NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) July 22, 1999--Standard&Poor's today assigned its 'A-1' preliminary rating to UnitedHealth Group's $150 million-$200 million extendible commercial note (ECN) program. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A-1' rating on UnitedHealth Group's commercial paper program. ECN's are a type of security with distinctive features. The issuer can extend maturity for 390 days from date of issuance if there is difficulty in rolling over the notes, thereby providing built-in liquidity. The notes are unsecured and offered under SEC 4(2)/Rule 144A, with an initial redemption date not more than 90 days from date of issue and a final maturity date 390 days from date of issue. If the company does not redeem the notes
