CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Humana Inc. (HUM), a leading health care company, and HumanaVitality, a comprehensive wellness and loyalty solution, today announced their sponsorship of the first annual Illinois Healthiest Employers awards, presented by Crains Custom Media, which recognize organizations that have a proven commitment to workplace wellness. Submissions for the awards are currently being accepted at http://www.healthiestemployers.com/illinois and companies ranging in size from two to 5,000+ employees are encouraged to apply.

The awards are designed to reward companies that demonstrate innovation and leadership within their wellness programs. The deadline for submissions is August 24, 2012.

Were thrilled to support an initiative that recognizes best practices in workplace wellness and gives credit to employers who are taking innovative steps to help their employees live healthier lives, said Dave Reynolds, Illinois Commercial Market President at Humana. This sponsorship is a perfect way for Humana to execute on its mission of helping people achieve lifelong well-being.

While 2012 marks the first year of the award in Illinois, similar models have proven successful in other states including Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The award utilizes an online assessment tool and measures wellness programming in six key categories:

Despite research that shows preventable diseases are among the most costly health problems in the U.S., finding the motivation for sustained behavior change is often difficult, said Joe Woods, CEO of HumanaVitality. Companies that implement effective wellness solutions will see significant benefits including lower health care costs, increased productivity and higher employee morale. These organizations should be recognized as an example for others to emulate.

All submissions for the award are reviewed independently by Healthiest Employer LLC, a company dedicated to measuring wellness programming among todays employers. Winners of the Illinois Healthiest Employers awards will be recognized at a special awards luncheon on Nov. 7, 2012 at the Westin River North in Chicago.

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.

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

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Humana and HumanaVitality Sponsor First Annual Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards