Anthem Offers New "Advantage" To Members

Cincinnati, OH (September 18, 2001) - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's 4.2 million health plan members in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky now have access to health-related products and services at substantially discounted prices through Anthem Advantage, available online at www.anthem.com.

"Our customers told us they want discounts on products and services that complement their health benefits," said Mark Isett, executive director of product development, Anthem Midwest. "Anthem Advantage is a simple, cost-effective way for us to provide flexible, dynamic, hassle-free discounts on nationally recognized and respected health-related products. Our customers expect the best and we have worked hard to provide it with GlobalFit^TM, FTD.COM and the other Anthem Advantage participants."

Member research revealed that consumers want discounts on:

• Gym memberships — 78%
• Lasik surgery —78%
• Massage therapy — 57%
• Sports equipment — 56%
• Baby care supplies — 39%

The following discounted products and services are part of Anthem Advantage:

• Complementary Blue^SM — complementary health care products and services
• GlobalFit^TM — fitness club memberships and discounts on fitness equipment
• Vision One — eyeglass frames, bifocals, contact lenses and Lasik surgery
• Anthem Advantage Bookstore — discounted featured titles provided by our online bookstore partner
• FTD.COM — floral arrangements, gourmet baskets and other gift items
• Beltone® — hearing aids and related services
• SafeTech — biking and in-line skating helmets
• Safe Beginnings® — safety products and developmental toys for children
• House of Healing — books, videos, music and other items

"Complementary Blue^SM , administered by American Specialty Health (ASH) Networks, is one of the Anthem Advantage program's featured elements. ASH is responsible for choosing acupuncturists and massage therapists to participate in their network," said Samuel Cramer, M.D., corporate medical director, Anthem BCBS Midwest. "Each provider completes a comprehensive credentialing procedure before being added to the network. ASH considers licensing and certification requirements, education, liability insurance coverage, facilities and staff, treatment and referral practices, and managed care perspective. Also, ASH dietary supplements go through an extensive quality assurance process before being offered to consumers. We're pleased to be able to offer our members this high-quality program."

Each participating company offers toll-free information and ordering service, along with Internet access through the Anthem Web site. In addition, Anthem members may get more information about the program by calling a recorded information line at 800-335-7245.

The program is not a covered benefit, but a value-added service to certain Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members under 65. Anthem Senior Advantage, for members 65 and older, is working to implement a similar program for its Medicare+Choice members. The program is expected to be implemented by mid-2002.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Indiana-domiciled mutual insurance company providing health care benefits and services to more than 7.5 million Americans. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada and Maine. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®Registered marks Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.