WellPoint CEO foresees more growth in national accounts in Jan. 2011; BCBS of NC plans to raise some prices 7 percent;

> WellPoint, the largest managed-care company by membership, has informed investors in recent weeks that it expects further growth in its national accounts business in January, as it had already substantial wins on business up for bid, the Wall Street Journal reports. Article

> North Carolina's largest health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina plans to raise prices next year on individuals paying for their own coverage by an average of about 7 percent, the smallest increase since 2007, according to Businessweek. Article

> One of the biggest losers as the Affordable Care Act is implemented and more healthcare spending goes to actual care, rather than to underwriting, administration, or big salaries, may be insurance agents, the Palm Beach Post reports. Article

> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) announced that it has signed an affiliation agreement with Pennsylvania-based health insurer Highmark Inc. that will position BCBSD to remain a strong local leader in the health care marketplace. This announcement is the culmination of a four-year corporate strategic planning process for BCBSD. Press release

And finally... Did they have Freedom Fries? Bon appetit. Article