Wellpoint To Change Its Name
CEO Joseph Swedish said the change was motivated by the company's belief that it was important to go with the name people know best -- Anthem. It is happening at a time when, because of the health law and changes in how employers offer workers insurance, consumers increasingly shop for their own coverage.
The Associated Press: Health Insurer Wellpoint Changes Name To Anthem
CEO Joseph Swedish says in a statement: “We believe it is important to call ourselves by the name that people know best — Anthem.” The name change comes as consumers increasingly shop for their own health benefits, in part due to the health care overhaul. The Indianapolis-based company operates plans in 14 states and primarily does business as Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (8/12).
The Wall Street Journal: WellPoint Changes Its Name To Anthem
The change is the latest move by a health insurer aimed at promoting a more consumer-focused identity, as the industry sells more coverage directly to individuals rather than its traditional commercial audience of business owners and human-resource executives. The shift is occurring under the federal health law, which created insurance marketplaces in each state. Also, some employers are having their workers select coverage on similar exchanges operated by private companies (Wild Mathews, 8/12).
