WellPoint and M-Plan Enter Into Endorsement Agreement as M-Plan Announces Exit From the Commercial HMO Business ...( Endorses Anthem Blue Cross and Blu...),Health

Endorses Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana for its Members

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) and M-Plan, Inc., an Indiana-based managed care organization, announced today that M-Plan will endorse Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana as the insurer of choice for its members and employer groups as it exits the commercial HMO business. WellPoint and M-Plan have entered into an agreement that ensures that current M-Plan employer groups and their members who elect to purchase an Anthem policy will have a smooth transition of benefits and coverage.

M-Plan made the strategic decision to exit the commercial HMO business based on the future investments needed to grow and expand their commercial business. They are subsequently recommending Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana to their current employer groups and their members. M-Plan remains financially secure and continues to offer Medicare products in Central Indiana. In addition, M-Plan will provide coverage for its existing accounts until the end of the employer's contract.

"The agreement we entered into with M-Plan links two organizations that have served the needs of Indiana residents for decades. We look forward to presenting M-Plan customers with comprehensive benefit options that would serve them well into the future," said Angela F. Braly, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint, Inc. "WellPoint offers a unique position of having national scale while at the same time maintaining a deep local presence in its markets. That includes providing excellent customer service, delivering innovative products to our members and maintaining strong community ties."

M-Plan currently insures
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