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Aveta Names Jess Parks as COO

NEW YORK, March 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aveta Inc., one of the largest companies focusing on Medicare Advantage and a leader in addressing the healthcare needs of the chronically ill, has named Jess Parks as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

"Jess Parks has 19 years of experience in creating value for health plans, hospitals and physician groups," said Mr. Tim O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of Aveta, in announcing the appointment. "His track record and leadership in using technology to drive innovation and service excellence in healthcare will further enhance Aveta's core competency of community medical management, which emphasizes integration and coordination of healthcare for seniors and the chronically ill at the local level."

Mr. Parks joined Aveta from Accenture Ltd., where he was a partner and led the firm's health plan rating and underwriting practice offering. Prior to that, he led the health insurance business unit at Selectica, Inc., a provider of software to enable flexible, automated quoting and pricing processes for Fortune 500 companies. He also co-founded VISICU, Inc., a health technology company providing 24/7 care management solutions for hospital intensive care units (ICUs).

Mr. Parks holds an MBA in Health Care Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an AB in Engineering and Applied Sciences from Harvard University.

About Aveta Inc.

Aveta is one of the largest companies focusing on Medicare Advantage and a leader in addressing the unique healthcare needs of the chronically ill. Caring for over 130,000 Medicare beneficiaries, Aveta is the 5th largest for-profit Medicare Advantage enterprise, and operates more Chronic SNPs than any other company. Aveta has a successful track record of managing care for seniors achieved through its core competency of community medical management. Aveta is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and currently has operating subsidiaries in Southern California, Puerto Rico, and Illinois.

CONTACT:  Hill & Knowlton (New York)
          Athanasia Sfikas
          212-885-0415
          athanasia.sfikas@hillandknowlton.com