Business

Anthem offers cheaper small-biz plan

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 7, 2008

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WellPoint subsidiary Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has introduced a bare-bones plan for small businesses that the company said was successful among customers buying individual policies.

The Blue Access Hospital Surgical PPO will cover hospitalizations and surgeries, and offers limited coverage for office visits, preventive services, and generic drugs, Anthem said. The plan will cost up to 70% less than a traditional PPO and may appeal to a small business that otherwise would not be able to offer health insurance.

Anthem spokesman Tony Felts said more than half of the individuals enrolled in the plan had previously been uninsured.

"We think [the PPO plan] is a good potential option to increase access to health insurance," he said.

Anthem said it will sell the group product in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/01/07/bibf0107.htm.

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