New York, NY (March 28, 2002) - WellChoice Insurance of New Jersey Inc. and WellChoice HMO of New Jersey (together "WellChoice") announced their products are now available to employer groups in three additional New Jersey counties Ocean, Camden and Burlington. This brings to 16 the total number of counties in northern and central New Jersey where WellChoice operates. WellChoice's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) products offer access to quality healthcare from 83,000 provider locations and 195 hospitals.

"The expansion into Ocean, Camden and Burlington counties enables WellChoice to reach more employer groups and offer greater access to physicians and hospitals," said Bryan Birch, President of WellChoice. "This new larger service area helps provide more health care choices for employers and members in northern and central New Jersey."

WellChoice has also launched its website, wellchoicenj.com. The website enables members to perform online what previously had to be done by phone, mail or fax. Members, providers, brokers, employers and the public can visit the website to view and download relevant plan information. In addition, new features include doctor and hospital search engines in English and Spanish; maps and driving directions to providers; listings of ancillary providers; product information; forms and brochures like medical and prescription claim forms and plan brochures that can be downloaded, and information on special wellness programs like WellChoice Healthline^®, WellChoice BabyCare^SM and WellChoice Pharmacy Management.

Employers interested in finding out more about the options offered through WellChoice can contact their insurance broker or WellChoice directly at (888) 476-8069 x7111. WellChoice Insurance of New Jersey Inc. and WellChoice HMO of New Jersey offer a variety of high-quality, customer centered health plans to small and large employer groups located in the 16 counties of central and northern New Jersey. WellChoice is a subsidiary of Empire HealthChoice, Inc.