First Health Announces Edward L. Wristen to Assume CEO Position in 2002; James C. Smith Remains Board Chairman

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Joseph E. Whitters, CFO
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Lottie Kurcz, SVP
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – September 25, 2001 - First Health Group Corp. (NASDAQ: FHCC) today announced that First Health President Edward L. Wristen will be named chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2002. James C. Smith, who currently serves as CEO and chairs the board of directors, will continue to be active and serve as Company chairman.

"Ed Wristen has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company in 1990, playing an important role in First Health's success," said Mr. Smith. "His experience, leadership and understanding of the managed care marketplace will steer the company toward continued growth."

Mr. Wristen, president and chief operating officer since December, began his career in healthcare in 1976 as a consultant. Prior to joining First Health, he held executive positions in the managed care industry, and for hospitals and hospital systems. Mr. Wristen holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, and a master's in business administration from Ohio State University.

Since 1984, Mr. Smith has been responsible for the overall leadership of the Company as it has grown from an entrepreneurial idea to a $2.4 billion market-cap company.  Mr. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston in 1963 and currently serves as a member of the University’s Governing Board. He also currently serves on the board of the Healthcare Leadership Council and the Health Insurance Association of America.

First Health, the nation’s premier full-service health benefits company, specializes in providing large employers with one integrated source for group health and workers’ compensation. By combining pioneering technology with expert industry knowledge, First Health delivers comprehensive, cost-effective solutions for its clients nationally. For more information, visit the company web site at www.firsthealth.com.