BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO'S NEW DISCOUNT PROGRAM IS A "NATURAL"

Boise, ID (August 1, 2000)--Blue Cross of Idaho (BCI) today announced the launching of its complementary and alternative health program – Natural BlueSM – which is available to all Blue Cross of Idaho enrollees. Natural Blue is a value-added service that gives enrollees a 25 percent discount with in-network acupuncturists and massage therapists. Enrollees also receive discounts on memberships at participating fitness clubs.

"We are introducing Natural Blue in response to our enrollees’ growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine," says Lisha Bridges, spokesperson for Blue Cross of Idaho. "Results of recent surveys point to the popularity of such treatments. We're pleased to offer discounts on the services many of our enrollees are already using, and others are telling us they would like to integrate into their traditional medical care."

Bridges said Blue Cross of Idaho expects the initial panel of participating providers to expand significantly over the next few weeks. "We expect to see many more alternative health care providers join the Natural Blue network as news of the program reaches our enrollees and their current alternative and complementary health care providers."

The discount program is administered by American Specialty Health Networks, a national organization that selects and maintains a credentialed network of complementary and alternative health care providers throughout the U.S. Natural Blue providers contract directly with American Specialty Health Networks, not with Blue Cross of Idaho.

"American Specialty Health Networks is pleased to be working with Blue Cross of Idaho's members," says George DeVries, American Specialty Health Networks President and CEO. "We have established complementary and alternative medicine programs with health plans and employers throughout the nation, and we are excited about implementing the program in Idaho."

American Specialty Health Networks coordinates the credentialing for each provider.

This process includes the completion of a comprehensive application, an on-site evaluation of each office, an audit of medical records, clinical privileging, and final approval by a peer review committee. Providers are required to be re-credentialed every two years.

To participate in the program, enrollees make an appointment with one of the network's participating providers, present their Blue Cross of Idaho identification card at the time of service, and pay the provider directly; there are no claims, no referrals and no limit on the number of visits.

Additionally, the program allows Blue Cross of Idaho enrollees to utilize the International Fitness Club Network, a national network of health and fitness facilities. At participating clubs, enrollees receive the lowest membership rate for the type of membership selected. The program applies to new health club members only. Enrollees can also try a facility at no charge for a week (subject to space availability) prior to joining.

"Very simply, this is an easy-to-use discount program that provides added choices for our customers to supplement their current health and wellness programs," says Bridges.

Enrollees seeking more information about the discount program can visit the Blue Cross of Idaho website at www.bcidaho.com. Click on Natural Blue to access American Specialty Health Network's site, www.healthyroads.com, featuring current provider listings – which will be updated as the network expands – as well as a library of educational materials and an online catalog of health and wellness products at discounted prices.

Blue Cross of Idaho has been Idaho's leading health insurer for more than 55 years. Committed to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health care services, Blue Cross of Idaho provides its customers access to the state's most comprehensive provider network.

Blue Cross of Idaho's extensive product offerings include traditional, preferred provider, and managed care plans for customers under the age of 65, as well as supplement and managed care programs for Medicare recipients. Blue Cross of Idaho insures nearly 300,000 Idahoans, about 25 percent of the state's total population.