UniCare Sound in Texas

UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company has unveiled an innovative health insurance plan for Texas called Sound™, which caters to the unique needs of adults between the ages of 19 and 29. There are an estimated 1.2 million uninsured people between the ages of 19-29 in Texas. And nationwide, nearly half of all full-time workers in this age group lack employer-based health benefits. Sound™ has the potential to reduce the number of uninsured Texans, by offering affordable access to quality medical care. Between school and the beginning of their professional careers, "young invincibles" are often no longer covered by their parents' insurance policy and are less likely to have employer-provided health coverage. Statistics indicate these individuals have one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. "Sound is designed with the lifestyle and attitude of the 'young invincible' in mind," said Mike Murphy, UniCare Regional Vice President for Individual and Small Group sales. The insurance plans are simplified, focusing on the benefits young people are looking for. There is an easy, online application and automated underwriting. "Too often young adults risk their financial futures by going without health insurance because they don't understand it or don't think they need it," said Murphy. "Sound™ provides affordable coverage for everyday preventive needs like doctor's visits as well as for situations that require hospitalization." Sign-up is available with the click of a mouse at http://www.soundhealth.com. If approved, applicants will be notified within minutes and can print out a flashy, colorful Sound identification card right on the spot. Once approved, coverage is effective immediately. No paperwork, no hassles. Applicants can choose from three different plans: Gravity Bender, Curb Jumper and The Cruiser. Premiums start as low as $68 a month, depending on the plan selected, age, medical history and where the applicant lives. Basic dental and vision benefits, traditionally sold as separate policies, are included with Sound�.UniCare is committed to increasing access to health insurance.

In December, UniCare introduced six new plans for individuals and families and three new plans for small businesses in Texas. For Individuals and FamiliesThe Individual FIT portfolio includes six different insurance plans with deductibles ranging from $500 to $5,000. Each FIT plan offers vital doctor, hospital and surgical coverage; first dollar preventive care, unlimited office visits with a $30 co-payment and drug benefits at in-network providers. "UniCare is pleased to offer affordable access to quality medical services at discounted fees with our new, easy to understand FIT plans," said Mark Gastineau, General Manager for Individual and Small Group at UniCare. "UniCare members benefit from our recognized record of reliability and may choose from an extensive network of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and surgical centers." For Small BusinessesAs health costs increase nationwide, nearly 50 percent of small businesses do not offer employer-sponsored health benefits. To help small business owners afford group health insurance, UniCare introduced its Small Group Pathways Plans. Three distinct Pathways insurance plans feature low premiums, first dollar accidental injury coverage and preventive care benefits, and unlimited office visits at in-network providers. With UniCare's Defined Contribution options as low as $30, budget conscious employers will know with certainty what their group health expenses will be each month. Further, the employer's share of the premium may be tax deductible. "UniCare understands the challenging economic times facing small businesses," said Gastineau. "Pathways is an affordable answer for small businesses who want to offer health insurance to their employees. The Defined Contribution option makes budgeting more predictable for the employer by taking the month-to-month variation out of group health care costs. The coverage not only protects employees from the costs of health emergencies, but helps to shield the employer from the costs associated with lost time and decreased productivity."

FIT and Pathways applications, eligibility and benefit information can be found at http://www.medequote.com.

UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company is a national operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States.

UniCare can be found on the web at http://www.unicaresoundplans.com. Not all UniCare products are available in all states where UniCare is marketed. Insurance coverage is provided by UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company.