FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alicare Medical Management Receives
American Accreditation HealthCare
Commission/URAC Accreditation for Telephone Triage Standards

The American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC has approved the accreditation of Alicare Medical Management of Salem, New Hampshire and New York, New York under its newly adopted accreditation standards for 24-Hour Telephone Triage and Health Information Programs. The accreditation of Alicare Medical Management and three other organizations are the first ever granted to telephone triage programs. Alicare Medical Management has previously been granted accreditation for its Utilization Management programs.
Garry Carneal, President and CEO of the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC, stated that "By receiving multiple accreditations from URAC, Alicare Medical Management has demonstrated a serious commitment to quality and accountability in its various business operations. In addition, Alicare Medical Management has distinguished itself as a leader in the telephone triage industry by becoming one of the first being accredited.
According to Claire Levitt, President of Alicare Medical Management, "Telephone triage call centers that provide patients with around the clock access to health care advice and information are significant new industry trend. What's especially exciting about these programs is that they can help reduce health care costs while also providing health education and patient empowerment. It's important for customers to know that there is an accreditation process that demonstrates the clinical integrity, quality and service standards of these programs. As a result of the rigorous process of meeting Commission/URAC accreditation, our clients can be assured our programs meet important benchmark standards."

More information about Alicare Medical Management's
24-Hour Nurse HelpLine Program
can be obtained by calling 1-800-863-8688.

Alicare Medical Management is a national leader in developing medical cost management solutions that promote cost savings and patient satisfaction. Our call center is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to provide maximum access and program effectiveness. In addition to the 24-Hour Nurse HelpLine, services include Utilization Management, Prenatal Risk Management, Case Management, Disability Management, Medical Claims Review and Hospital Bill Auditing.

Alicare Medical Management is an affiliate of Amalgamated Life, an A.M. Best's 'A' rated New York life insurance company founded in 1943, with offices at 8C Industrial Way, Salem, New Hampshire 03079 and 730 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.

The American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC is not-for-profit entity founded in 1990 to establish accreditation standards for managed care organizations. The Commission/URAC's broad based membership represents a diversity of health care constituencies: industry, provider, purchasers,consumers, and regulators. Purchasers and consumers look to Commission/URAC accreditation as a mark of distinction for a managed health care company.