Wellpoint Lays Out Plan for Expanding Health Insurance

WellPoint, the largest U.S. health insurer, on Monday announced a proposal to reduce the number of uninsured residents. Under the proposal, WellPoint will lobby states to expand their health insurance programs to children in families with annual incomes of as much as 300% of the federal poverty level. WellPoint also will lobby states to expand their health insurance programs to parents in families with annual incomes of as much as 200% of the federal poverty level and childless adults with annual incomes of as much as $10,000.

WellPoint said that states could use funds from increased cigarette taxes to help cover the cost of expanded health insurance programs. In addition, WellPoint will establish new health plans that target large populations of uninsured residents, such as young adults, early retirees and Hispanics and will promote public-private partnerships to provide health insurance for those who do not qualify for public programs. WellPoint will spend $30 million over three years to support local programs nationwide that seek to improve health care access .