Statement in Response to Ruling by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida on Motions to Dismiss Managed Care Complaints (Provider Track)

March 2, 2001 — Today, U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno dismissed claims by plaintiffs in the provider track cases that allege that eight managed care companies, including Aetna (NYSE: ΑET), have violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The Court held that plaintiffs "have not properly pled the enterprise element" of a claim under that federal law. Additionally, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' federal claim for prompt payment for services rendered and dismissed alleged violations of state prompt-payment statutory claims.

Today's ruling, in which the Court took the step of rejecting key elements of the plaintiff's case even before looking at the facts, was very encouraging. It does, however, permit the plaintiffs to attempt to replead a number of the points. Aetna will carefully review any amended complaint and respond appropriately. As is standard in reviewing a defendant's motion to dismiss a complaint, the Court did not attempt to resolve disputed factual questions. If any amended pleading ultimately survives further scrutiny, Aetna is prepared to defend itself vigorously against the remaining factual allegations.

For more information about Aetna Inc., please visit the company's website at www.aetna.com.