MiniMed Inc. Comments On HCFA Coverage for InsulinPumps.

SYLMAR, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September 24, 1999--

MiniMed Inc. (Nasdaq: MNMD) commented on the announcement today by the Health Care Finance Administration that Medicare will cover insulin infusion pumps for eligible beneficiaries with Type 1 diabetes. HCFA has not yet announced a

Commenting on the news, Alfred E. Mann, MiniMed's Chairman and CEO, said, "We applaud the action by HCFA to approve coverage of insulin infusion pumps for eligible patients with Type 1 diabetes. If diabetes is not effectively managed, the long term consequences of this disease are devastating, in terms of both human suffering and costs to the health care system. HCFA's decision further supports the growing recognition of the effectiveness of insulin pump therapy. We also would like to commend HCFA's Coverage and Analysis Group for their thorough and timely review of the substantial medical data supporting the coverage decision."

Terrance H. Gregg, President and Chief Operating Officer, added, "We view the coverage decision by HCFA as a significant step forward for insulin pump therapy, and further evidence of the growing acceptance of this therapy in the health care community. More and more diabetes patients and their care givers are selecting insulin pumps as the best way to manage the disease. This action by HCFA will allow more persons the opportunity to choose pump therapy in treating their diabetes."

MiniMed Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets advanced infusion systems with a primary emphasis on the intensive management of diabetes. The Company's products include external pumps and related disposables, a continuous glucose monitoring system product and the distribution of an implantable insulin pump, which is currently approved for sale in the European Community and has not yet been cleared for marketing in the U.S. The Company also distributes other diabetes supplies and pharmaceutical products.

Any statements made by MiniMed in this press release that are forward-looking, including statements relating to sales of MiniMed's products for use by Medicare beneficiaries, the ability of MiniMed to generate profits from sales to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare reimbursement rates for MiniMed products are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may affect MiniMed's business and prospects, including changes in economic and market conditions, acceptance of MiniMed's products by the health care and reimbursement communities, health care legislation, new developments in diabetes therapy, administration and regulatory approval and related considerations, and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.