A.M. Best Withdraws Ratings of PacifiCare Dental of Colorado, Inc. Due to Merger

OLDWICK, N.J.--()--A.M. Best Co. has withdrawn the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of PacifiCare Dental of Colorado, Inc. (Englewood, CO), following the merger of PacifiCare Dental of Colorado, Inc. into PacifiCare of Colorado, Inc. (Centennial, CO) effective April 30, 2011.

PacifiCare Dental of Colorado, Inc. was a former subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. [NYSE: UHC]. PacifiCare of Colorado, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc., and has an FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of “a”, which are unchanged.

The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology -- Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Methodologies can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2011 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Doniella Pliss, 908-439-2200, ext. 5104
Senior Financial Analyst
doniella.pliss@ambest.com
or
Kenneth Frino, 908-439-2200, ext. 5012
Group Vice President
kenneth.frino@ambest.com
or
Carole Lovell, 908-439-2200, ext. 5445
Public Relations Associate
carole.lovell@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Doniella Pliss, 908-439-2200, ext. 5104
Senior Financial Analyst
doniella.pliss@ambest.com
or
Kenneth Frino, 908-439-2200, ext. 5012
Group Vice President
kenneth.frino@ambest.com
or
Carole Lovell, 908-439-2200, ext. 5445
Public Relations Associate
carole.lovell@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com