[danielh]

Apria and Humana have become aggressive in steering Humana Medicare patients to Apria in our area. When we checked with Humana, we were told that all Humana Medicare patients have the right to obtain service from the provider of their choice and have the same benefits in or out of network. Humana has been telling the patients that their co-insurance will be lower if they go through Apria.

Does anyone know how they're doing this? Is Apria charging Humana less than the Medicare allowable? Are they forgiving part of the co-insurance?

I'd appreciate any insight you might have.

[Mike Kuller]

Apria has done this as well with Blue Shield of CA by offering them a small discount to be their "prefered provider". We have had to fight for patients and ask the MDs to be sure to write our name specifically on the order so it won't be redirected.