Healthfirst & HHC Expand Their Relationship

Expands Healthfirst Provider Network Effective June 1

New York, NY - Healthfirst and the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation (“HHC”) are proud to announce that they have expanded their relationship. HHC has been a partner in Healthfirst since 1997, first through Elmhurst Hospital, then Queens Hospital Center. This extension of the current contract between Healthfirst and HHC now includes Medicaid lines of business. The agreement allows eligible New York City residents whose doctors are affiliated with the 17 HHC facilities to choose Healthfirst as their health plan of choice for Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus. As a full owner of Healthfirst, HHC will have five seats on the Healthfirst Board of Directors. The new contract became effective June 1st.

The current agreement significantly expands the Healthfirst PHSP provider network. It also allows Healthfirst onsite marketing privileges at all HHC Hospitals, and Diagnostic & Treatment Centers, continuing its tradition of bringing access to quality healthcare to many of New York City's most diverse and underserved communities.

“HHC has a long history of delivering high quality care to New Yorkers. This partnership represents an opportunity for both organizations to significantly increase outreach to patients served by HHC and those in need in the community,” said Paul Dickstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Healthfirst. “We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with HHC.”

This new venture follows a successful HHC and Healthfirst Medicare relationship which began in 2004. After HHC joined the Healthfirst network for select Medicare products, over 10,000 new members affiliated with HHC enrolled in Healthfirst Medicare plans. The terms of this new agreement add HHC facilities to all remaining Healthfirst Medicare plans. Healthfirst and HHC's own plan, MetroPlus, will be the only health plans allowed to market inside HHC facilities.

“This new contract between HHC and Healthfirst combines the largest Medicaid Plan in the State and fastest growing Medicare plan in New York City with the largest municipal healthcare system in the country, all in an effort to provide quality care to New York City residents” said Alan Aviles, President and CEO of HHC. “The additional revenue generated through this strategic partnership will be available for investment in the preventative health services that are so crucial to the long-term health of the communities we serve.”

About Healthfirst: Healthfirst, established in 1993 and based in lower Manhattan, is a not-for-profit healthcare organization owned by 36 of New York's top hospitals and medical centers. With a network of over 18,000 physicians and specialists throughout New York City and Long Island, Healthfirst offers a variety of government-sponsored health insurance programs including Medicaid, New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, Healthy New York, as well as Medicare. Since January 2004, Healthfirst is the largest health plan in New York State based on overall membership in Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus. Healthfirst is also the fastest-growing Medicare plan in New York City. For more information about Healthfirst, please visit our website at www.healthfirstny.com .

About NYCHHC: The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is the largest municipal healthcare system in the country. HHC operates a network of eleven hospitals, six diagnostic and treatment centers, four long-term care facilities, more than 80 community clinics and a home health care agency. HHC provides care to all regardless of ability to pay. HHC serves 1.3 million New Yorkers annually, including more than 450,000 who have no health insurance. For more information about HHC, visit our website at www.nyc.gov/hhc.