News from New York State Insurance Department

For more information contact: Andy Mais, 212-480-5262, 917-749-3408, Ronald Klug, 212-480-2285, 347-203-1167

Media Advisory: Insurance Department Holding Albany Public Hearing January 31

Plan to Merge, Convert GHI, HIP To For-Profit

NEW YORK, NY (01/28/2008; 1011)(readMedia)-- The Insurance Department will hold public hearings on January 31 in Albany as part of its regulatory review of a proposal by Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP) – together known as EmblemHealth – to merge and convert to a for-profit company. Government officials, consumer representatives, consumers and health care providers are among those expected to testify. Written testimony may be submitted up until March 1.

WHERE: The Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Room 600, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY

WHEN: Thursday, January 31. The hearing will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. or until testimony is complete.

WEBCAST: The hearings will be webcast live at www.webcatter.com/live/nysins.

Press Contacts:

Andy Mais 212-480-5262; 917-749-3408

Ronald Klug 212-480-2285, 347-203-1167

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