Amerigroup Joins 2010 FORTUNE 500

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FORTUNE announced Thursday that Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP) has been ranked 404 on the 2010 FORTUNE 500 list. The full list and related stories appear in the May 3 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands Monday, April 19, and now at fortune.com/500.

FORTUNE editor-at-large Shawn Tully writes, "U.S. corporations are staging a nearly unprecedented comeback that's largely escaping notice … For 2009, the FORTUNE 500 lifted earnings 335 percent, to $391 billion, a $301 billion jump that's the second largest in the list's 56-year history, approaching the increase in the robust recovery of 2003.  For last year the 500 raised their return on sales from less than 1 percent to 4 percent. That's close to the list's 4.7 percent historical average."

In achieving the ranking, Amerigroup enters the FORTUNE 500 list for the first time in the company's 15-year history -- and rises 105 spots from last year's ranking of 509.

"It's certainly a milestone and distinction that we take pride in -- we're honored to be recognized for our consistent growth, and for the value and benefit we bring to the stakeholders we represent," said James G. Carlson, Amerigroup chairman and chief executive officer. "At Amerigroup, our mission is to serve vulnerable populations in need of a little help, and to deliver value in doing so. We're grateful for the recognition that the private sector can follow a social charter and operate a financially sound, successful business, ultimately making a difference and bringing real solutions that deliver quality health care to those who need it."

The annual FORTUNE 500 list ranks all U.S. companies by revenue.

About Amerigroup Corporation

Amerigroup Corporation and its subsidiaries help those on publicly funded health care programs by ensuring that these individuals enter an organized system of care and a true medical home. Serving approximately 1.8 million members in 11 states nationwide, Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability. The company's product offerings do not utilize any individual underwriting nor deny coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions. Amerigroup is dedicated to offering real solutions that improve health care access and quality for its members, while proactively working to reduce the overall cost of care to taxpayers. For more information and real story examples of these solutions, please visit www.amerigroupcorp.com. 

SOURCE Amerigroup Corporation