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SHELTON, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 24, 2006–Health Net of the Northeast, Inc., a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), announced today that Hartford Hospital, the largest hospital in Hartford, Conn., has joined the company’s Medicare provider network. Under the terms of the contract, Hartford Hospital will provide a range of outpatient and inpatient services to Health Net’s SmartChoice members, including orthopedics, cardiology and endocrinology.

“We are proud to add Hartford Hospital to our Medicare network,” said Steven H. Nelson, president, Health Net of the Northeast. “This new partnership helps ensure that we can provide access to high quality, cost-effective health care to our Medicare beneficiaries throughout all of Hartford County. Currently, Health Net is the only health plan that can provide in-network access at all of the hospitals in Hartford County.”

“We are pleased to be included in the Health Net network of health care providers,” said John Biancamano, vice president of Finance, Hartford Hospital. “We are looking forward to being able to offer Health Net Medicare members convenient, economical access to our full range of services. We invite them to call us or visit our Web site for more information about our world-class medical care, including our cancer center and innovative cardiac care.”

About Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary centers in New England with perhaps the region’s busiest surgery practice, has been training physicians for nearly 130 years. It is a member of Hartford Healthcare Corporation, a large, diversified health care system. The hospital is an 867-bed regional referral center that provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s active medical staff includes more than 900 physicians and dentists within 17 departments. In 2005, the hospital had over 39,000 discharges and more than 80,000 emergency department visits. It delivered close to 4,000 babies that year. The hospital has been a “Top 100″ hospital multiple times, and was the only one in Connecticut to be named one of the country’s “Top 50″ hospitals and a “Top 10″ hospital for cardiovascular surgery in a survey published by the AARP. In January of 2004, the hospital won nursing’s most prestigious award, Magnet Status. Major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, Life Star.

About Health Net

Health Net of the Northeast, Inc., headquartered in Shelton, Conn., employs approximately 1,800 associates in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Health Net of the Northeast, through its subsidiaries, offers full-service health plans that serve nearly one million members in the tri-state area, including more than 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Connecticut. The Northeast health plans offer a wide array of products, including: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Point-of-Service (POS), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), third-party administration, Medicare and Medicaid. With a physician network comprising more than 90,000 physician and provider office locations, Health Net is one of the largest health plans in the northeast, offering a full array of open-access products and coordination for multi-region employers.

Health Net of the Northeast is a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT). Health Net, Inc. is among the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. The company’s HMO, POS, insured PPO and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to approximately 6.6 million individuals in 27 states and the District of Columbia through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs. Health Net’s behavioral health services subsidiary, MHN, provides behavioral health, substance abuse and employee assistance programs (EAPs) to approximately 7.3 million individuals in various states, including the company’s own health plan members. The company’s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the company’s 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.

CONTACT: Health Net, Inc.
Marian Cutler, 973-517-0519
marian.cutler@healthnet.com

SOURCE: Health Net, Inc.
 
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Health Net, Inc.’s business which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. 

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 3, 2006–Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) today announced that it completed its acquisition of the health plan assets of Universal Care, Inc., a Long Beach, Calif.-based health care company, on March 31, 2006.

“We welcome the members of Universal Care to the Health Net family,” said Stephen Lynch, president of Health Net of California, a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. “Today’s acquisition is another example of our commitment to providing access to care for all Californians.”

With this acquisition, Health Net adds approximately 17,000 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families beneficiaries to the approximately 692,000 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families beneficiaries it serves in nine California counties: Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, Stanislaus, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego and Tulare. Health Net also is adding approximately 20,000 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families beneficiaries in Orange County. In addition, Health Net will add approximately 8,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and approximately 86,000 commercial members. All of these members, whether from government or commercial programs, will be transitioned from Universal Care to Health Net in stages over the next three months.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Health Net received regulatory approvals from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and California authorities, including the California Department of Managed Health Care, Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board and the California Department of Health Services.

About Health Net

Health Net, Inc. is among the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. The company’s HMO, POS, insured PPO and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to approximately 6.3 million individuals in 27 states and the District of Columbia through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs. Health Net’s behavioral health subsidiary, MHN, provides mental health benefits to approximately 7.3 million individuals in all 50 states. The company’s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the company’s 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.

CONTACT: Health Net, Inc.
David Olson, 818-676-6978
david.w.olson@healthnet.com
Michael Engelhard, 818-676-7620
michael.engelhard@healthnet.com

SOURCE: Health Net, Inc.
 
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Health Net, Inc.’s business which are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

Will Enter Private Fee-For-Service Markets in Seven States Intends to Expand Retail Stores to Service Senior Health Insurance Needs

LOS ANGELES, Oct 06, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) today announced that it intends to expand its Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) offerings to all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2007. In addition, the company intends to enter the private fee-for-service Medicare Advantage market by offering such plans in seven states. Health Net also will expand its traditional Medicare Advantage plans into four new counties in 2007 and will open additional retail outlets.

“As one of the largest health plans serving Medicare beneficiaries, we are pleased with the success of our Medicare plans in 2006,” said Jay Gellert, president and CEO of Health Net, Inc.

“We added approximately 290,000 new Medicare members in Part D in 2006, along with more than 20,000 new Medicare Advantage members. We expect to add even more enrollment next year as a result of our expansion into all 50 states and the District of Columbia and our entry into private fee-for-service,” Gellert added. (See detail in attached table.)

For 2007, Health Net plans to offer:

– Expanded Medicare PDP stand-alone coverage (referred to as Part D) to all 50 states and the District of Columbia beginning in January 2007, up from 10 states in 2006. Growth is expected to come, in part, from the auto-enrollment of eligible beneficiaries, those who are covered by both Medicaid and Medicare, in the new markets because Health Net’s pricing is below the Medicare benchmark in all the new markets;

– Improved Medicare Advantage + Prescription Drug products that will provide benefits through the so-called “doughnut hole;” a coverage gap specifically built into the Medicare Part D program that requires Medicare patients to pay 100 percent of their drug costs after they reach a certain spending threshold until catastrophic coverage begins;

– New Special Needs Plans for those beneficiaries with chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and

– Private fee-for-service for the first time in seven states: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Washington.

“Health Net has a nearly 20-year history of meeting the personal health care needs of seniors and disabled persons,” said Sam Srivastava, chief Medicare officer, Health Net, Inc.

“We pride ourselves on anticipating the needs of our Medicare customers and providing them with a diversified portfolio of health care solutions that are affordable, accessible and designed to improve their health and well being,” Srivastava explained. “We look forward to our continued commitment to the senior and Medicare customer segment.”

One example of the company’s ability to anticipate the needs of its Medicare members is the introduction of its private fee-for-service product. “The concept of private fee-for-service is gaining momentum around the country and our customers are asking for it,” stated Srivastava. “By offering this option, Health Net believes it is meeting its long-term commitment to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to a wide variety of affordable health care options that effectively meet their needs.” Earlier this year Health Net opened a Medicare retail outlet in Mesa, Ariz. The company believes it is the first such storefront approach to selling and servicing Medicare health care products.

“We fully intend to continue this strategy. It is clear from our Arizona experience that Medicare beneficiaries are receptive to shopping for health insurance products in a retail setting,” Srivastava added. “We also have a store in East Los Angeles, and the company expects to open several more such outlets before the end of 2007.”

U.S. citizens who are at least 65 years old, or who are disabled, or who are dual-eligible members on both Medicare and Medicaid, can enroll in Health Net’s Part D coverage plans beginning November 15, 2006. Information about Health Net’s plans is available at its Web site (www.healthnet.com) or by calling toll free 1-800-903-0944.

About Health Net

Health Net, Inc. is among the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. The company’s HMO, POS, insured PPO and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to approximately 6.6 million individuals in 27 states and the District of Columbia through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. Health Net’s behavioral health subsidiary, MHN, provides mental health benefits to approximately 7.3 million individuals in all 50 states. The company’s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the company’s 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.