To: news_is_here who wrote (103 ) 2/7/2001 8:54:16 AM From: Don Hand Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 124 Digital Insurance Enhances Web Site Capabilities, Featuring First End-to-End Health Insurance Transaction Technology for the Small Business Marketlocalbusiness.com PR Newswire Feb 06, 2001 08:06 AM ET ATLANTA, Feb 6, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Digital Insurance Inc. today launched the latest version of its Web site, www.digitalinsurance.com , with the expanded capability to answer the needs of small businesses, in addition to its growing self-employed and individual customer base. A recent survey conducted by Nottingham & Husk Inc., for Atlanta-based Digital Insurance, showed that 74 percent of health insurance decision makers at companies with fewer than 50 employees are somewhat or very likely to purchase employee health insurance online or have already done so. According to the survey, when asked what factors could motivate their decision to buy health insurance online- value of the insurance plan products; choice of top insurance carriers and plans, and the ease of enrollment and account maintenance- ranked among the top three factors for all respondents. Founded by seasoned insurance professionals in early 2000, Digital Insurance has incorporated the power of the Internet into the health insurance sector, originally serving as an online insurance resource for self-employed and individual customers. Digital Insurance's partnership with HealthAxis last year added the robust technology platform to support this expanded effort for the broad online distribution of health insurance. "Digital Insurance harnesses the power of the Internet to provide a secure, convenient health insurance resource featuring quality plans offered by well known carriers, and tailored specifically for small businesses and individuals," said Tom Usilton, chief executive officer (CEO) of Digital Insurance and 21-year veteran of the healthcare and health insurance industries. "Through our expanded Web site, small businesses, for the first time, will be able to conduct all their health insurance transactions, from comparison shopping, purchasing, enrollment and maintenance, online." Over the past several months, Digital Insurance has formed distribution partnerships with 15 prominent regional and national health insurance carriers, which will begin to offer small businesses in select markets an array of online health insurance choices. The company will announce plans and pricing information on small business products as it becomes available in each market. How It Works Digital Insurance customers can evaluate and compare competing insurance plans by adjusting purchasing criteria, such as co-payments and deductibles. After customers select the insurance plan that fits their needs and budget, Digital Insurance then offers them the ability to purchase the coverage, enroll themselves or any employees, and administer and maintain the account quickly, accurately and confidentially- all online. The company's online offerings are complemented by Digital Insurance's call center, staffed by licensed health insurance professionals who are available online or by phone. Digital Insurance utilizes high-level security technologies to safeguard customers' personal data as licensed by the TRUSTe(TM) Privacy Program and the VeriSign Secure Site Program. Digital Insurance further ensures the confidentiality of its customers' records, as outlined in its privacy policy, by pledging not to sell or share any customer information or review personal data unless specifically requested by a customer to assist with a transaction. About Digital Insurance Inc. Digital Insurance is an online health insurance partner meeting the unique coverage needs of small business, self-employed and individual customers. The company combines the convenience of an easy-to-use and secure web site with the personal attention of licensed health insurance professionals who deliver exceptional customer service. By leveraging technology and the Internet, Digital Insurance has expanded the purchasing dynamics and cost-efficiency of the overall health insurance marketplace, effectively linking savvy, new customers with premier health insurance carriers. In addition, Digital Insurance recently acquired InsureRate, which offers life insurance and annuities through www.insurerate.com . Digital Insurance is headquartered in Atlanta, with operations in East Norriton, Pa. and Houston, Texas. Digital Insurance's capital partners are the Internet Healthcare Group and Capital Z Partners.