Horizon NJ Health Executive Named Among The Nation's Top Minority Health Care Executives

Modern Healthcare Magazine Awards Karen L. Clark As One of the Nation's Top 25 Minority Executives in Health Care

(West Trenton, NJ - May 31, 2006) - Modern Healthcare Magazine, a leading source of healthcare business news, named Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health, as one of its top 25 minority health care executives. Twenty men and five women from all sectors of healthcare in the United States were named and are featured in the April 10, 2006 edition of the magazine, a publication of Crain Communications, Inc. (www.modernhealthcare.com)

"Karen Clark is an asset to the organization and we are pleased to see this acknowledgement of her accomplishments," commented Christy W. Bell, Senior Vice President of Health Care Management for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. "This reflects her commitment to expand access and enhance the quality of healthcare for members."

"Karen inspires through a shared vision," commented Dr. Philip M. Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health. "She has earned state and national recognition as a results-oriented, insightful advocate for the key role that Medicaid and managed health care plans play in serving the publicly insured. Her ability to effect change in the industry has been demonstrated in her prominent advocacy for health plans and her stature among her peers as the spokesperson of choice when change is needed. She is member-focused and we are proud of her leadership on behalf of our more than 302,000 members and network of physicians, hospitals and health care professionals."

Her attributes as a leader and community advocate are recognized by others, as well. In March 2006, she was honored as one of the state's six "Women of Inspiration," presented by The Positive Community Magazine; NJ BIZ Newspaper named her one of New Jersey's "Women of Influence" and she was awarded recognition by the New Jersey Primary Care Association for her strong support for the vision and mission of New Jersey's 20 Federally Qualified Health Centers and the health outreach on behalf of women and children. The American Heart Association named her as the 2005 Mercer County Chair for the organization's Annual Heart Walk and she was selected by the American Stroke Association to serve on the Stroke Executive Task Force, Heritage Affiliate. She also has been selected to serve as a Board member for the New Jersey American Cancer Society.

Karen L. Clark joined Horizon NJ Health in 2002. Her previous professional experience includes her role as chairman and CEO of MHS, a subsidiary of AmeriChoice Corporation. In addition to her executive responsibilities, Ms. Clark implemented programs to address the needs of the underserved and special populations. Ms. Clark spent four years as senior vice president of health services for AmeriChoice of Pennsylvania, formerly Healthcare Management Alternatives of Philadelphia. She has held several other key positions, including director of operations for NY/NJ operations for Travelers Corporation.

Karen L. Clark holds a Master's degree in Marketing and Finance from Columbia Graduate School of Business in New York and a Bachelor's degree in English from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Horizon NJ Health is New Jersey's largest managed healthcare organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to more than 302,000 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, NJ is New Jersey's largest health insurer, providing coverage to more than 3.3 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.

Contact: Carol Chernack
Carol Chernack, 609-538-0700 x5290
carol_chernack@horizonNJhealth.com