LifeNexus will issue the Personal Health Card directly to consumers, working with employers and other sponsoring organizations. This groundbreaking initiative makes access to personal health information and payment for health related services secure, fast and convenient.

"Gemalto is excited to be working with LifeNexus on a true first in North America - a healthcare and financial payment card in one," said Jack Jania, vice president, financial services for Gemalto North America. "Together, Gemalto and LifeNexus are providing a product and service that raises the bar for security, portability and convenience within healthcare. This initiative is part of Gemalto's overall goal to provide innovative, customer-focused solutions based on digital security technology."

The new program is based on the patented LifeNexus Personal Health Card equipped with Gemalto's .NET technology to enable secure storage of health and financial information. Consumers will use the LifeNexus card to keep track of their personal health information, give it to healthcare providers when needed, and then pay for services -- all with the same card. For example, individuals can store information such as allergies, immunizations, medications, lab results and recent trips to other providers right on the LifeNexus Personal Health Card.

Gemalto's digital security solution also protects the privacy and security of the cardholder. In fact, the Personal Health Card meets privacy and security requirements set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), because the information is encrypted and accessed only with the patient's PIN.

LifeNexus, Inc. is a rapid growth company led by a team of executives experienced in all facets of the healthcare industry. The company is dedicated to creating superior value for the consumer by linking personal, financial and medical information on a single credential.

"Through working with Gemalto, we are able to provide what healthcare providers have been asking for - a portable, personal health record and payment process that is secure and efficient," said Bob Flury, president and COO for LifeNexus, Inc. "Our decision to put our trust in Gemalto for this project is based on their ability to innovate in secure technology, and expertise across financial and healthcare sectors."

In addition to the LifeNexus healthcare payment card project, Gemalto is participating in successful healthcare initiatives worldwide in Algeria, Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom and Slovenia.