Episcopal Church Medical Trust Commissions Healthwise for Life Handbook To Empower Retirees.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2003

Healthwise, Incorporated, announced today that the Episcopal Church Medical Trust has distributed 10,000 copies of Healthwise(R) for Life, a handbook on medical issues for people age 50 and older, to retired clergy and employees of the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church Medical Trust works with national health benefits companies, including First Health, to provide benefits for both clergy and lay employees. First Health suggested Healthwise for Life as an effective educational tool to help retired church employees.

"As consumers are more actively seeking information to help effectively manage their health, we know that Episcopal Church retirees will appreciate and use the Healthwise for Life book," said Karyn Glogowski, senior vice president of Account Management for First Health. "The Episcopal Church Medical Trust has always sought ways to further assist their members, and we are pleased to support them in this pursuit."

Episcopal Church Medical Trust members will find information on prevention, home treatment, and when to call a health professional in this self-care guide. More than 200 common health issues are covered, such as arthritis, menopause, vision changes, and diabetes. Readers can also learn how to prepare for doctors visits; make smart decisions about tests, medications, and surgeries; manage chronic health problems; and remain independent and in control of their health care.

"Providing important health information to our employees is certainly a priority for us," said Libby Miller, director of Benefits and Care Coordination for Episcopal Church Medical Trust. "We look forward to providing this useful resource to our retirees."

Healthwise for Life has been a frontline medical resource for older Americans since 1992. Healthwise released the 5th edition of Healthwise for Life in May 2003 to keep pace with changes in medical science, such as new recommendations for colorectal cancer screening and hormone replacement therapy. The health guide now contains over 60 More Info (TM) icons that link readers to more in-depth online medical information in the Healthwise Knowledgebase, which is available to Medical Trust members through their member Web site provided by First Health.

"People are best educated and empowered when they have access to tools that fit their individual learning styles. Blending a read-and-click approach gives Episcopal Church Medical Trust members the best of both worlds," said Healthwise President and COO Gene Drabinski.

About Healthwise

Healthwise, Incorporated, is a nonprofit organization that has been helping people make better health decisions since 1975. Every year, people make more than 49 million health care decisions with Healthwise English and Spanish handbooks and online content. For more information, visit www.healthwise.org and www.informationtherapy.org, or call 1-800-706-9646.

About the Episcopal Church Medical Trust

The Episcopal Church Clergy and Employees' Benefit Trust (the "Medical Trust") was created in 1978 by the Church Pension Fund and is maintained for the employees (and their beneficiaries) of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as "the church"). The Medical Trust exclusively serves ecclesiastic societies, dioceses, missionary districts, and other bodies subject to the authority of the church. The Medical Trust is a voluntary employees' beneficiary association (VEBA) under section 501(c)9 of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the Medical Trust is to provide benefits to eligible employees, former employees, and their dependents in the event of illness or expenses for various types of medical care and treatment. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.cpg.org.

About First Health

First Health, the premier national health-benefits services company, specializes in providing large payors with integrated managed care solutions. First Health is a unique national managed care company serving the group health, workers' compensation, and state agency markets. Using technology to enable service and managed care innovations, First Health sets the bar for industry performance. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.firsthealth.com.