Environmentally friendly but costlier CFC-free inhalers to replace CFC-containing inhalers by December 2008

MINNEAPOLIS – (April 13, 2007) – UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, has taken steps to aid asthma sufferers who are experiencing a shortage of the most widely used asthma inhalers and higher prices for the remaining supply.

UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions (UHPS), the company’s pharmacy benefit management division, lowered the copayment for one of the new brand-name CFC-free inhalers.  Xopenex HFA has been moved to Tier 1 – the lowest copay tier – on the UHPS prescription drug list so that commercial members have an affordable, effective way to continue managing their asthma without supply issues or added cost. As a result, a UnitedHealthcare member’s copay for CFC-free Xopenex – now in Tier 1 – ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the member’s copay benefit.

Chlorofluorocarbon-containing albuterol inhalers, the industry standard for 25 years, are being phased out because of their harmful effect on the earth’s ozone layer.  The new CFC-free brand-name inhalers are just as effective but have a higher cost.

“Asthma patients have relied on albuterol inhalers for years because they provide quick and effective relief of asthma symptoms.  However, because of the higher cost for the new brand-name CFC-free inhalers, some patients may avoid continued treatment, which would place their health at serious risk.  By moving higher-cost CFC-free brand-name inhalers to a lower copay tier, we can ensure that our members have affordable access to the asthma medications they rely on to maintain their health,” said Tim Heady, CEO of UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions.

The shortage of current CFC-containing generic and brand-name inhalers is expected to increase until the complete phase-out deadline of Dec. 31, 2008.  Physicians are recommending that asthma patients begin transitioning to the new CFC-free inhalers.

Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans and is one of the country’s most common and costly diseases with an annual cost of $18 billion, according to the American Lung Association.  Additionally, asthma is the leading cause of school absences from chronic illness for children ages five to 17, resulting in 14 million lost school days annually.  For adults, asthma is the fourth-leading cause of work absenteeism, resulting in nearly 15 million missed or fewer productive workdays each year.