Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association National Labor Office Selects Hythiam As Strategic Alliance Partner

Hythiam to provide information about substance abuse programs to NLO's more than 20 million union members and their families

June 18, 2007

WASHINGTON - The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's (BCBSA) National Labor Office (NLO) has formed a strategic alliance with Hythiam, Inc. (NASDAQ:HYTM) to provide substance abuse management information to labor members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.  The Blues' network of healthcare providers offers health benefits for more union workers, retirees and their families than any other national insurance carrier.

The NLO has added Hythiam to its portfolio of supplemental health service vendors to support the office's mission of positioning the Blue companies as labor's healthcare partner of choice.  Hythiam, a healthcare services management company that licenses the PROMETA® treatment programs designed to treat alcoholism and dependence to methamphetamine or cocaine, will offer its PROMETA® treatment programs to labor members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.  The PROMETA® treatment programs, which integrate behavioral, nutritional and medical components, are available through licensed medical facilities and treatment providers.

"Hythiam's substance abuse focused healthcare management services support the NLO's mission to help Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies meet the distinct needs of labor organizations," said Bonnie Summers, executive director of the NLO.  "Labor is keenly aware of the compounding effects caused by substance dependency in the workforce - and the need to find solutions that can improve outcomes and return an employee to his or her job."

Integrating both medical and psychosocial treatment modalities, Hythiam provides comprehensive substance abuse management services to health plans, employers, criminal justice, and government agencies.  With a focus on using the latest medical and health technology towards improved outcomes and outpatient treatment, the company is focused on delivering solutions for those suffering from alcoholism and other substance dependencies.  Hythiam researches, develops, licenses and commercializes innovative physiological, nutritional, and behavioral treatment programs that seek to address substance dependence.

Blue companies provide health benefits for more union workers, retirees and their families than any other national carrier.  Collectively bargained contracts account for approximately 20 million Blue company members - more than one-fifth of the Blue System's national enrollment.  BCBSA established the National Labor Office in 1965 to demonstrate its strong commitment to building successful partnerships with organized labor.