for questions or to locate a TRICARE Service Center closest to their current physical location.  For pharmacy questions, military beneficiaries should contact the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts Inc. at 1-866-363-8779. 

         
About HMHS
HMHS, headquartered in Louisville, KY., has been a Department of Defense contractor for the administration of the TRICARE program since July 1, 1996. In August 2003, HMHS was awarded the contract to provide health benefits support and services to approximately 2.8 million active duty and retired military and their eligible family members in the 10-state South Region. HMHS was also awarded the Department of Defense’s contract to provide health care services and support for active duty service members and their families located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in February 2004.