NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 18, 2002--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it affirmed its single-'A'-plus counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Highmark Inc. (Highmark) because of the company's extremely strong capitalization, strong business profile, and strong earnings. Offsetting these positive factors are Highmark's prospectively challenged business position and earnings profile. Standard&Poor's also said that the outlook on Highmark is negative. For the past 60 years, Highmark and Capital Blue Cross jointly marketed and serviced membership in the 21-county Central Pennsylvania region. Highmark terminated this partnership as of April 2002 and is now actively competing for the 1.2 million privately insured residents served under the joint operating agreement. "Future profitability and, potentially, future capitalization
