Meet the new WellPoint. Providers wonder how they and their patients will have to change to cope with the biggest managed-care merger to date.
Indianapolis-based Anthem, left, agrees to acquire rival Wellpoint Health Networks for $16.4 billion, creating the nation's largest health insurer. On the same day, current industry leader UnitedHealth Group agrees to pay $2.95 billion for Mid Atlantic Medical Services in an attempt to gain market dominance over the Eastern seaboard. What will the creation of these health plan powerhouses mean for providers.
Benko
Laura B
LB
D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000191:economics; D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003284:Contract Services / Q000191:economics*; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000639:trends*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008396:Maryland; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region; D009935:Organizational Affiliation / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014768:Virginia