For Release: Immediate

Now that's HIP
Leading the Nation with Information Technology

New York, N.Y. - September 25th - HIP Health Plans of New York has been ranked No. 1 in InformationWeek's annual ranking of the top 500 United States companies in the use of innovative technology.

In its announcement disclosing the top 500 companies among all that were surveyed, InformationWeek said: "Key to HIP Health Plan of New York's transformation is the innovative use of technology to improve customer service. During the last year, one of the main focuses of that effort has been the company's presence on the Internet."

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 (hipusa.com) to obtain general information about HIP.

Anthony L. Watson, Chairman & CEO:

"A number one ranking in everything we do is our goal and we are proud to lead the nation in the innovative use of information technology. HIP is responding to the changing needs of our customers and the communities we serve. The ability to be the first to have our Web site interact in Spanish as well as English and with Chinese soon to come on line is a prime example. We anticipate change and we work to bring it about. By constantly improving the way we serve our members, our providers and our communities, we are helping to ensure that HIP remains among the premier health care companies in the nation."

With more than one million members, including those in its affiliate, 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 an expanding provider network, now numbering more than 18,000 physicians in over 29,000 service locations.

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.

Note: More details on HIP's No. 1 ranking in the nation can be obtained at the InformationWeek Web site: www.informationweek.com/iw500