The selection of the BenefitPoint solution complements John Hancock's recently announced eGroup model for the mid-size employer market (100 - 1000 lives), which gives brokers direct access to underwriters. The platform also supports the carrier's model for the large case market, which is managed by a national sales force. Using BenefitPoint's software platform will enable John Hancock's sales, marketing and underwriting staff to distribute marketing information, process the requests for proposal (RFPs) and renewals, and manage the employee benefits product lifecycle online with broker/consultant partners. Because much of the traditional paperwork is eliminated by the BenefitPoint application, many of the risks inherent in that process -- namely data redundancy, inaccuracy, and lack of security -- are greatly reduced.

"We are very excited to provide a technology solution for John Hancock's Group Insurance business, especially the eGroup initiative," said Kurt M. de Grosz, co-founder and chief strategy officer of BenefitPoint. "BenefitPoint will provide the eInfrastructure and functionality that John Hancock and its brokers and consultants need to synchronize their procurement workflows, improve communications, remove costs from the product distribution process, and efficiently service mid-market employers."

"The BenefitPoint platform will support our eGroup initiative by giving our partner broker/consultants more efficient access to product information, and our sales, marketing and underwriting staff," said Peter Mawn, Senior Vice President, Financial Institutions, Group Insurance Division. "The ultimate result will be better working relationships with brokers, and better overall service for the mid-market consumer."

John Hancock's decision to partner with BenefitPoint and its more than 120 large partner brokerage and consulting firms is further confirmation that insurance carriers are now ready to distribute their products on a common eCommerce platform. By leveraging the BenefitPoint platform, carriers will enjoy more efficient product distribution through the existing channel, increased brand awareness, and ongoing efficiencies in sales, marketing and case processing which result in net savings.

About John Hancock
The Group Insurance Division is part of John Hancock Life Insurance Company of Boston, Massachusetts. John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: JHF) and its affiliated companies, including John Hancock Life Insurance Company, provide a broad array of insurance and investment products and services to retail and institutional customers. As of December 31, 2000, John Hancock and its subsidiaries had total assets under management of $125.2 billion. John Hancock Group Life can be reached at 800.555.5127.

About BenefitPoint, Inc.
BenefitPoint, Inc., delivers the leading Internet-based employee benefits infrastructure for the distribution and management of group insurance and financial products. As the central nervous system of the employee benefits industry, BenefitPoint provides a complete set of B2B services enabling benefits professionals to manage the entire group health insurance and benefits lifecycle. Building on the existing industry relationships among carriers, brokers, employers, and employees, the BenefitPoint solution combines the efficiency of the Internet with the established distribution model of the insurance industry to eliminate paper (saving everyone time and money), to make it possible to deliver more products and services (giving everyone more choices), and to make better information available (enabling everyone to make better decisions).

Since general availability in February 2000, BenefitPoint has received widespread industry adoption from regional and national insurance carriers as well as from more than 120 of the leading U.S.-based brokerage and consulting firms. The company, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, can be reached at 415.277.5600 or at www.benefitpoint.com. BenefitPoint, Inc. is privately held.