First Health Opens Nasdaq Market
Dynamic performer among Nasdaq-listed securities commemorates 15 years of public listing

Contact: 
Edward L. Wristen
President and CEO
or 
Joseph E. Whitters
CFO 
First Health 
630-737-7511

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOWNERS GROVE, IL (July 9, 2002) - First Health Group Corp. (NASDAQ: FHCC), a national managed care company headquartered near Chicago, opened The Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq) today in conjunction with the fifteenth anniversary of the Company's initial public offering.

"Since going public in 1987, First Health has consistently ranked among the top ten percent of Nasdaq performers in revenue, average daily share volume and market capitalization," said Edward L. Wristen, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Health. "It is a great honor to be recognized for 15 years of hard work, dedication and building value for our clients, providers and investors."

In its 15 years as a public company, First Health has always been a strong Nasdaq performer, providing its investors with an annual return of approximately 29 percent. The Company has also been one of the few stocks to advance in an otherwise sluggish market.

"We're pleased to recognize First Health as one of our market's strongest long-term performers," said David Weild, Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. "Since its public listing 15 years ago, they have consistently offered a high-quality product at a good value to customers and shareholders alike."

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 website at www.firsthealth.com.