Wellpoint makes record profit on higher premiums

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WellPoint's Profit Rises 34% as Premiums and Fees Surge

From the Associated Press -- July 27, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS — WellPoint Inc., the nation's largest health insurer, reported Wednesday that its second-quarter profit grew 34%, thanks largely to increased revenue from premiums and administrative fees. Revenue surged 27% to $14.2 billion. Premiums climbed 27% while administrative fees increased 32%. Still, analysts were disappointed with the company's enrollment, which increased by 5,000 members from the first quarter. "This is really disappointing for a company that enrolls business year-round, and we don't know what to make of it," Bank of America analyst ph France wrote to investors. "It could mean the company is charging too much."

Wellpoint companies include:Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans serving: Colorado; Connecticut; Indiana; Kentucky; Maine; Missouri; Nevada; New Hampshire; Ohio; Virginia; and Wisconsin.

Blue Cross of California

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana and Georgia

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York