All posts by admin

HealthMarkets Acquires TeamUP Insurance Services

Press Release

Continues to expand its offerings for brokers serving the Senior Market

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. (“HealthMarkets”) announced today that it has acquired TeamUP Insurance Services, Inc. (“TeamUP”), a Southern California based Medicare focused distribution organization. The acquisition of TeamUp follows HealthMarkets’ January 2016 acquisition of Excelsior Insurance Brokerage, Inc. (“Excelsior”), a nationwide group health and senior market insurance general agency. With the acquisition, TeamUP principals Michael Blea and Scott McMillan will join the Excelsior leadership team to focus on Excelsior’s continued expansion in the Senior Market.

“We believe the addition of TeamUp will enhance the growth of Excelsior’s Medicare focused distribution channel and provide us with a unique skill set to build partnerships with provider organizations in the senior market,” said Patrick O’Toole, Executive Vice President and Chief Agency Officer of HealthMarkets.

Michael Blea, joins the Excelsior team as the Vice President of National Provider Marketing and California Senior Market Sales. Scott McMilan, will serve as Director of National Provider Marketing and California Senior Product Sales.

“We are excited to build on Excelsior’s growing business as we continue to enhance our portfolio, supplemental product capabilities and technology; all of which we believe are tremendously valuable to our brokers,” said O’Toole.

About HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc., is authorized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and represents more than 200 branded insurance companies. HealthMarkets offers consumers a “one-stop” shopping experience for health insurance, combining around-the-clock phone and online assistance with the personal approach of more than 3,000 licensed, local career agents nationwide. It is a leading private health insurance marketplace offering multi-channel flexibility for individuals, families and small businesses. For more information, please visit HealthMarkets.com.

About Excelsior Benefits, LLC

Excelsior Insurance Brokerage, Inc. is authorized to transact business as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and does business as Excelsior Benefits Insurance Services, Inc. in California (CA LIC #0G78200) and New York. Excelsior Insurance Brokerage, Inc. is a multi-line brokerage offering solutions for independent brokers in the group and senior markets. Excelsior’s proven business model of group and senior market sales, individualized service and renewal support, together with its tenured sales team, carrier relationships and product expertise, have allowed Excelsior to build a compelling portfolio for brokers and their clients.

Cautionary Statement Related to Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

MEDIA CONTACT

Torie Wohlwend
i.d.e.a.
619-704-7572
toriec@theideabrand.com

###

HealthMarkets Acquires Excelsior Benefits

Press Release

Continues to expand its offerings for small and mid-sized businesses

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – HealthMarkets Insurance Agency announces it has acquired Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Excelsior Benefits, LLC, a large, nationwide group health insurance general agency. The acquisition of Excelsior follows HealthMarkets’ July 2015 acquisition of Benefitter Insurance Solutions, Inc., a technology company providing employee benefit decision support tools to small businesses and their employees.

The addition of Excelsior brings additional value to HealthMarkets’ rapidly expanding suite of products, services and technologies aimed at the increasingly underserved small and mid-sized employer market and the brokers who serve them. HealthMarkets intends to invest significant resources in growing Excelsior’s footprint and wholesaling breadth with the goal of replicating the success the company has achieved in the individual and Medicare markets.

“We believe the addition of Excelsior and Benefitter gives brokers the ability to enhance their capabilities in this important market and strengthens the platform of the more than 3,000 licensed, local HealthMarkets career agents who serve small and mid-sized businesses every day,” said Ken Fasola, President and CEO of HealthMarkets.

Tom Nicol, President of Excelsior Benefits, will continue to lead Excelsior’s team so that brokers continue to receive excellent service and added capabilities.

“HealthMarkets is uniquely positioned to build upon Excelsior’s growing business and adds both technology and supplemental product capabilities that we believe will be tremendously valuable to our brokers,” said Nicol.

Stay up to date with the latest in ACA developments and health insurance news by visiting the HealthMarkets blog, and find HealthMarkets on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+.

About HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc., is the d/b/a or assumed name of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. Authorized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and representing more than 180 branded insurance companies, HealthMarkets offers consumers a “one-stop” shopping experience for health insurance, combining around-the-clock phone and online assistance with the personal approach of more than 3,000 licensed, local career agents nationwide. It is a leading private health insurance marketplace offering multi-channel flexibility for individuals, families and small businesses. For more information, please visit HealthMarkets.com.

About Excelsior Benefits, LLC

Excelsior Benefits, LLC offers specialized insurance and employee benefit packages intended to meet the needs of independent brokers and agents. Excelsior’s proven business model of group sales, individualized service and renewal support, together with its tenured sales team, carrier relationships and product expertise, have allowed Excelsior to build a compelling portfolio for brokers and their employer clients.

Cautionary Statement Related to Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc., d/b/a HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Wilkinson
i.d.e.a.
619-295-8232 x119
bethw@theideabrand.com

###

HealthMarkets consolidates leadership tied to significant growth and its post reform transformation

Press Release

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – HealthMarkets Insurance Agency today announced several changes in its senior leadership tied to continued growth in its distribution business and a shift to supplemental products in its insurance business. Patrick O’Toole has assumed the position of executive vice president and chief agency officer; Derrick Duke has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Rich Bierman is now the company’s executive vice president and general counsel.

Patrick O’Toole comes to HealthMarkets after 20 years with Humana, where he served as a vice president and segment leader. In this role, O’Toole oversaw all retail insurance product sales for Humana-MarketPoint, the nation’s largest multi-channel health insurance individual distribution system, while managing customer acquisition and retention activities across 4,000 employees and 20,000 contracted agents and partners. Humana sold more than 2.7 million policies in 2014 through channels under his leadership.

Prior to joining Humana, O’Toole spent 11 years in the U.S. Army, responsible for the personal safety of some of the country’s most senior leaders. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.

Derrick Duke assumes the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer after an 11-year career with HealthMarkets. Duke is a chartered financial analyst with more than 25 years of senior level experience managing insurance company investment portfolios, and also served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and a guest lecturer at The University of Texas at Arlington. Duke earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Additionally, Rich Bierman was promoted to executive vice president and general counsel. Bierman has led the legal department for the past three years, previously serving as senior vice president and general counsel, and has been with HealthMarkets since 2004. Prior to HealthMarkets, Bierman was vice president, general counsel and secretary of Connecticut-based HealthMarket Inc., a pioneer in the consumer-directed health plan space, and was in private practice in New York. He holds bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.

“The demand among consumers for informed counsel has only increased with the advent of health reform,” said Ken Fasola, president and CEO of HealthMarkets. “The changes we announce today strengthen a proven team and position us well to sustain our growth well into the future.”

Stay up to date with the latest in ACA developments and health insurance news by visiting the HealthMarkets blog, and find HealthMarkets on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+.

About HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc., is the d/b/a or assumed name of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. Authorized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and representing more than 180 branded insurance companies, HealthMarkets offers consumers a “one-stop” shopping experience for health insurance, combining around-the-clock phone and online assistance with the personal approach of more than 3,000 licensed, local agents nationwide. It is a leading private health insurance marketplace offering multi-channel flexibility for individuals, families and small businesses. For more information, please visit HealthMarkets.com.

Cautionary Statement Related to Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc., d/b/a HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Wilkinson
i.d.e.a.
619-295-8232 x119
bethw@theideabrand.com

###

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Acquires Benefitter

Press Release

Technology helps make small business transition to individual insurance seamless

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – HealthMarkets Insurance Agency announces that it has acquired Benefitter Insurance Solutions, Inc., a San Francisco-based technology company providing employee benefit decision support tools to small businesses and their employees.

Small and mid-sized business owners continuously struggle with providing and maintaining employee benefits due to rising costs and an inability to provide the range of options available to America’s bigger businesses. The demand for alternatives to major medical group plans and the broader access available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have accelerated the migration from small group coverage to individual market insurance tailored to each employee. Benefitter’s proprietary technology, software and services will equip HealthMarkets and its agents to better help employers make a positive, profitable and deliberate transition to the new era of health benefits.

“We have seen – and helped – an increasing number of small businesses migrate from group to individual health insurance,” said Ken Fasola, president and CEO of HealthMarkets. “It’s a win-win for small businesses trying to stay competitive in the marketplace, and Benefitter’s technology will provide another tool to help make the process seamless for business owners and their employees.”

Benefitter co-founders Brian Poger and Richard Fiedotin will join the HealthMarkets executive management team. Poger, CEO of Benefitter, will become executive vice president of HealthMarkets’ small group business division, an integrated multi-product marketplace for small businesses and their employees. Fiedotin, COO of Benefitter, will join as executive vice president of HealthMarkets, leading customer engagement and policyholder retention strategy.

“We’re incredibly excited to combine the strength of HealthMarkets’ products, scale and distribution with our distinctive technology to help small businesses deliver more relevant, cost effective and sustainable benefits solutions,” Poger said.

Stay up to date with the latest in ACA developments and health insurance news by visiting the HealthMarkets blog, and find HealthMarkets on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+.

About HealthMarkets Insurance Agency
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc., is the d/b/a or assumed name of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. Authorized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and representing more than 180 branded insurance companies, HealthMarkets offers consumers a “one-stop” shopping experience for health insurance, combining around-the-clock phone and online assistance with the personal approach of more than 3,000 licensed, local agents nationwide. It is a leading private health insurance marketplace offering multi-channel flexibility for individuals, families and small businesses. For more information, please visit HealthMarkets.com.

Cautionary Statement Related to Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc., d/b/a HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Wilkinson
i.d.e.a.
619-295-8232 x119
bethw@theideabrand.com

###

MAJORITY OF AMERICANS ARE UNAWARE OF THE IMPACT OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ON THEIR LIVES AND THE SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL RISK THEY FACE IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS MEDICAL ISSUE

News

6 in 10 do not believe the ACA has affected them, while a worryingly large share of consumers cannot afford to cover their entire out-of-pocket health expenses.

North Richland Hills, Texas – October 14, 2014 – Despite more than $73 billion of federal government spending on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since 2010 and with just one month to go before open enrollment begins on November 15th, a majority of Americans still do not appear to understand the impact and implications of the landmark legislation, according to a new study conducted on behalf of HealthMarkets, Inc.

Although the ACA provides numerous benefits, rights and protections to health insurance consumers, 59 percent of Americans do not believe the law has had an impact on their lives, according to the survey of more than 1,000 Americans. Of those who do believe the ACA has impacted them, the vast majority (78 percent) view the effects as negative – 48 percent claim that their taxes are higher, 55 percent claim their health insurance is more expensive under the law and only 20 percent believe they now have better coverage.

Equally striking is the finding that across income levels, the amount that Americans say they can afford to spend out-of-pocket on health care costs annually is far below the deductibles, co-pays and other costs for most health plans offered on the exchange. Even those who qualify for additional caps on out-of-pocket health care costs say they can only afford a fraction of their potential expenses.
• For example, the survey finds that households earning the current U.S. median income of approximately $52,000 believe they can afford to spend up to an average of $976* on out-of-pocket health care costs annually, while in reality that same household with four family members could face costs of up to $10,400 under a Silver Plan.
• This precarious situation is compounded by the fact that only 39 percent of American households have long-term disability insurance that provides direct financial relief in the event of sustained illness that prevents the primary earner from working.

“The Affordable Care Act has changed the health insurance landscape tremendously and nearly everyone agrees that having more people insured is positive. However, current educational efforts have not produced the level of understanding required to ensure Americans are making informed decisions to protect both their physical and financial health,” said Kenneth Fasola, President and Chief Executive Officer of HealthMarkets, Inc. “Just because someone is covered by a qualified health plan with monthly premiums they can afford, does not mean that they have selected a plan they can afford to use or that they are adequately protected from financial hardship in the event of a serious medical problem. With legislation this significant and complex, it is critical that the right resources are in place to create informed consumers.”

Other key findings include:
• Across income levels, the median out-of-pocket health care costs Americans can spend before facing financial difficulty is $616 per year. Among Americans with household incomes of $100,000 or more, the median affordable costs are only $3,401 per year, well below potential expenses of a Silver Plan.
• Five percent of Americans receive their insurance from a licensed broker or agent. Close to three-fourths receive their insurance from either their employer (55 percent) or through a government program (18 percent).

* Average expected affordability of households earning $50,000 – $74,999

###

About the Survey
The survey, conducted by ORC International on behalf of HealthMarkets, Inc., used a dual-frame sampling design and is comprised of responses from 1,015 adults living in the continental United States. The study was conducted from September 4-7, 2014 and final data was weighted by gender, religion, age and education to assure results are reflective of the overall U.S. adult population. Click here to see detailed findings.

About HealthMarkets, Inc.

HealthMarkets, Inc. is a holding company focused on serving the insurance needs of individuals, families, and small business through its subsidiary insurance and distribution companies.
Our subsidiary insurance companies include The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company®, HealthMarkets Insurance CompanySM, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of TennesseeSM and The MEGA Life and Health Insurance CompanySM.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, our distribution subsidiary, is the d/b/a or assumed name of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc., which is a licensed insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. HealthMarkets offers consumers a convenient shopping experience for Medicare, health insurance and other related insurance products. HealthMarkets represents more than 140 nationally-recognized insurance carriers and offers consumers the option of comparing health and Medicare plans online at HealthMarkets.com, over the phone at (800) 827-9990 and face-to-face with more than 3,000 dedicated local insurance agents across the country.
The administrative offices of HealthMarkets, Inc. and its subsidiary companies are located in North Richland Hills, Texas. For more information visit HealthMarketsInc.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding HealthMarkets, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

HEALTHMARKETS®, INC. ANNOUNCES “A+” RATING FROM BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

News

HealthMarkets’ commitment to customer service is recognized by the not-for-profit agency whose mission is to advance marketplace trust

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Receives “A” rating

North Richland Hills, Texas – June 12, 2014 – HealthMarkets, Inc. (www.HealthMarketsInc.com) announced that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has assigned the company an A+ rating, the highest rating assigned by the not-for-profit agency that works to advance marketplace trust. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, a subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc. and one of the nation’s largest insurance agencies, also received an “A” rating from the BBB.

“We believe strongly in the standards set by the Better Business Bureau to ensure an ethical, trustworthy marketplace and are highly honored to be distinguished with an A+ and A ratings,” said Ken Fasola, president and CEO of HealthMarkets, Inc. “The trust consumers place in HealthMarkets is critical to the success of our business, and these ratings reflect our unwavering commitment to helping American families, small businesses and individuals understand their insurance options and select products for their unique needs.

HealthMarkets, Inc., through its subsidiary companies, is focused on meeting the insurance needs of individuals, families and small businesses with a portfolio of products that includes life insurance, health insurance, supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance and certain Medicare plans.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is expanding access to health insurance to millions of Americans, and HealthMarkets, through its distribution subsidiary, stands at the ready to help consumers find the health plan that is right for them. Through HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, consumers are able to compare health insurance plans from more than 140 different insurance companies at HealthMarkets.com, by calling (800) 827-9990 or meeting with one of our local, licensed health insurance agents.

To view HealthMarkets, Inc.’s BBB Business Review, visit http://www.bbb.org/fort-worth/business-reviews/insurance-companies/healthmarkets-inc-in-n-richlnd-hls-tx-81050002

###

About HealthMarkets, Inc.

HealthMarkets, Inc. is a holding company focused on serving the insurance needs of individuals, families, and small business through its subsidiary insurance and distribution companies.

Our subsidiary insurance companies include The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company®, HealthMarkets Insurance CompanySM, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of TennesseeSM and The MEGA Life and Health Insurance CompanySM.

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, our distribution subsidiary, is the d/b/a or assumed name of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc., which is a licensed insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. HealthMarkets offers consumers a convenient shopping experience for Medicare, health insurance and other related insurance products. HealthMarkets represents more than 140 nationally-recognized insurance carriers and offers consumers the option of comparing health and Medicare plans online at HealthMarkets.com, over the phone at (800) 827-9990 and face-to-face with more than 3,000 dedicated local insurance agents across the country.

The administrative offices of HealthMarkets, Inc. and its subsidiary companies are located in North Richland Hills, Texas. For more information visit HealthMarketsInc.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding HealthMarkets, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.

HEALTHMARKETS®, INC. ADDS MICHAEL Z. STAHL TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

News

Michael Z. Stahl to Lead HealthMarkets’ Direct to Consumer Distribution

North Richland Hills, Texas – June 17, 2013 – HealthMarkets, Inc. (http://www.healthmarketsinc.com) announced the appointment of Michael Z. Stahl as Senior Vice President. In this new position, Stahl will lead the company’s efforts to build direct to consumer distribution for its distribution and insurance subsidiaries.

HealthMarkets, Inc., through its subsidiary companies, is focused on meeting the insurance needs of individuals, families and small business with a portfolio of products that includes life insurance, health insurance, supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance and certain Medicare products.

“As we move closer to the full implementation of healthcare reform, the ability to develop new, cost-effective lead sources and distribution channels, such as direct-to-consumer, will be a key competitive factor. I am excited to have Mike join our management team and lead our efforts in these areas,” said Kenneth J. Fasola, President and Chief Executive Officer of HealthMarkets, Inc. “Mike will be focused on developing and overseeing our direct-to-consumer strategies and conducting and analyzing consumer research to identify opportunities for our subsidiary companies.”

Prior to joining HealthMarkets, Stahl served as Vice President, Marketing and Operations for Kemper Corporation’s direct-to-consumer business unit. He also served as Vice President Product Management for the unit’s homeowners, boat and umbrella lines of business. Earlier in his career, Stahl served as Regional Product Manager in Kemper’s Preferred business unit in the product management department. He has also worked at The Travelers in a variety of finance and operational capacities.
Stahl holds B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is also holds the designations Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Insurance Accounting & Finance (AIAF) and Associate in Reinsurance (ARe).

###

About HealthMarkets, Inc.

HealthMarkets, Inc. is a holding company focused on serving the insurance needs of individuals, families, and small business through its subsidiary insurance and distribution companies. Our subsidiary insurance companies include The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company®, HealthMarkets Insurance CompanySM, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of TennesseeSM and The MEGA Life and Health Insurance CompanySM. The distribution subsidiary of HealthMarkets, Inc., Insphere Insurance Solutions®, is a licensed agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and offers a portfolio of life, health, supplemental, long-term care and senior products from national and regional carriers. The administrative offices of HealthMarkets, Inc. and its subsidiary companies are located in North Richland Hills, Texas. For more information visit www.healthmarketsinc.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding HealthMarkets, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and actual results may vary materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us.