First Health Announces New Board Member
Chicago executive and community leader to lend expertise to national health benefits company

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                        
Andrea Hird
Phone: 630-737-7110
E-mail: andreahird@firsthealth.com

DOWNERS GROVE, IL - August 30, 2002 -Edward L. Wristen, president and chief executive officer of First Health Group Corp. (NASDAQ: FHCC), announced today that Jack Ryan has joined the First Health Board of Directors.

"Jack is a welcome addition to our Board of Directors," said Mr. Wristen. "His business acumen and keen understanding of complex legal, financial, social and political issues will be extremely beneficial to First Health and the growth of our business."

After graduating from Harvard Law School with honors and Harvard Business School, Mr. Ryan joined Goldman Sachs, becoming a partner in the investment banking division in 1996. Since 2000, Mr. Ryan has been active in civic affairs.

Mr. Ryan was selected by Crain's Chicago Business in 1998 as one of "40 under 40." He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1981.

In addition to his professional and academic accomplishments, Mr. Ryan is a member of Leadership Greater Chicago. He also has been active in various community programs including the Metropolitan Family Services, USO of Illinois, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Nature Conservancy.

First Health, the premier full-service national 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.