Wellpoint, the second-largest health insurer in the U.S., announced it will change its name to Anthem Inc., which is the brand name associated with most of the insurer's best-known health insurance plans.Joseph Swedish, Wellpoint CEO, said the move reflects the insurer's belief that "it is important to call ourselves by the name that people know best -- Anthem."
The name change comes ata time when consumers increasingly shop for their own health benefits, in part due to the health care overhaul. The Indianapolis-based company operates plans in 14 states and primarily does business as Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Anthem Inc. merged with WellPoint Health Networks back in 2004, and the combined company took the name Wellpoint Inc.