Beacon and HIP Announce New Chief Executive Officer.

Business Editors

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 2001

HIP Health Plan of Florida, Inc. and Beacon Health Plans, Inc. announce today the appointment of Joe Berding as Chief Executive Officer.

"Joe joins our management team with a broad background in the industry and the marketplace. He and our team of experienced healthcare executives will employ innovative methods to gain greater efficiencies to thrive and survive in a rapidly changing marketplace," said entrepreneur physician Dr. Steven Scott, Chairman of both health plans.

Mr. Berding worked more than two decades for Humana, Inc. where he headed Florida operations as well as other regions of the country. He last served as Regional Vice President for Southern Florida and Puerto Rico. Prior to joining Humana in 1978, he was with Blue Cross of Kentucky.

"My experience, especially in the Florida marketplace has provided me with the background to work effectively with the strong management team Dr. Scott has put in place. There is no issue more important today for businesses, corporations, associations and governments than that of healthcare serving people more efficiently and humanely," said Mr. Berding.

Another seasoned healthcare executive, Dan Moen will become the Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Health, A Florida Health Plan, Inc. that Dr. Scott purchased last week. Moen a senior executive with Dr. Scott's management team was also formerly with Humana, Inc.

In addition to HIP Health Plan of Florida, Inc., Beacon Health Plans, Inc. and Foundation Health, Dr. Scott, a physician entrepreneur from Boca Raton, Florida also owns Healthplan Southeast in Tallahassee. The plans have approximately 500,000 members in Florida.

Mr. Berding lives in the Doral area and holds a B.A. in accounting and a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville.