TZIX Trizetto Grp. (MM)

The TriZetto Group Inc. (NASDAQ: TZIX) today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corp. under which TriZetto will develop a connector for its payer customers that enables members of health plans to use TriZetto�s Member Benefit Profile� application with Microsoft HealthVault�. The Member Benefit Profile software gives plan members a Web-based, personalized healthcare financial statement. A display summarizes information about health status, medical treatments, insurance claims, remaining deductibles, status of pre-authorizations, reimbursements and medical account fund balances, available online or as a hard-copy. HealthVault is a secure Web-based platform that helps patients collect, store and share health information with family members and participating healthcare providers. It brings together third-party applications and tools that enable individuals to manage their fitness, diet and health. TriZetto will make the connector between the Member Benefit Profile application and HealthVault available to its payer customers later this year. �This agreement is another example of our commitment to enabling Integrated Healthcare Management (IHM), the systematic application of processes and shared information to optimize the coordination of benefits and care for the consumer,� said Jeff Hensley, chief technology officer at TriZetto. �With IHM, we empower consumers with tools to take a more active role in managing their own health and care through access to information. The connector between the Member Benefit Profile software and HealthVault will provide improved portability of information for consumers, as well as provide a health information portability solution for payers that will enhance their ability to serve employer groups.� �Today�s health plans face significant challenges when it comes to getting and keeping consumers engaged in their health,� said Dennis Schmuland, MD, health plan industry solutions director for Microsoft�s U.S. health and life sciences group. �By giving consumers the option to use the Member Benefit Profile application within their HealthVault accounts, TriZetto is enabling health plans to engage and keep consumers engaged within the context of their digital lifestyles.� TriZetto and Microsoft may extend their association to other online tools for consumers. TriZetto software and technology services are used by more than 350 payer organizations covering some 150 million people in the United States. About TriZetto TriZetto is Powering Integrated Healthcare Management�. With its technology touching nearly half of the U.S. insured population, TriZetto is uniquely positioned to drive the convergence of health benefit administration, care management and constituent engagement. The company provides premier information technology solutions that enable payers and other constituents in the healthcare supply chain to improve the coordination of benefits and care for healthcare consumers. Healthcare payers include national and regional health insurance plans, and benefits administrators that provide transaction services to self-insured employer groups. The company�s payer-focused information technology offerings include enterprise and component software, hosting and business process outsourcing services, and consulting. Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., TriZetto can be reached at 949-719-2200 or at www.trizetto.com.