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<TITLE>Coventry Health Care, Inc.</TITLE>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">As Filed With the Securities and Exchange Commission<BR>
on July&nbsp;15, 2003</FONT>

<P align="right"><FONT size="2">Registration No.&nbsp;333-_________</FONT>

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<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="3">Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8</B></FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></FONT></DIV>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>COVENTRY HEALTH CARE, INC.</B></FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></DIV>

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    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>52-2073000</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(I.R.S. Employer</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite&nbsp;900</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Bethesda, Maryland</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>20817</B></FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
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</TABLE>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Coventry Health Care, Inc.<BR>
Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan</B><BR>
(Full title of the plan)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Dale B. Wolf<BR>
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite&nbsp;900<BR>
Bethesda, Maryland 20817</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>(301)&nbsp;581- 0600</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></FONT>

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    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of securities</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>offering price per</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>aggregate offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>to be registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>share (2)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>price</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>registration fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
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    <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock,<br>
$.01 par value (1)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">2,000,000 shares</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">50.09</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">100,180,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">8,104.56</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P>
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      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Represents 2,000,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to future
grants under the Company&#146;s Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">The offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of determining the
amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule&nbsp;457(c) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and is based on the average of the high and low
price per share of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange on July&nbsp;9, 2003.</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
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<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g83836exv5.txt">Ex-5 Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g83836exv23w1.txt">Ex-23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP</A></TD></TR>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Registration of Additional Securities</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Registration Statement is filed pursuant to General Instruction E of
Form&nbsp;S-8 for the purpose of registering additional shares of common stock, $.01
par value, of Coventry Health Care, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
&#147;Registrant&#148;), for the Registrant&#146;s Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Incorporation by Reference of Earlier Registration Statements</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registration Statements on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-50917 and
333-57976) previously filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April&nbsp;24, 1998 and March&nbsp;30, 2001, respectively, are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</FONT>

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    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Bass, Berry &#038; Sims PLC</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Ernst &#038; Young, LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Bass, Berry &#038; Sims PLC (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on page II-3)</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-2</FONT>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Bethesda, State of Maryland, on this 14th day of
July, 2003.
</FONT>
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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">COVENTRY HEALTH CARE, INC.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By:
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Allen F. Wise<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Allen F. Wise<BR>
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, each person whose signature appears below
hereby constitutes and appoints Allen F. Wise and Dale B. Wolf, and each of
them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration
Statement, and to file the same, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
</FONT>
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    <TD width="29%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Allen F. Wise<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Allen F. Wise</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
President, Chief Executive Officer<BR>
and Director (Principal Executive<BR>
Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Dale B. Wolf<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Dale B. Wolf</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Executive Vice President, Chief<BR>
Financial Officer, Treasurer and<BR>
Director (Principal Financial<BR>
Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John J. Ruhlmann<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
John J. Ruhlmann</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Vice President and Controller<BR>
(Principal Accounting Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-3</FONT>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

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    <TD width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John H. Austin, Jr., M.D.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
John H. Austin, Jr., M.D.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chairman of the Board<BR>
and Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Emerson D. Farley, Jr.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Emerson D. Farley, Jr.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Lawrence N. Kugelman<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Lawrence N. Kugelman</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Joel Ackerman<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Joel Ackerman</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Timothy T. Weglicki<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Timothy T. Weglicki</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2"><BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Robert W. Morey</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Rodman W. Moorhead, III<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Rodman W. Moorhead, III</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 14, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Elizabeth E. Tallett<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Elizabeth E. Tallett</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">July 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-4</FONT>
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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B></FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="82%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Bass, Berry &#038; Sims PLC</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Ernst &#038; Young, LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Bass, Berry &#038; Sims PLC (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on page II-3)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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Coventry Health Care, Inc.
Table of Contents
As Filed With the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 15, 2003
Registration No. 333-_________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
COVENTRY HEALTH CARE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
52-2073000
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 900
Bethesda, Maryland
20817
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Coventry Health Care, Inc.
Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan
(Full title of the plan)
Dale B. Wolf
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 900
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(Name and address of agent for service)
(301) 581- 0600
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed maximum
Proposed maximum
Title of securities
Amount to be
offering price per
aggregate offering
Amount of
to be registered
registered
share (2)
price
registration fee
Common Stock,
$.01 par value (1)
2,000,000 shares
$
50.09
$
100,180,000
$
8,104.56
(1)
Represents 2,000,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to future
grants under the Company's Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2)
The offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of determining the
amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and is based on the average of the high and low
price per share of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange on July 9, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Ex-5 Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Ex-23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP
Table of Contents
Registration of Additional Securities
This Registration Statement is filed pursuant to General Instruction E of
Form S-8 for the purpose of registering additional shares of common stock, $.01
par value, of Coventry Health Care, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Registrant"), for the Registrant's Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended.
Incorporation by Reference of Earlier Registration Statements
The Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-50917 and
333-57976) previously filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 24, 1998 and March 30, 2001, respectively, are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Description
5
Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP
23.2
Consent of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC (included in Exhibit 5)
24
Power of Attorney (included on page II-3)
II-2
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Bethesda, State of Maryland, on this 14th day of
July, 2003.
COVENTRY HEALTH CARE, INC.
By:
/s/ Allen F. Wise
Allen F. Wise
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, each person whose signature appears below
hereby constitutes and appoints Allen F. Wise and Dale B. Wolf, and each of
them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration
Statement, and to file the same, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Allen F. Wise
Allen F. Wise
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
July 14, 2003
/s/ Dale B. Wolf
Dale B. Wolf
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Director (Principal Financial
Officer)
July 14, 2003
/s/ John J. Ruhlmann
John J. Ruhlmann
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
July 14, 2003
II-3
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ John H. Austin, Jr., M.D.
John H. Austin, Jr., M.D.
Chairman of the Board
and Director
July 14, 2003
/s/ Emerson D. Farley, Jr.
Emerson D. Farley, Jr.
Director
July 14, 2003
/s/ Lawrence N. Kugelman
Lawrence N. Kugelman
Director
July 14, 2003
/s/ Joel Ackerman
Joel Ackerman
Director
July 14, 2003
/s/ Timothy T. Weglicki
Timothy T. Weglicki
Director
July 14, 2003
Robert W. Morey
Director
July      , 2003
/s/ Rodman W. Moorhead, III
Rodman W. Moorhead, III
Director
July 14, 2003
/s/ Elizabeth E. Tallett
Elizabeth E. Tallett
Director
July 15, 2003
II-4
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Description
5
Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP
23.2
Consent of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC (included in Exhibit 5)
24
Power of Attorney (included on page II-3)