Louisville, Ky. (July 18, 2006) SHPS, a leading provider of healthcare consumerism solutions, announced today an agreement with Asparity Decision Solutions of Durham, N.C. to integrate Asparitys decision support tools into SHPS online benefits enrollment solution for large and mid-sized employers.

As the trend toward healthcare consumerism becomes increasingly prevalent, employees need clear, easy-to-use decision support tools in order to better understand their options, choose the best health plan for themselves and their family and better navigate the complicated healthcare system.

"Information transparency should be a key component of any organizations healthcare consumerism strategy, as the increase in choices and products create a greater risk of uncertainty and confusion for consumers, said Jeffery Lanzet, SHPS executive vice president, consumer-driven benefit solutions. Self-service decision support tools provide consumers with much-needed guidance as they navigate through the complex, often confusing world of healthcare benefits.

Among the Asparity tools SHPS has added to its enrollment solution include:

• Preference module, where medical plan options are ranked in the order that best fit an employees personal preferences, helping them weigh the cost, benefit, access and quality attributes of each plan;
• Comparison module, which allows employees to compare medical plans for out-of-pocket costs, access to care, benefit coverage and previous health plan satisfaction;
• Medical cost calculator, allows employees to estimate their medical usage, learn about the true cost of healthcare and consider their projected out-of-pocket costs for themselves and their dependents; and
• Spending account, tax-savings calculator, which allows employees to determine their likely tax savings from use of a flexible spending account, health reimbursement arrangement or health savings account.

The new tools are seamlessly integrated into SHPS online applications, allowing participants to access the tools at strategic points throughout the enrollment process. The enhanced applications will be available to current and prospective clients this fall for the 2007 benefits enrollment season.

Asparity is among the premier providers of decision support tools in the industry with strong, patented technology and significant industry experience. As such, SHPS is confident that the innovation and flexibility offered through our enhanced enrollment solution will help consumers make smarter healthcare decisions, ultimately reducing healthcare costs for them, and their employers, added Lanzet.

"Integrating Asparitys decision tools into SHPS online enrollment solution will help drive effective consumerism strategies for SHPS clients, said Colleen Murphy, Asparitys president and chief operating officer. Not only will it empower consumers to make informed healthcare decisions, but it will also help employers become better healthcare suppliers by providing data on their employees benefit preferences and projected healthcare costs.

About Asparity Decision Solutions
Asparity provides decision support and data solutions in the areas of employee benefits, operational risk, and workforce talent management to companies in the United States and around the world. Asparity owns patented technology in conjoint analysis and advanced software applications that it delivers directly to corporate clients and through strategic partners. The company is headquartered in Durham, NC with offices in Amarillo, TX. To find out more, please visit www.asparity.com.

About SHPS | Carewise Health
SHPS is a leading, independent provider of integrated health solutions that improve personal health and reduce spending. By integrating traditional health management and benefits administration services, SHPS delivers people-centric solutions that empower individuals to make wise healthcare choices. It serves large and mid-sized employers, government agencies, and third-party administrators through the company’s Carewise Health, Landacorp, and SHPS brands. Visit www.carewisehealth.com.

For More Information
LeAnn Ross
Director of Marketing
leann.ross@shps.com

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