(Dallas, Texas, May 4, 2006) - ppoNEXT is pleased to announce the continued enhancement of its national network. Effective May 1, we are pleased to announce the addition of 514 acute care facilities to our secondary network. This expansion represents an increase of 48% in the size of our secondary network. In addition, ppoNEXT has added over 8000 providers & 1000 ancillaries, including labs, radiology and home health to the network.

The addition of these providers represents an increase of 6%. Our new and positive growth reflects the upward direction and commitment to excellence of the entire company and the on going motivated spirit to satisfy all of our valued clients. ppoNEXT continues to focus on expanding access and deepening the depth of discount across its entire network while focusing specific attention to the secondary network. These network enhancements position ppoNEXT as one of the nations premier, and largest directly contracted PPO networks in the country.

"Our continued focus on enhancement of key existing markets, while expanding the scope and size of the network positions us as a true leader in the PPO arena. Our defined strategy of direct contracting ensures network strength, patient satisfaction, and reliability for our clients," said Lynn Littleton, Vice President of Network Development.

ppoNEXT’s competitive advantage is based on the ability to offer multiple cost saving products. Our network options are designed to serve the many unique and diverse plan needs of our clients. Clients use the primary network as their main or primary network for a given area while the secondary or wrap-around network compliments their regional network with a national scope. Our Limited Benefit Plan and Discount Card Networks are specifically designated in acknowledgment of the need for cost containment in today’s era of escalating health care costs and consumer driven products.For Non-US residents working or traveling in the States we offer an extensive travel network.Detailed information on the increases in our enhancement and expansion states can be obtained by contacting your ppoNEXT account or sales representative.

About ppoNEXT:
ppoNEXT is a leading provider of nationwide healthcare management and network services. With its focus on providing consumers with the utmost in quality healthcare, ppoNEXT selects only providers and facilities of uncompromising quality and excellence. Based in Dallas, Texas, ppoNEXT offers clients access to over 450,000 physicians, over 3,700 hospitals, and thousands of leading ancillary care providers in key markets such as the Midwest, Texas, California, and Florida. ppoNEXT serves self-funded employers, third party administrators, insurance carriers, HMOs, and various managed care firms. ppoNEXT also offers disease management, as well as utilization review and care management services through its subsidiary, NEXT care management.

For more information about ppoNEXT, please contact:
Aaron Means
Corporate Marketing
214.267.3358