Horizon NJ Health Receives URAC Full Accreditation

(West Trenton, NJ — June 10, 2005) — Horizon NJ Health announced today that it has again received Full Health Plan Accreditation by URAC, a national, independent, and nonprofit health care accrediting body formerly known as Utilization Review Accreditation Commission. URAC accreditations help protect over 140 million Americans in all 50 states.

"To receive accreditation by URAC again this year confirms our strong commitment to quality health care for our members," explained Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health. "We use a commonsense approach focused on expanding access and enhancing the quality of health care for the publicly insured. We are delighted that URAC has once again acknowledged our hard work and success in meeting high quality standards."

URAC is considered a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification, and other quality improvement programs. URAC provides a mark of distinction for health care organizations demonstrating their commitment to quality and accountability, as well as their dedication to keeping pace with the rapid changes in health care.

"Horizon NJ Health should be commended for meeting strict quality standards," said Garry Carneal, URAC President and CEO. "It is critically important for health care organizations to make a commitment to quality and accountability. URAC accreditation is a demonstration of that commitment."

"On a daily basis, we keep our focus on the company's mission, and we are truly committed to excellence in all we do," noted Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health. "URAC accreditation is just one more measure our members can look to and know they are getting quality care."

Horizon NJ Health is New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to close to 280,000 people in all 21 New Jersey counties. Headquartered in West Trenton, NJ, Horizon NJ Health is a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). Horizon NJ Health's Web site is located at www.horizonNJhealth.com.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), with headquarters in Newark, is New Jersey's largest health insurer, providing coverage to more than 3.1 million people. Horizon BCBSNJ's Web site is located at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.