With Alternative Medicine Services, HealthMarket Takes Latest Step in Providing Consumers Choice, Understanding and Options

NORWALK, Conn.-- HealthMarket, Inc., the pioneering leader in self-directed healthcare, today announced the addition of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy to its online Exchange. Having these providers as part of the HealthMarket services network allows members to find, evaluate and use complementary and alternative healthcare services at discounted prices.

With the launch of complementary and alternative care services, HealthMarket adds 15,000 healthcare providers to the 175,000 already participating in its programs. These alternative care providers have joined the Exchange as a result of HealthMarket's relationship with American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN). Through the arrangement, participating providers will offer HealthMarket members a reduction of as much as 25% of the fees they traditionally charge.

"This impressive network of complementary health practitioners responds to consumer demand for services that augment conventional medical care,'' said Stephen Wiggins, HealthMarket founder and CEO. ``Our relationship with American Specialty Health Networks makes it easier for patients to access these services. We believe the integrative model of healing, combining conventional and alternative methods, will continue to attract a growing number of patients and health professionals. HealthMarket's new service further enables these trends.''

The number of Americans relying on alternative or complementary healthcare is steadily increasing. According to George DeVries, President and CEO of ASHN, a 1997 survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found Americans made 629 million visits to alternative care providers, an increase from 427 million visits in 1990. Additionally, a 1998 survey found that over 60% of Americans used alternative healthcare therapies, according to DeVries.

"Given consumers' increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine, we are excited to be the providers of such coverage to HealthMarket's members,'' said DeVries. "Our relationship with HealthMarket represents a union of shared values as both ASHN and HealthMarket strive to provide consumers with choices and value in the care they want and require.''

"Americans spent more than $27 billion out-of-pocket for alternative medicine services in 1997,'' said John Danaher, President and COO of HealthMarket, ``so adding this care to HealthMarket carries with it the potential to save consumers literally billions of dollars. It is our mission to be able to provide consumers with choice and understanding about their care options,'' Danaher added.

HealthMarket plans to augment the new services in the upcoming months by adding other alternative practices such as yoga and dietetics.

Consumers may sign up to be a member of HealthMarket's Exchange to receive quality, price, and value information on listed healthcare providers. As an Exchange member, consumers receive discounted prices for services traditionally paid out-of-pocket.

"The inclusion of complementary and alternative medicine practices to HealthMarket is a significant next step in providing consumers with exactly the type of healthcare they require, at prices they can afford, and most importantly with the value they have come to depend upon,'' said Wiggins.

About HealthMarket

HealthMarket is a privately held company developing self-directed healthcare products for consumers, employers and insurers. Founded in 1999 by industry veteran Stephen F. Wiggins, HealthMarket shifts healthcare decision making from insurance intermediaries to physicians and patients. Through its innovative approach to redesigning healthcare purchasing and coverage, employers and insurers will be able to reduce expenditures, control costs and satisfy employees. The company, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, can be reached at 1-800-282-1414, or at http://www.healthmarket.com.

About American Specialty Health Networks

American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN) provides network access programs and managed care programs nationwide to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups and trust funds. Its affiliate, American Specialty Health Plans (ASHP), is the nation's first and largest health plan for chiropractic and acupuncture services, operating in California. ASHN and ASHP provide comprehensive services including utilization management, quality management, member and provider services, claims and credentialing. ASHN and ASHP have received seven full two-year accreditations from the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC. Based in San Diego, ASHP and ASHN have over 450 employees and serve over 40 million members nationwide.

SOURCE: HealthMarket, Inc.