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CitiBusiness(R) Credit Cards Announces New Cardmember Benefit: Free Prescription Discount Program

SB Informer
Thursday, May 11, 2006; 08:39 AM

NEW YORK, May 11 - According to the CitiBusiness(R) Credit Cards Small Business Survey results, two-thirds (65 percent) of small businesses do not offer healthcare benefits and 39 percent feel that it is becoming a luxury in today's market place. Of the one-third (36 percent) that do offer healthcare benefits, only 18 percent offer medical and/or dental insurance with a prescription plan.

Recognizing the need for improved and extensive healthcare benefits, CitiBusiness(R) Credit Cards is teaming with Health Access Services and New Benefits, Ltd. to offer a Prescription Discount Benefit Program free to all cardholders and their dependents beginning March 2006. Accessible at more than 48,000 pharmacies nationwide, the prescription service also includes a mail order pharmacy program which has a guaranteed, industry-leading offer of five dollars below the lowest retail pharmacy price.

"The Prescription Discount Benefit Program supports Citi's long-standing commitment to providing small businesses with the tools necessary not only to succeed but also to ensure the health and happiness of their employees," said Brian Lifsec, executive vice president of CitiBusiness Credit Cards. "With 36 percent of small business owners considering offering less healthcare coverage to manage costs, the survey clearly indicates that small business owners and employees can benefit from a program that assists in the purchasing of prescription medicines."

When polled, almost half (49 percent) of small business owners say they are concerned with rising healthcare costs, while 48 percent of small business owners expect their company's healthcare plan to increase their premiums in the next few years.

Under the Prescription Discount Program cardmembers will be provided with several opportunities to upgrade their benefits. For 10 dollars per year, cardmembers may add their employees that do not carry the CitiBusiness Credit Card. A Vision and Dental Discount Program, which can save cardmembers anywhere from 10 to 60 percent on these services, will also be offered for $8.95 a month.

To learn more about the Prescription Discount Benefit Program, visit http://www.prescriptiondrugbenefit.com/

CitiBusiness Credit Cards allows small business owners to save time and money through a variety of additional protection and support benefits including:

* Personal Business Assistant service * Quarterly and annual business account spending summaries by type and employee * Savings on everyday business expenses with partners including DHL, Budget and Aetna * Auto rental and travel accident insurance * Ability to bypass the Automated Voice Response Unit and speak directly with a representative who understands their needs

To apply for the CitiBusiness Card, call 1-877-CITI-NOW or visit http://www.citibusinesscreditcards.com/ .

About the survey

In a continuing effort to support the unique and diverse needs of small business owners, CitiBusiness(R) Credit Cards conducted a survey of Small Business Owners to gain a deeper understanding on their habits, perspectives, and needs. The CitiBusiness Small Business Survey is based on a nationally representative sample of 364 small business owners/managers of companies with fewer than 100 employees. Based on the results of a DEEP BLUE INSIGHT(R) Survey conducted for CitiBusiness among 364 nationwide Small Business Owners from January 10 - 23, 2006. Average margin of error range is +/- 3%.

About CitiBusiness Credit Cards

CitiBusiness Credit Cards is a unit of Citigroup . Citigroup, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com/.

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