CYPRESS, Calif.,–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – BUSINESS WIRE)–August 1, 2002–PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHSY), today announced a new strategic marketing partnership with Reader’s Digest Financial Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., the publisher of Reader’s Digest magazine and global direct marketer of books, magazines and other products.
Under the partnership, Reader’s Digest Financial Services will exclusively endorse to its customer base Secure Horizons’ Medicare Supplement insurance plans. In addition, Reader’s Digest will also provide its extensive direct marketing experience to target future Secure Horizons product opportunities that meet the needs of Reader’s Digest customers. Reader’s Digest and Secure Horizons plan to develop a range of communication vehicles and targeted promotions including a co-branded Web site.
“Secure Horizons is pleased to be recognized by Reader’s Digest as an important resource for its Medicare-eligible customers who want superior options when choosing their health care coverage,” said Howard G. Phanstiel, president and chief executive officer of PacifiCare Health Systems. “With our many years of experience successfully serving seniors through Secure Horizons, we feel our new relationship with Reader’s Digest is a significant step in helping us connect with seniors nationwide. This partnership shows how two leading organizations can come together and take action to help improve the health and well-being of seniors.”
The Medicare Supplement plans by Secure Horizons provide additional health care coverage over original Medicare. Through Secure Horizons’ Medicare Supplement plan, policyholders can visit any doctor or hospital participating in the Medicare program and do not need referrals to see specialists.
As part of the Medicare Supplement plan, policyholders can also receive discounts for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vision, hearing and alternative medical treatments such as chiropractic and acupuncture services.
“We are delighted to work with Secure Horizons in creating this partnership, which benefits the mature market segment of our customer base,” said Alan Fishbein, executive vice president of Reader’s Digest Financial Services. “This partnership is a perfect way to offer our customers options in choosing their own health care, one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
About Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest Financial Services, Inc., recommends trusted names in the financial services arena who offer services and products of interest to Reader’s Digest customers. Its parent company, The Reader’s Digest Association, currently is in marketing partnerships in more than 30 countries focusing on areas including insurance, lending products, a credit card and asset-gathering products. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. (NYSE: RDA, RDB), is a global publisher and direct marketer of products that inform, enrich, entertain and inspire people of all ages and cultures around the world. Revenues were $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001. Products include Reader’s Digest magazine, the most widely read magazine in the world, published in 19 languages, 48 editions and more than 60 countries. Global headquarters are located at Pleasantville, New York. For information, visit http://www.rd.com.
About PacifiCare Health Systems
PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation’s largest health and consumer services companies with approximately $11 billion in annual revenues. Primary operations include health insurance products for employer groups and Medicare beneficiaries in eight states and Guam serving approximately 3.4 million members. The Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are offered through PacifiCare Life + Health licensed in 39 states and Washington, D.C., and PacifiCare Life Assurance Company licensed in 14 states and Guam. Other specialty products and operations include pharmacy and medical management, behavioral health services, life and health insurance and dental and vision services. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems can be obtained at http://www.pacificare.com. Reader’s Digest
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CONTACT:
Reader’s Digest
William Adler
Media Relations
(914) 244-7585
or
Richard Clark
Investor Relations
(914) 244-5425
or
PacifiCare:
Tyler Mason
PHS Media Relations
(714) 226-3530
or
Suzanne Shirley
PHS Investor Relations
(714) 226-3470
