Care Choices Attains GM 'Benchmark HMO' Status

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 27, 2003 -- Care Choices HMO has been designated a "Benchmark HMO" by General Motors Corporation. Benchmark status means that Care Choices HMO has met GM's highest standards for clinical quality, customer service and cost to its salaried employees. The monthly contribution that GM salaried employees pay for Benchmark plans is lower than the amount paid for non-benchmark HMO's offered.

Care Choices achieved benchmark status through its commitment to quality care and service, which is evident from its recent recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Care Choices was the only health plan in Michigan to be recognized by NCQA as among the top five plans in the East North Central Region of the U.S. for clinical performance based on HEDIS(R) Effectiveness of Care measures(1).

In addition to its recognition for clinical excellence, Care Choices HMO offers the highest member satisfaction ratings of health plans in Southeast Michigan(2, 3) according to NCQA's Quality Compass(R) 2003 report. Members rate Care Choices as the top health plan in southeast Michigan in the categories of Doctor Communications, Courteous and Helpful Office Staff, Getting Care Quickly and Claims Processing.

Care Choices is a nonprofit health care organization and a subsidiary of Trinity Health, one of the nation's leading providers of health care services. Since 1986, Care Choices has been providing quality health care to thousands of members throughout southeast Michigan. Care Choices offers a broad, fully integrated network of physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals all sharing a strong commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves by delivering effective and affordable health care. Care Choices HMO maintains the highest rating available of "Excellent" by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and holds a B+ financial- strength rating from A.M. Best Co. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.carechoices.com .

(1) By the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Care Choice HMO was among the Top 5 Organizations in HEDIS(R) Effectiveness of Care Measures for the East North Central Region of the U.S. as published on p. 59 of NCQA's The State of Health Care Quality 2003.

(2) Of the plans serving the entire five-county metro area including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

(3) The source for data contained in this publication is Quality Compass(R) 2003 and is used with the permission of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Any analysis, interpretation or conclusion based on this data is solely that of the authors, and the NCQA specifically disclaims responsibility for any such analysis, interpretation or conclusion. Quality Compass and HEDIS are registered trademarks of the NCQA.