WellPoint Reports First Quarter 20...( -- Net income was $1.16 per share inc...),Health

-- Net income was $1.16 per share, including net realized investment losses of $0.46 per share, 8 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2008

-- Operating cash flow totaled $1.2 billion

-- Full year 2009 net income now expected to be in the range of $5.14 - $5.20 per share, including net realized investment losses of $0.46 per share

-- Insurance subsidiaries remain well-capitalized with statutory capital levels approximately $5.5 billion above state regulatory levels and $2.3 billion above Blue Cross and Blue Shield requirements

INDIANAPOLIS, April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) today announced that first quarter 2009 net income was $580.4 million, or $1.16 per share, including net realized investment losses of $228.4 million after-tax, or $0.46 per share. Net income in the first quarter of 2008 was $588.1 million, or $1.07 per share, which included net realized investment losses of $0.06 per share.

"Our first quarter was solid in light of the current economy, and it is clear that the performance improvement initiatives we put into place last year are generating positive results," said Angela F. Braly, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint, Inc. "While our membership levels have been impacted by employer workforce reductions, we continue to take action to make our products more attractive and create more value for our customers."

"We are pleased that, despite the economy, our enrollment in the National business increased by more than 400,000, or 3.6 percent, during the quarter. This is an indication that our value proposition remains market-leading, with the industry's broadest provider network, attractive discounts and excellent medical management services. We look forward to our new strategic alliance with Express S
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