BREA, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Century Health announced today that its board of directors has appointed Michael Mirt a director of the company.  The company announced the appointment as it continues the expansion of its specialty care management services to payers and physician practices across the United States.

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Mr. Mirt brings to New Century Health more than 30 years of leadership experience in the health insurance industry.  Most recently, he was president of HealthSpring, one of the largest Medicare Advantage plans in the United States.  The company was acquired by Cigna Corporation earlier this year.  Previously, Mr. Mirt was executive vice president and chief operating officer of AmeriChoice, a UnitedHealth Group company offering health care coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries.  He also served as regional president of Cigna Healthcare.

"We are very pleased to have recruited Mike to New Century Health.  His extensive experience in building highly specialized insurance businesses will bring a valuable perspective to the company as we expand our services to more payers, particularly those that serve the Medicare market," said Steve Cosler, chairman of New Century Health and an operating partner with Water Street Healthcare Partners.

Founded in 2002, New Century Health was acquired by Water Street, a strategic private equity firm focused exclusively on health care, in 2010.  To accelerate the company's position as the leading specialty care services provider, Water Street recruited industry leaders to the management team, and invested in New Century Health's infrastructure and technology.  New Century Health has grown to serve more than 2 million people covered by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers. 

"We are honored to have Mike serve on our board of directors," said Atul Dhir, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of New Century Health. "His distinguished leadership experience will provide us with invaluable guidance as we expand payer and physician access to our pioneering, quality-based healthcare solutions."

About New Century Health

New Century Health is a national specialty care management company that provides comprehensive technology and clinical solutions to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care. Its customers include both regional and national health plans, and physician practices providing specialty care services to Medicare, Medicaid and commercial members. New Century Health, an official licensee of the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™, is alsocollaborating with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association to promote guidelines-based treatment for oncology, cardiology and other specialties.To learn more about New Century Health, visit www.NewCenturyHealth.com.

SOURCE New Century Health