LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2006--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today that James J. O'Brien was elected as a member of the board of directors at its annual meeting of stockholders on April 27.

Mr. O'Brien, 51, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Ashland Inc., a FORTUNE 500 chemical and transportation construction company based in Covington, Ky. Prior to assuming the position of CEO he was Ashland's president and chief operating officer. Previously, Mr. O'Brien served as senior vice president and group operating officer for Ashland Distribution and Ashland Specialty Chemical, where he developed broad new initiatives to redefine the distribution business model with a goal of enhancing efficiency and increasing revenues.

"Jim's background in developing master brand strategies and in expanding product lines through innovative consumer offerings will be a valuable addition to our board, especially as Humana continues to pursue its industry-leading commitment to consumerism in health benefits," said David A. Jones, Jr., chairman of the board.

A native of Circleville, Ohio, Mr. O'Brien is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance and a master's degree in business administration. He currently serves his alma mater as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the Fisher Graduate College of Business. A volunteer "big brother" with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, he also serves on the organization's national board of directors. He is a member of the American Chemistry Council, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Midway College in Midway, Ky., and is a member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Mr. O'Brien is a 1994 graduate of Leadership Kentucky.

Additionally, the following board members were reelected at today's meeting of stockholders: David A. Jones, Jr., Frank A. D'Amelio, W. Roy Dunbar, Kurt J. Hilzinger, Michael B. McCallister, W. Ann Reynolds, Ph.D., and James O. Robbins. John R. Hall, a director for 14 years, stepped down, having reached the mandatory board retirement age of 73.

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 9 million medical members. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services - through traditional and consumer-choice plans - to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals.

Over its 45-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at http://www.humana.com, including copies of:

CONTACT: Humana Corporate Communications
Tom Noland, 502-580-3674
tnnoland@humana.com

SOURCE: Humana Inc.