title: 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.
abstract: 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.
authors: Laura B
authors: LB
authors: Benko
mesh_terms: 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