Landmark Healthcare and MVP Health Plan Partner to Offer Chiropractic Benefit.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--July 12, 1999--

Landmark Healthcare and MVP Health Plan (MVP) have finalized an agreement to provide chiropractic benefits to more than 315,000 MVP members in New York State and Vermont through Landmark's network of Chiropractic practitioners.

"Landmark is an established company with a 14-year track record of providing chiropractic managed care," said Amy Ertel Bellcourt, vice president of MVP Corporate Communications.

"We are excited to partner with MVP in providing chiropractic services to their members," said Kevin Buron, vice president of marketing and network development for Landmark. "Landmark's commitment to total health and satisfaction combined with years of experience allows us to effectively deliver this benefit to MVP's valued members."

In Vermont, the general assembly recently passed a bill requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for clinically necessary health care services provided by chiropractic physicians. While health management organizations have until October 1, 2000 to comply with the law, MVP will offer chiropractic as part of its basic benefit to all subscribers beginning October 1, 1999. A similar law has been in effect in New York State since January 1, 1998.

Chiropractic, a 100-year-old therapy, is effective in treating low-back pain, neck pain, whiplash, headaches and soft tissue injuries. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research -- a federal government research organization -- recommends spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.

Founded in 1983, MVP Health Plan serves more than 300,000 members in New York State and Vermont. MVP Health Plan is a federally-qualified HMO, and is the only HMO in its service area to receive a grade of "A" from Newsweek Magazine and a three-star rating from U.S. News & World Report in the most recent health plan news magazine ratings. MVP also has full accreditation, the highest level of accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). For more information about MVP Health Plan, visit the managed care organization's Web site at www.mvphealthplan.com.

Serving more than 10 million members nationwide, Landmark Healthcare, Inc. is a progressive health care company with a 14-year history in complementary alternative medicine (CAM) programs via managed care and other innovative, transitional benefit designs. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.landmarkhealthcare.com.