For Release: Immediate

Now that's HIP

Continues Leading the Nation: Adds Chinese to its Web Site

New York, N.Y. Oct. 22 - HIP Health Plan of New York today announced that it has added Chinese to its Web site at hipusa.com. HIP is believed to be the first health care company in the nation whose Web site provides language interaction in English, Spanish and now Chinese.

The introduction of Chinese to its Web site comes soon after HIP was ranked No. 1 in InformationWeek's annual national ranking of the top 500 United States companies in the use of innovative technology. InformationWeek's survey was conducted among United States companies before establishing the top 500, now led by HIP.

"New York is a special place, unique in all the world," said Anthony L. Watson, Chairman & CEO. "Its citizens, more than one million of whom are our members, are people of rare character, and we are proud to bring a No. 1 national ranking to our great city. As we continue to grow and to be recognized for our innovative approaches, we are ever mindful that our basic mission is to continue providing the best health care services to be found anywhere."

At hipusa.com, members, providers, employers and brokers can access the names of doctors from over 18,000 physicians in more than 29,000 locations, fill a prescription, review claims, download forms, contact HIP via e-mail, learn about HIP programs; plus much more. The public can also access the Web site to obtain general information about HIP.

With more than one million members, including its acquisition of Vytra Health Plans, HIP is the largest HMO and one of the largest health plans in the New York metropolitan area.

In recognition of HIP's commitment to innovation and quality, HIP holds NCQA commendable accreditation. Known for over 50 years as the region's premier HMO, HIP today also offers a wide range of other products as well as its expanding provider network.

HIP's health care options include physicians in independent practice as well as physicians practicing at health centers. Outstanding medical groups, including groups associated with leading hospitals like Beth Israel Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, and St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, operate the centers. For more information about HIP, please visit our Web site at hipusa.com.