For Immediate Release

Jackson, Mississippi
February 6, 2007

APS Healthcare Awarded State of Mississippi Health and Wellness Program

APS Healthcare, one of the country’s leading specialty healthcare companies, announced today it has been awarded a contract to provide a health and wellness program for the state of Mississippi’s State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan. APS’ comprehensive program focuses on improving the overall health and well-being of more than 180,000 employees, retirees and family members of Mississippi’s state agencies, universities, community/junior colleges, public school districts and public libraries.

APS’ health and wellness program is focused on behavior change and helping facilitate long-term, sustainable improvement in participant self-management skills. The program includes customized components to meet the needs of the state and help it achieve optimal outcomes for plan participants, including onsite wellness coordinators who actively work with participants to complete health risk assessments (HRAs) and lead health promotion events; telephonic wellness coaches; personalized lifestyle management programs, including smoking cessation, weight management, stress management and nutrition, that focus on long-term behavior change; Web-based tools and resources; an incentive program; and a wellness champion team, which works to promote the program and facilitate engagement through the state’s more than 330 employer units.  

“We are excited about our new relationship with APS Healthcare,” said Teresa Planch, state insurance administrator. “The State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board is dedicated to improving the health of the plan’s participants and this program will assist us in addressing the comprehensive healthcare needs of our employees, retirees and their family members.”

“More employers are realizing the value of incorporating integrated wellness programs as a core part of their healthcare strategy,” said Kit Gorton, M.D., president, APS Commercial Programs and chief medical officer. “With this new program, the state of Mississippi is at the forefront of state employers and is showing a tremendous commitment towards improving the health of its employees and citizens.”

About APS
APS Healthcare is a leading provider of specialty healthcare solutions that cover more than 20 million members in the United States and Puerto Rico. APS offers customized, integrated healthcare solutions across two major healthcare product lines – care management and behavioral health services. APS operates under the belief that managing healthcare for the mind and body improves overall health and reduces total healthcare spending.

For more information, contact:

Sarah Clark-Lynn
Manager, Corporate Communications
APS Healthcare
800-305-3720, ext. 3266
sclynn@apshealthcare.com