A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to MVP Health Plan and Preferred Care.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has assigned financial strength ratings (FSR) of B+ (Very Good) to MVP Health Plan, MVP Health Insurance Company (d/b/a MVP) (both of Schenectady, NY) and Rochester Area Health Maintenance Organization, Inc. (d/b/a Preferred Care) (Rochester, NY). The outlook for all ratings is stable.

These rating actions reflect MVP and Preferred Care's positive financial performance, well established regional presence and their excellent growth strategy. As a result of their January 2006 merger, MVP and Preferred Care plan to build on the strengths of each organization to improve overall performance and quality of their products for the newly formed organization.

Offsetting factors include strong competition from large national providers, local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and increased expenses due to merger cost and market expansion, which could put pressure on pricing for the newly formed organization. Additionally, dividends required from MVP and Preferred Care to service the new debt could put pressure on the capitalization of these plans, especially if earnings become compressed or expansion requires additional capital.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

For current Best's Ratings, independent data and analysis on more than 1,050 health companies and A.M. Best groups, please visit www.ambest.com/health.

A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit A.M. Best's Web site at www.ambest.com.