Humana Inks Deal with Metro Health to Enhance Healthcare - Analyst Blog

Humana Inc. (HUM) recently entered into an agreement with Metro Health, an integrated hospital and physician network operating in West Michigan. Pursuant to the deal, the former will provide a new health insurance plan to people purchasing insurance through the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace (“exchange”) in Grand Rapids.

The new exchange plan is a health maintenance organization (“HMO”) that will utilize the company's resources to help exchange members opt for healthier lifestyles, manage chronic illnesses and receive superior quality care. In turn, Humana members will be able to access Metro Health's hospital in Wyoming, 12 neighborhood physician offices and 500 affiliated physicians. This is expected to enhance patient care for Humana members as well.

Humana, being a leading health and well-being company, focuses on to enhancing healthcare for its members through coordinated care. Metro Health is an award-winning leader in community healthcare. It also provides a number of specialty health services and caters to more than 250,000 patients annually. Thus, partnering with such an entity definitely complements Humana's services.

Additionally, Humana has resorted to an advance premium tax credit to help its members find out whether they are eligible for the premium rate assistance. Moreover, to help members limit their health insurance costs, Humana has turned to cost-sharing assistance. The company has also built an EasyPrice calculator which will help individuals estimate their financial position and accordingly choose the insurance plans that suit them best.

All these endeavors reflect Humana's incessant efforts to offer enhanced healthcare at an affordable price. Toward this end, the company has also been engaging in a number of Accountable Care agreements.

Humana currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the healthcare space that look attractive at current levels include Centene Corp. (CNC), Almost Family Inc. (AFAM) and Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV). All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).