May 18, 2005 CareWorks acquires CRA Managed Care - Acquisition gives MCO 117,000 employer customers.

CareWorks announced today its acquisition of CRA Managed Care, Inc. (CRA), a BWC-certified managed care organization (MCO) for workers’ compensation. With this acquisition, CareWorks adds 7,483 new employers to its growing customer base, which now exceeds 117,000 total customers.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has approved this acquisition and has begun working with CareWorks to formally notify affected employers, injured workers and healthcare providers of this change in MCO.

"We are excited about the opportunity to demonstrate CareWorks' commitment to providing customer service that exceeds expectations to all our new customers," said William W. Pfeiffer, CareWorks' president and CEO.

"Current CareWorks customers can value our growth because it fuels new resources and skill sets to our operation, helping us continually improve products and services. Customers can feel confident that they are partnered with an MCO that can provide the greatest value to them in the short and long term,” added Pfeiffer.

CareWorks is Ohio’s leading workers’ compensation managed care organization, providing the highest quality medical management services to more than 117,000 employer customers. CareWorks medically manages nearly 30 percent of the workplace injuries in Ohio, helping injured workers return to work as quickly as safely as possible.

"We have worked closely with the individuals at CRA throughout this transition, ensuring we hit the ground running on servicing our newest customers," added Richard J. Poach, Chief Operating Officer.

By helping customers develop strategic early return to work programs – like transitional work and remain at work – CareWorks helps employers reduce or eliminate lost time claims, lower medical costs and control future premiums.