WellPoint is focused on strengthening our consumer connections especially as the nation expands access to health benefits through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. We are finding new ways to make sure more Americans get the affordable, quality health care they need.

HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACES

WellPoint is one of a few national companies broadly participating in the new Health Insurance Marketplaces—which includes all 14 states in which we do commercial and individual business. While more people can now access health coverage, Americans also have many questions about their new options. Not only is WellPoint providing expanded customer service hours and access to information through online portals, we are also creating strategic partnerships to ensure the nation’s Hispanics are informed and aware of their options. WellPoint, HolaDoctor, Inc., and Univision Communications, Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, entered into an exclusive partnership to provide valuable information to Hispanics eligible for coverage under the Health Insurance Marketplaces—how to select a plan, information about subsidies, and monthly town hall meetings. Univision has been a trusted source of information for generations of Hispanic families and this exclusive partnership will help Hispanics make informed decisions.

COST EFFICIENCY

We have also created innovative benefit designs for our employer groups and their associates. Together with Castlight Health, a leader in health care transparency, we are now offering employers Reference Based Benefits to help consumers better assess their options and potential out-of-pocket costs. Wide price variations exist for the same quality health care services even within the same area and network. This creates an opportunity to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Employers can set a benefit limit or “reference price” for specific services covered under their group plan, and thanks to consumer-friendly tools, employees can easily find high-quality providers that deliver the services for a fee that is at or below the “reference price.” Analysis conducted by HealthCore, WellPoint’s outcomes research company, found that a pilot program for the California Public Employees’ Retirement System lowered the price of members’ hip and knee replacement surgeries by 19 percent in one year while demonstrating similar to better outcomes at lower-cost hospitals.

CONVENIENCE

Americans are busier than ever and WellPoint is committed to providing convenient access to quality health care. That’s why we are also working in collaboration with American Well, Inc. to deploy LiveHealth Online. It’s a solution that allows consumers to access board certified, credentialed, primary care doctors via a live, secure online solution. It can be inconvenient to leave work or home to visit a doctor when you aren’t feeling well. This is a safe alternative for non-emergency medical attention and a viable option to patients who are unable to see their regular primary care physician. WellPoint’s affiliated health plans were some of the first to incorporate an online care solution as a standard benefit. LiveHealth Online is now available to consumers in the more than 40 states that allow telehealth.

WellPoint is putting convenience, quality and cost in the hands of its affiliated health plan members—making the connections for them to make more informed choices. We know that if we make it easier for people to get and stay healthy it can lower the cost of care for all.