Overview
WellPoint Inc. is the largest insurer in the U.S. and biggest player in the individual health-insurance market. It provides health coverage, primarily under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield name, to 35 million individuals. The Indianapolis-based company is a Blue Cross or BCBS licensee in 14 states and provides plans under the Unicare name in other parts of the country. Wellpoint’s specialty products include dental, vision, long-term care, and group life-insurance products.
Wellpoint was named one of America’s Most Admired Health Care Companies by Fortune magazine in 2009. Wellpoint also was named one of the 30 Top Companies for Women Executives in 2009 by the National Association for Female Executives and on of the 50 Best Places for Diverse Managers to Work by Diversity MBA magazine in 2009.
The company recently announced that it would cut 1,500 jobs, or 3.6% of its work force.
Recruiting
Wellpoint, as a health-care company, has a corporate culture focused on healthy practices. Some of the programs to improve employee health are on-site health services and screenings; tobacco-cessation support; health and fitness centers at many locations; and fitness-club reimbursement up to $35 per month for associates without access to an on-site fitness facility. Additionally, all Wellpoint facilities are tobacco-free. Separately, Wellpoint sponsors programs for young executives, including a pharmacy-management residency program.