ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE MCGRATH
STATE OF MONTANA

FOR RELEASE: March 13, 2006

CONTACT: Lynn Solomon, 444-0582 or Judy Beck, 444-5774

A Statement from Attorney General Mike McGrath on a Proposed Transaction Between Blue Cross Blue Shield and New West Health Services

HELENA – Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath released the following statement today regarding the proposed transaction between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and New West Health Services:

The Attorney General's Office will be taking a hard look at the proposed transaction between these two companies to ensure it complies with Montana laws that protect the best interests of the citizens of Montana.

Under Montana law, the Attorney General oversees and regulates nonprofits – including their conversion or merger – and enforces antitrust laws.