Media Relations

HAP and PeoplePC to Offer Affordable Home Computers and Internet Access to 600,000 Members and 6,000 Physicians

10/24/2001 8:20:00 AM

DETROIT & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2001--Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and San Francisco-based PeoplePC Inc. (Nasdaq:PEOP), the company that makes it easy and affordable to get online, have teamed up to offer HAP's 600,000 members, 6,000 affiliated physicians, and 1,000 employees access to discounts on brand-name personal computers (PCs) and Internet service.

This offer is open to members enrolled in all HAP product lines beginning Tuesday, October 30, 2001. HAP will be the first Michigan health plan to encourage its members, affiliated physicians, and employees to get online and take greater advantage of the health resources on the Web.

PeoplePC products and services are available through the HAP Advantage program, which offers HAP members access to preferred rates on a variety of health-related services.

"Our partnership with PeoplePC gives members a quick and inexpensive solution for getting wired at home and connected to HAP's health information and services on demand," said Michael Elinski, associate vice president of technology and eBusiness development. "The Internet motivates members to serve as their own health advocates. Members can review company policies, comment on our service, choose physicians and order new I.D. cards. Soon they will be able to check their claims status and benefit coverage eligibility. And HAP physicians can use the Internet to expedite referrals to specialists."

"More than half of Internet users today access the Web for healthcare information," said Wayne Gattinella, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, PeoplePC Inc. "We are pleased to partner with Health Alliance Plan to make it simple and hassle-free for members, physicians, and employees to access valuable health and benefit information in the privacy of their own homes."

HAP customers can choose from one of four new Hewlett Packard computers -- three desktops and one laptop. Computer packages include a PC, CD-ROM, optional DVD, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, one year of unlimited Internet access, 24/7 technical support, two email addresses, special offers on printers and peripherals, and optional upgrades. Computers come pre-installed with Windows XP, the new Microsoft operating system, and plenty of software for everyday applications.

HAP members who already own a PC can sign up for PeoplePC Online. PeoplePC Internet access includes speeds up to 56K, over 5400 access numbers nationwide (more than any other Internet Service Provider), two email addresses, easy-to-use change of email address notification, and 24/7 technical support.

For more information, call the toll-free number, 866-HAP-PPC1, or log onto HAP's website, www.hapcorp.org.

About HAP

Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1960, Health Alliance Plan is Michigan's largest nonprofit managed care plan with more than 600,000 members and 4,000 employer groups. General Motors named HAP a "Benchmark HMO" for 2001. HAP's Commercial HMO was awarded Excellent Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information, visit www.hapcorp.org.

About The HAP Advantage

The HAP Advantage is HAP's value-added affinity program, designed to offer members access to preferred rates on valuable health-related products and services, including chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and LASIK services, and discounts on health and wellness products.

About PeoplePC

Founded in 1999, PeoplePC (Nasdaq:PEOP) provides hassle-free digital solutions for people and connects corporations to those who matter most to their business. PeoplePC takes the frustration out of technology by bundling all the compatible components people need in one place, making it quick and easy to get online and add new capabilities to their systems. The pioneer in Custom Connections programs, PeoplePC also works with Fortune 500 companies and other kinds of organizations to create ongoing, relevant digital connections to the people who are important to their success, including employees, partners, customers, salespeople, members, and constituents of all sorts. With offices in the US and Europe, PeoplePC provides complete, simple, and affordable digital solutions so people around the world can enjoy everything technology has to offer without any of the worry. For more information about PeoplePC, visit www.peoplepc.com.

(c)2001 PeoplePC Inc. All Rights Reserved. PeoplePC and its logos are among trademarks of PeoplePC Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.