Medical Mutual of Ohio Acquires Premier Heal...( COLUMBIA S.C. April 3 2008 /- Med...),Health

COLUMBIA, S.C., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Mutual of Ohio announced the acquisition of Premier Health Systems (PHS), a statewide Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.

PHS was owned by Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals and Palmetto Health.

The acquisition expands Medical Mutual's presence in South Carolina after the purchase last year of Carolina Care Plan, a Columbia-based health plan that serves approximately 55,000 members.

"With our ownership of Premier Health Systems, Medical Mutual keeps its momentum going in the Southeast portion of the country and increases the growth of our business," said Medical Mutual CEO Kent Clapp.

"This acquisition also expands our product line in South Carolina with a comprehensive PPO network, which complements our HMO Carolina Care Plan," added Clapp. "The purchase also aids in the expansion of our other subsidiaries, Consumers Life Insurance Company and 1st Medical Network, in nearby Georgia due to cross-border business."

Founded in 1934, Medical Mutual of Ohio is the oldest and largest health insurance company based in Ohio. The company owns and operates Carolina Care Plan headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Medical Mutual serves its customers through high-quality, affordable group and personal health insurance plans, and third-party administrative services to self-insured group customers. For more information, visit the company's award-winning Web site at http://www.MedMutual.com.