About SCAN

Michael Noël Elected Chairman of the Board

of SCAN Health Plan

(LONG BEACH, CA - January 18, 2005) - Michael L. Noël, president of Noël Consulting Company, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of SCAN Health Plan. Noel has served on SCAN's board since 1997, most recently chairing the audit committee and serving on the finance committee. Outgoing chair Tom Higgins, who completed a three year term, will remain an active board member.

"Mike brings to SCAN a long career as a senior corporate executive, chief financial officer and board member for a number of well-respected organizations" said David Schmidt, chief executive officer of SCAN. "His experience in healthcare, investments and other important areas coupled with his strong commitment to our mission makes him a wonderful choice to help lead our company in the coming years."

Over the past three decades, Noël has served in various executive capacities for Edison International and Southern California Edison Company where he was senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 1998 Noël founded Arizona-based Noël Consulting Company, a financial consulting firm specializing in corporate finance.

"SCAN's mission of service to the growing senior population is something I care about deeply and have gained a growing appreciation for during my seven years on the organization's board," said Noël. "I am honored to have been elected chairman and look forward to helping SCAN become a national leader in geriatric health management."

Noël holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in finance from California State University, Long Beach. He has served on the boards of directors of seven organizations and presently is a member of the boards of Avista Corp. and the HighMark Funds, in addition to SCAN. His community involvement has included the University of Southern California mentor program, the United Way, YMCA, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Academy of Business leadership, from which he was the recipient of its leadership award in 1996.

SCAN Health Plan, a leader in addressing senior healthcare needs, currently serves more than 60,000 seniors in most of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In addition to providing members such comprehensive health plan services as routine physicals, hearing exams and prescription drug coverage, SCAN also offers qualified members Independent Living Power®, a collection of personal-care services that range from light cleaning to transportation escorts. SCAN also manages one of the largest and most successful Multi-Purpose Senior Service Projects (MSSP) in California providing community-based, long-term care and in-home, personal-care coordination for low-income frail seniors. Further information may be obtained at www.scanhealthplan.com.