Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire Announces the Expanded Availability of Health Plans for Medicare Beneficiarie

MANCHESTER, NH, November 15 -- In an effort to better meet the needs of the state's diverse and growing population of Medicare beneficiaries, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire has announced the expansion of a suite of new Medicare Advantage plans. The expanded plans complement Anthem's current Medicare offerings and provide New Hampshire's seniors and disabled residents with a wide range of options to help them meet their individual medical and financial needs.

"Anthem is committed to providing affordable health insurance options for New Hampshire residents at all stages of life," said Lisa M. Guertin, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire "The range of choices we offer our senior members is a reflection of that commitment."

When Medicare's annual enrollment period begins today, November 15, more of New Hampshire's Medicare beneficiaries than ever before will be able to choose from the following options available through Anthem:

In addition, in 2008 Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in a standalone Anthem Part D prescription drug plan will have access to the Prescription Savings Program card, which offers significant savings on non-formulary brand name and generic prescriptions. The card can be used by all Anthem members and those in their household for all brand name and generic prescriptions, with no limit to the amount of use. These savings will be available through a network of over 53,000 participating pharmacies nationwide for unlimited access, including chain, independent and retail pharmacies.

"Today's seniors are living longer than ever before and have different expectations than previous generations about their health and their health insurance options in retirement," said Susan E. Rawlings, president of Senior Business, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "Our enhanced product line recognizes that one size does not fit all in health care and allows Medicare eligible individuals to select the coverage plan that meets their health needs and allows them to live the most fulfilling life possible. In addition to offering affordable premiums, our Medicare Advantage plans also include innovative care management programs that are not available through traditional Medicare."

In addition to offering Medicare Advantage products, Anthem is also one of the state's leading providers of Medicare Supplemental insurance. For more information on Anthem's Medicare offerings, visit www.anthem.com and click on "New Hampshire."

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. WellPoint's mission is to improve the lives of the people it serves and the health of its communities. WellPoint, Inc. is the largest health benefits company in terms of commercial membership in the United States. Through its nationwide networks, the company delivers a number of leading health benefit solutions through a broad portfolio of integrated health care plans and related services, along with a wide range of specialty products such as life and disability insurance benefits, pharmacy benefit management, dental, vision, behavioral health benefit services, as well as long term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, WellPoint is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves its members as the Blue Cross licensee for California; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding counties and as Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.), Wisconsin; and through UniCare. Additional information about WellPoint is available at www.wellpoint.com.

Media Contact: Chris Dugan (603) 695-7202

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire