October 28, 2008 – Warwick, RI – Responding to growing unemployment and the prospect of increased dislocation, AmWINS Group Benefits announces an expansion of its niche medical health plan offerings today with the launch of AmWINS BridgeCare. The product provides immediate short-term medical coverage for the newly unemployed and others in between coverage.

With the distress in the investment banking industry and the looming credit crisis, the number of unemployed Americans has increased by 2.2 million over the past 12 months1 – increasing the number of uninsured persons in the process. AmWINS Group Benefits, a leading distributor of wholesale retiree and employee health benefits and professional services, now provides a cost-effective alternative to temporary major medical coverage, such as COBRA, where the cost may be beyond the means of many.

AmWINS BridgeCare coverage is available for individuals under age 65, and their families, in need of medical insurance for a one-twelve month period (depending on state mandates). Others who can benefit from this new offering include new employees in a waiting period for their health insurance to begin, recent college graduates leaving their parents health plans, hourly wage earners not eligible for employer provided coverage, and seasonal workers.

“The credit crisis is taking jobs and its taking people’s health insurance,” said Sam Fleet, AmWINS Group Benefits President and CEO. “And more employers are cutting expenses by extending waiting periods for insurance to kick in from 30-90 days leaving even more Americans in health coverage limbo, ” Fleet added.

AmWINS BridgeCare is underwritten by Companion Life and administered by AmWINS Group Benefits, allowing individuals, businesses and brokers to leverage state-of-the-art administration and online enrollment services. Applicants can quickly apply online and have coverage issued as early as the next day.

AmWINS BridgeCare medical coverage includes:

• $2 million lifetime maximum coverage
• In-hospital and out-patient benefits
• Urgent care services
• Surgery in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center
• Intensive care
• X-ray and laboratory services
• Ambulance services
• 10 day “Free Look” period
• Generic prescription discount card

Short term medical does not cover all medical conditions including pre-existing conditions. Among the disqualifying conditions are cancer, pregnancy and heart disease.

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor