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Health Net of California Names Three to Key Leadership Positions; Focus is on Better Serving Customers in Commercial, Medicare and State Health Programs

Posted on: Monday, 24 April 2006, 09:02 CDT

Health Net of California, one of the state's largest health plans, has announced three key appointments from within its leadership ranks to better serve its customers and focus on its commercial, Medicare and State Health Programs lines of business.

"By sharpening our focus on these three lines of business, we can better understand and serve our customers," said Stephen Lynch, president of Health Net of California. "These appointments help us become an even more customer-focused organization."

Mark Morgan was named commercial officer and now is responsible for the business performance of the large-group, mid-market, small-business group and individual lines of business. Included in these segments are the new Mexi-Plan and Salud con Health Net programs, which allow individuals and their family members to select medical care in either Mexico or California. Health Net is the third-largest network-model health plan providing commercial benefits in California, and Morgan is leading efforts to expand the existing customer base. Previously, he was marketing and product development officer.

David Friedman was named government programs officer and now is responsible for the overall performance of the State Health Programs area, which administers Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Healthy Kids and Access to Infants and Mothers (AIM) programs throughout California. Health Net is the state's third-largest provider of these benefits, and is dedicated to providing access to care for the underinsured and uninsured. Previously, Friedman was chief operations officer for the Government Programs division.

Krista Bowers was named Medicare officer and now is responsible for the administration of Medicare Advantage programs in California. As the nation's fifth-largest Medicare benefits provider, Medicare Advantage is a crucial line of business for Health Net, Inc., and recent Medicare changes offer numerous avenues for service enhancement and growth. Previously, Bowers was vice president of Marketing.

"Mark, David and Krista are valuable members of our leadership team," said Lynch, "and their vast experience and keen insights are essential as we chart our course for future success."

About Health Net

Health Net of California, a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), is one of the largest health plans in California, serving nearly 2.3 million members statewide. It contracts with more than 51,000 physicians, 300 hospitals and 4,600 pharmacies, giving its members greater choice and more convenient access to care. Its commercial, POS and Medicare lines of business have received the "Excellent" accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information about Health Net, visit its web site at www.healthnet.com.

Cautionary Statements

Certain matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical information provided herein, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's analysis, judgment, belief and expectation only as of the date hereof, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes,""anticipates,""plans,""expects,""may,""should,""could,""estimate,""intend" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially due to, among other things, rising health care costs, negative prior period claims reserve developments, trends in medical care ratios, issues relating to provider contracts, operational issues, health care reform and general business conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in the "Risk Factors" section included within the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the risks discussed in the company's other periodic filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.

Source: Business Wire

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