Humana and USBC form alliance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the national governing body for bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, announced today that they have formed an alliance making Humana the official health benefit provider of USBC. The alliance enables Humana to provide special direct access to its products for USBC's more than two million members.

MemberRewardsLARGE"Humana is pleased to announce this alliance intended to support a favorite American pastime and demonstrate the importance of engaging in activities that promote well-being through physical movement and social interaction," said Fred Wheeler, HumanaOne vice president of sales. "Bowling is a sport that is appealing to both young and old and through this partnership we hope to emphasize our commitment to well-being for the entire family."

Under terms of the agreement, Humana and USBC will bring the message of Humana's well-being commitment to USBC members, tournament participants and TV viewers. The alliance seeks to spotlight the relationship between bowling - engaging individuals in healthy activity at every age - and Humana, which offers benefits and services to people of all ages.

Humana Medicare Advantage plans will be offered to USBC members who are eligible for Medicare. And all USBC members will have access to a discount prescription-drug program from Humana, beginning in March. Humana individual medical, dental, vision, life and supplemental plans will also be offered to USBC members through this alliance.

"We are pleased to work with Humana and continue to demonstrate the positive impact bowling can have on one's health and the positive business results USBC can deliver to partners," USBC Executive Director Stu Upson said. "We look forward to working with Humana to share exciting offerings of new benefits to USBC members as a result of this partnership."

Bowling, according to the USBC, is the largest participatory sport in the United States with more than 71 million people bowling annually. USBC says bowling participation grew four percent in 2009 and has a $10 billion annual impact on the U.S. economy.