According to the most recent edition of The Competitive Edge HMO Industry Report released by InterStudy Publications, a combined Anthem-WellPoint would not gain a great deal of market share in their current areas of operation as a result of their proposed merger.
"There is little evidence to support the fears that a combined Anthem- WellPoint would monopolize the markets in which they operate, have great influence on national premium or reimbursement rates, or begin a massive conversion of Blues plans to for-profit status," said Nicole Garberg, HMO project manager for InterStudy.
InterStudy's Spring 2004 Competitive Edge HMO Industry Report evaluates the most influential mergers and acquisitions that were proposed and/or finalized between January 2002 and March 2004, with special sections devoted to the proposed merger of Anthem, Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.; the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA); and enrollment trends and characteristics within the HMO market from July 1999 to July 2003.
About Competitive Edge
InterStudy publishes the InterStudy Competitive Edge series semiannually. The HMO Directory is the first of this three-part series on HMOs. Part II, The HMO Industry Report, analyzes plan growth and characteristics associated with growth in HMOs. Part III, The Regional Market Analysis, examines market structure and dynamics of metropolitan markets served by HMOs.
About InterStudy Publications
InterStudy Publications, a division of Decision Resources, offers data, directories, and analyses of the ever-evolving managed care industry. InterStudy tracks changes and trends in HMO and PPO services, enrollment, and profitability. Visit InterStudy Publications at www.interstudypublications.com.
About Decision Resources
Decision Resources, Inc., (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in research publications, advisory services, and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their chosen markets.
All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
For more information, contact: Frank Sama Elizabeth Marshall InterStudy Publications Decision Resources 781-296-2553 781-296-2563 fsama@dresources.com emarshall@dresources.com
SOURCE: InterStudy Publications
CONTACT: Frank Sama of InterStudy Publications, +1-781-296-2553,
sama@dresources.com; or Elizabeth Marshall of Decision Resources,
+1-781-296-2563, emarshall@dresources.com