Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's Health Options Expands Medicare HMO Prescription Drug Coverage for 2004

Medicare & More Benefits Increased for 36,000 Florida Seniors

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's Health Options subsidiary today announced it will offer a pharmacy benefit as part of its Medicare HMO, Medicare & More, in 2004 pending approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The company offers Medicare & More in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami/Dade counties.

"Every year, Health Options strives to offer Florida Medicare beneficiaries a Medicare HMO that provides quality service at an affordable cost," said Bill Carstarphen, director of Over 65 products, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF). "By offering a pharmacy benefit we have enhanced the value of our Medicare & More product while at the same time maintaining affordability of the product. We recognize the importance that a pharmacy benefit has for our members, and are providing this benefit to meet their needs."

Despite Health Options' commitment to the Medicare & More program in South Florida and the enhancement of benefits offered in 2004, government funding of the Medicare program is still an area of concern in the face of rising health care costs. "Health Options is committed to remaining in the South Florida Medicare market in 2004, and we are supportive of governmental efforts to increase Medicare funding," said Janet Crozier, Medicare and More product manager, BCBSF. "Additional funding is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the program."

Medicare & More members with questions or concerns can call a special customer service hotline at (888) 705-6309. The Florida TTY Relay Service for the hearing impaired is 711.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is an industry leader in health care. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 6 million Floridians. Since 1944, the company has been dedicated to providing caring solutions that meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of all those it serves by offering an array of health care choices.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its website at www.bcbsfl.com.