Many health insurers have been on edge lately, due to uncertainty over the effect of health care reform. But so far, it hasn't made much difference to WellPoint. The company is still the same insurance giant, with 33 million members subscribed to its health plans.
In March, following pressure from California's insurance commissioner, the company said it wouldn't raise the price of premiums sold through its Anthem Blue Cross unit. That could cost WellPoint money, but it's not seen as a major issue for shareholders. WellPoint tends to keep cash on hand and buy back its stock, a strategy that it reaffirmed this February. --S.D.
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