INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS ENHANCES ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS

PHILADELPHIA (September 7, 2000)-- Independence Blue Cross today announced that it has signed a contract with American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. to provide its 2.6 million members access to a national network of credentialed complementary and alternative health practitioners.

"Independence Blue Cross has recognized its members' call for more choice and for access to care beyond traditional medicine," stated G. Fred DiBona, Jr., President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "After careful research, we are very pleased with our selection of American Specialty Health Networks, an acknowledged leader in complementary and alternative medicine, to provide our members with substantive, value-added services."

Independence Blue Cross members now have access to American Specialty Health Networks' credentialed network of acupuncturists, registered dietitians and massage therapists. Participating practitioners in Pennsylvania's Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks, Berks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh, Northhampton and Lancaster counties have agreed to offer Independence Blue Cross members a preferred discount of 30% off their usual and customary fees. Independence Blue Cross members will also have access to discounts of up to 25% nationally. Under this program, members will make appointments directly with practitioners and also pay them directly for their services.

In addition to Independence Blue Cross' existing regional network of fitness centers, Independence Blue Cross members will now have access to American Specialty Health Networks' nationwide network of health and fitness facilities, International Fitness Club Network (IFCN). Members will be provided the lowest membership rate for the type of membership selected. As an added plus, participating clubs will allow new members to try their facility at no charge for a week prior to joining (subject to space availability).

American Specialty Health and Wellness, Inc. an American Specialty Health Networks affiliate, offers a comprehensive Internet strategy for complementary and alternative health products and services to Independence Blue Cross members. American Specialty Health and Wellness is linked to Independence Blue Cross' web site www.ibx.com, and offers:

• Educational Resources : one of the most comprehensive Internet sources of educational information on complementary and alternative healthcare.
• Health and Wellness Products : over 1,200 health and wellness products at preferred discounts, including free shipping on all orders for Independence Blue Cross members.
• Practitioner Directory: online directory of complementary and alternative health practitioners and fitness clubs across the nation contracted with American Specialty Health Networks. Members will be able to quickly and easily locate a participating alternative health practitioner anywhere in the country. Members can also obtain travel instructions from this web site.

"Complementary and alternative healthcare is one of healthcare's most rapidly growing areas and hotly demanded by consumers," says George DeVries, President and CEO of American Specialty Health Networks. "We are pleased to partner with Independence Blue Cross to provide their network access programs as well as cutting edge Internet and e-commerce solutions."

American Specialty Health Networks 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, Inc. is the nation's first and largest health plan for chiropractic and acupuncture services, operating in California.

American Specialty Health Networks and American Specialty Health Plans provide comprehensive services including utilization management, quality management, member and provider services, claims and credentialing. They have received seven full two-year accreditations from the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission /URAC. Based in San Diego, they have over 500 employees and cover over 17 million members nationwide.

Independence Blue Cross is a full service health insurance corporation serving 2.6 million members in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Independence Blue Cross continually seeks to enhance the services and programs offered to its members. The addition of a nationwide network of credentialed alternative health practitioners with preferred pricing is just one of the many value-added services offered by Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

www.ibx.com