American Specialty Health Signs Agreement with 24 Hour Fitness.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2003

American Specialty Health, Incorporated, the nation's leading complementary health care benefits organization, announced that 24 Hour Fitness will participate in its fitness club benefit program. The agreement adds 286 clubs in 15 states to American Specialty Health's growing network.

"We're extremely pleased to be working with an industry leader such as 24 Hour Fitness," said George DeVries, president and chief executive officer of American Specialty Health. "The arrangement reinforces our commitment to providing members with convenient and affordable access to fitness clubs around the country."

"Exercise is instrumental to preventing chronic diseases, promoting healthier lifestyles, and potentially living longer," said Dr. Kevin Steele, vice president of 24 Hour Fitness. "It's exciting to be part of a ground-breaking fitness club benefit. The agreement with American Specialty Health opens new doors for people who wish to take a proactive role in managing their health and wellness."

Launched in 2002, the fitness club benefit is part of American Specialty Health's unique portfolio of products that provide an integrated approach to better health. Collectively, these programs are being hailed as the "next generation" of services to help consumers direct their own personal health care. PacifiCare became the first health plan to introduce this fitness club benefit through its Healthy Renewal Pass program last fall. In addition to fitness clubs, Healthy Renewal Pass includes chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy -- as well as health education programs such as nutrition, exercise, weight management, disease prevention, and smoking cessation.

In 2003, American Specialty Health was recognized by the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) as the first "IHRSA Model Fitness Benefit Program." This new designation distinguishes health plans and/or insurance carriers that meet specific criteria in offering benefit plans for fitness club memberships. Requirements include giving members access to a basic range of services, including cardiovascular equipment, resistance or strength equipment, instructor-led classes, and locker rooms. IHRSA is a non-profit, international leader in health club industry education, research, and advocacy.

American Specialty Health, Incorporated and its subsidiaries are the nation's leading specialty benefits organization for complementary health care -- providing benefit, health education, and affinity network programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Its subsidiary American Specialty Health Plans of California, Inc., which operates in California, is the nation's first and largest specialty health plan for chiropractic and acupuncture. Based in San Diego, American Specialty Health has over 500 employees and more than 9 million members in benefit programs nationwide. For more information about American Specialty Health, visit its Web site at www.ashcompanies.com.

Headquartered in San Ramon, California, 24 Hour Fitness, an innovative leader in the health and fitness industry, serves over 2.7 million members in more than 300 clubs across 16 different states. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2003, 24 Hour Fitness pioneered the concept of making fitness accessible, affordable and a way of life for all fitness levels. Supporting the communities it serves, 24 Hour Fitness sponsors many charitable events and organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Magic Johnson Foundation. Please call 1-800-204-2400 or visit www.24HourFitness.com for more information and to find the location nearest you.