January 30, 2002
For Release: Immediate

HIP Announces Advanced Web Site Security
Awarded TRUSTe Privacy Seal

New York, N.Y. Jan. 30 - HIP Health Plan of New York, which has been acknowledged nationally as an industry leader in the application of health care information technology, today announced that its Web site has been awarded the TRUSTe seal.

The TRUSTe "trustmark" is given only to sites that adhere to the highest standards of established privacy principles of disclosure, choice, access and security. Web sites that display the TRUSTe privacy seal agree to also comply with ongoing oversight and participate in dispute resolution. Clicking on the "trustmark" icon will take site visitors to a clear and complete statement of www.hipusa.com’s privacy policy.

HIP’s privacy policy was reviewed and approved by TRUSTe prior to the granting of the "trustmark." In the event that a site visitor feels that his or her privacy has been violated, TRUSTe will work to resolve the complaint via its TRUSTe Watchdog program, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

"Qualification for the TRUSTe seal reflects HIP’s commitment to providing the best possible customer service to our diverse membership," said Anthony L. Watson, Chairman and CEO. "HIP members, physicians, employers, and brokers can access HIP’s Web site, a new and expanded virtual customer service center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with complete privacy and security assured. Harnessing the power and convenience of the Internet and making it available to as broad a range of HIP members as possible continues to be a guiding principle of HIP’s use of technology in the health care marketplace."

Following are among the portals providing secure access at HIP’s www.hipusa.com.

Members
Members can now interact with the HIP Web site in a variety of ways, including:

• finding a physician in HIP’s growing network;
• changing a primary care physician;
• filling a prescription through HIP’s online pharmacy service;
• reviewing claims and downloading forms;
• learning about HIP’s alternative medicine programs for acupuncture;
• examining HIP’s dental program and participating dentists;
• updating an address;
• requesting a replacement for a misplaced ID card;
• reading about HIP health tips and links to similar sites, press releases, general information about HIP, including its annual report and financial statement, the HIP member newsletter; and,
• Contacting HIP by e-mail. The privacy of email communication between HIP and its members is ensured by the latest Web security and encryption technology.

Providers
The new Web site will give physicians and other providers a number of important capabilities. These include verifying member eligibility, viewing the status of claim submissions, providing referrals, and obtaining medical pre-authorizations.

Employers
Employers can access HIP’s pharmacy services and find and update needed information, including addresses, telephone numbers, and eligibility data about employees.

Brokers  Brokers can obtain information kits that explain why HIP is a natural choice for a health care plan. Also available are group rates, provider directories, and a special broker hotline number.

About HIP
With over 750,000 members, HIP Health Plan of New York is one of the largest health plans in the New York metropolitan area. In recognition of HIP’s commitment to innovation and quality, the plan holds NCQA commendable accreditation and is ranked among the nation’s top users of information technology. Known for over 50 years as the region’s premier HMO, HIP today also offers a wide range of other products as well as an expanding provider network, now numbering over 15,000 physicians in over 26,000 service locations. This growing circle of health care options includes physicians in independent practice as well as physicians practicing at health centers. Outstanding medical groups, including groups associated with leading hospitals like Beth Israel Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, operate the centers. For more information about HIP, please visit our Web site at www.hipusa.com