Anthem Introduces Health Savings Accounts in Colorado.

DENVER -- Consumers and employees in Colorado now have more options and flexibility to pay for health care expenses, gain more control over their health care dollars, reap tax benefits and plan for retirement as a result of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's (Anthem) introduction of its Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). E[acute accent]Anthem's new HSAs are being offered now with an effective start date of October 1, 2004, to eligible individuals and employer groups in Colorado, and customers have already begun to enroll. The products consist of Anthem preferred-provider organization (PPO), HSA-qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) coupled with an account that allows eligible consumers to use checks and debit cards to pay for qualified medical expenses out of their HSA. HSAs have recently become available to consumers as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. E[acute accent]"This new consumer-driven health care product enables employers and individuals to save money on health care premiums and enjoy more financial predictability, with coverage that continues to offer quality benefits," said Caroline "Caz" Matthews, president of Anthem's west region. "Anthem's HSAs make it easier for members to have more control over health care spending, while also providing the flexibility to save for future qualified medical expenses." E[acute accent]Anthem offers HSA-qualified HDHPs for employer groups and individuals. Anthem's HSA-qualified HDHP for employer groups is available in 20 different benefit designs, and its HSA-qualified HDHP for individuals is available in 10 different benefit designs. The HDHPs contain varying deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, giving customers the opportunity to choose the health plan that fits them and their families the best. E[acute accent]With a qualified HDHP from Anthem, employers, employees, individual members and anyone else can deposit money into eligible members' HSA savings accounts up to the level of the deductible or up to limits set by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 -- currently $2,600 for individuals and $5,150 for families. The member may then use his or her funds in their HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses until the deductible is reached. Once the deductible is met, the member's health expenses are paid according to his or her health plan. The tax-advantaged accounts also permit unused funds to be carried over from year to year even if an employee changes employers. And, any interest gained from the HSA belongs to the member. E[acute accent]"Health savings accounts represent a shift in the way consumers and employers think about and manage health care benefits," said Joe Hoffman, Vice President and Colorado General Manager. "We have found that the most important aspect of introducing HSAs is to educate our customers -- both consumers and employers -- regarding how these new products may fit within their budgets or lives. We're here to help them understand how these new, exciting products might be a better solution for them." E[acute accent]HSAs are the latest addition to Anthem's portfolio of consumer-driven health products. Consumer-driven health plans give members even more affordable product options supported by easy-to-use, online tools to help them manage their health care decisions when it is most convenient for them. E[acute accent]Anthem offers online tools such as MyAnthem, a personalized member self-service Web site; Subimo's Healthcare Advisor(TM), an interactive program that allows members to compare hospitals and learn more information about medical treatments; MyHealth@Anthem, an award-winning and medically certified health and wellnesss information resource; SpecialOffers@Anthem, a program that offers discounts on health and wellness products and services; and on-line provider directories, which make searching for physicians and other health care professionals a quick and easy process. E[acute accent]For more information about Anthem's HSAs, employers and individuals can contact their local Anthem broker. Individuals can also call 1-800-873-2261.

E[acute accent]Anthem's mission is to improve the health of the people it serves. The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies provide health care benefits to more than 12.6 million people. They are subsidiaries of Anthem, Inc.; all are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada, Maine and Virginia, excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. More information about Anthem is available at www.anthem.com.

E[acute accent]'Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. E[acute accent](R) Registered marks Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.