AdvancePCS Appoints Rusty Ring to Lead New D.C. Office.

Health/Medical Writers

IRVING, Texas--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 5, 2001

AdvancePCS (Nasdaq: ADVP), the nation's leading health improvement company, has appointed Russell C. "Rusty" Ring as vice president, federal affairs to direct the company's new government relations office in Washington, D.C., and its growing involvement in health care policy issues.

"As the largest independent company in our industry, we are committed to maintaining a significant voice in the public policy debate about the future development and funding of health care programs," said David D. Halbert, AdvancePCS chairman and chief executive officer.

"Rusty offers the experience and knowledge we need to work closely with policy makers on health issues. He will help AdvancePCS be a strong advocate on the important topics relating to improving health outcomes for all Americans."

Before joining AdvancePCS, Ring served for 13 years in a variety of roles with the Mutual of Omaha Companies' Washington office, most recently as vice president, federal government affairs.

During that time, he represented his employer's legislative and regulatory interests before Congress and administrative agencies, and helped to formulate and implement legislative strategy on health care and other issues.

Ring held a similar position with the National Association of Casualty and Surety Agents and previously was on the staff of U.S. Rep. Stan Parris of Virginia. He resides in Alexandria, Va.

The new AdvancePCS office will be located at 1300 I Street NW, in Washington, D.C.

About AdvancePCS

AdvancePCS (www.advancepcsrx.com) is the nation's largest independent provider of health improvement services, touching the lives of more than 75 million health plan members and managing more than $21 billion annually in prescription drug spending.

The company offers health plans a wide range of health improvement products and services designed to improve the quality of care delivered to health plan members.

The company's capabilities include integrated mail service and retail pharmacy networks, innovative clinical services, customized disease management programs, specialty pharmacy, clinical trials and outcomes research, information management, and prescription drug services for the uninsured.

AdvancePCS clients include Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations, insurance companies and HMOs, Fortune 500 employers, Taft-Hartley groups, state and local governments, and other health plan sponsors.

AdvancePCS is an information technology leader and has developed several online e-health solutions, including www.AdvanceRx.com, one of the country's most comprehensive Internet pharmacies. The company's e-health portal, www.BuildingBetterHealth.com, helps people stay healthy by providing valuable information on health and wellness.