Rocky Mountain Health Plans will join together with UnitedHealthcarefollowing unanimous approval of the agreement by Rocky Mountain's board.

Under the partnership, Rocky Mountain will retain its brand andmanagement team. The organization will maintain a presence throughout western andrural Colorado. The company will continue under the direction of President and CEOSteve ErkenBrack. Also, UnitedHealthcare will invest in Rocky Mountain to restorethe organization's capital base.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals by the ColoradoDivision of Insurance and the state attorney general, and is expected to close bythe end of 2016.