Moody’s Investment Services Affirms Methodist Medical Center’s A2 Underlying Debt Rating: Outlook Remains Stable.

Peoria, Illinois-(February 6, 2009)--Moody’s Investment Services has affirmed the A2 rating of Methodist Medical Center’s bonds. The rating outlook remains stable.

Moody’s recognized Methodist for its increasing growth in cash volumes, ample debt service coverage and very modest debt load. Its balance sheet remains very healthy, with strategic and operational successes and a very strong market share position. Methodist’s bond rating of A2 with stable outlook ranks in the top quartile in the U.S. within its peer group.

Methodist President and CEO Michael Bryant said, "We are very pleased to maintain our high bond rating in this challenging environment where most organizations are being downgraded. It is a compliment to our board, physicians, staff and partners that we have done so well and their efforts have been recognized."

Bryant continued, "Our cash balance levels and low debt levels put us in a strong position, as well as our high quality and exceptional patient service, to provide for the health care needs of our community. With this financial strength we are able to maintain state of the art technology in both medical equipment and information technology. Providing the very best experience in the cleanest, best maintained facilities is what Methodist does extremely well".

"Our financial strength is just one more way Methodist is ‘Taking You Well’ into the Future," Bryant concluded.