WellPoint Inc., the Indianapolis-based parent company of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin, has announced it will change its name to Anthem Inc.
The move is being made to more clearly align its corporate and product brands and streamline the communication of its values, as well as increase the impact its divisions have on its members, associates and investors, the company said.
“As consumer engagement is heightened, we recognize that brand—an indicator of trust and a predictor of willingness to engage—is going to be of increasing importance,” said Joseph Swedish, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint. “We believe it is important to call ourselves by the name that people know best—Anthem. Changing the corporate brand to Anthem is an important expression of our commitment to serve as a trusted partner in health. Millions of people experience this promise every day through the work our family of companies do to provide information and tools to empower individuals to better understand and manage their health. Trust is central to who we are and what we stand for as a company.”
The name change, which must meet shareholder approval, is expected to be complete by the end of the year. A shareholder meeting will be held on November 5 in Indianapolis.
WellPoint Inc. was formed when WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Anthem Inc. merged in 2004. It is one of the largest health benefits companies in the country, with 67 million people served by its affiliated companies and almost 37 million enrolled in its health plans.
