1156039--2/23/2006--WELLPOINT

related topics

{regulation, government, change}

{system, service, information}

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{loan, real, estate}

{capital, credit, financial}

{regulation, change, law}

{cost, operation, labor}

{operation, international, foreign}

{provision, law, control}

{product, market, service}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{personnel, key, retain}

{financial, litigation, operation}

Changes in state and federal regulations, or the application thereof, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a holding company, we are dependent on dividends from our subsidiaries. Our regulated subsidiaries are subject to state regulations, including restrictions on the payment of dividends and maintenance of minimum levels of capital. We face risks related to litigation. Our inability to contain health care costs, implement increases in premium rates on a timely basis, maintain adequate reserves for policy benefits, maintain our current provider agreements or avoid a downgrade in our ratings may adversely affect our business and profitability. A reduction in the enrollment in our health benefits programs could have an adverse effect on our business and profitability. The health benefits industry is subject to negative publicity, which can adversely affect our business and profitability. We face competition in many of our markets and customers and brokers have flexibility in moving between competitors. A change in our health care product mix may impact our profitability. Our pharmacy benefit management companies operate in an industry faced with a number of risks and uncertainties in addition to those we face with our core health care business. We are a party to license agreements with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association that entitle us to the exclusive and in certain areas non-exclusive use of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and marks in our geographic territories. The termination of these license agreements or changes in the terms and conditions of these license agreements could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our investment portfolios are subject to varying economic and market conditions, as well as regulation. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be required to sell certain investments. As a Medicare fiscal intermediary, we are subject to complex regulations. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be exposed to criminal sanctions and significant civil penalties. Regional concentrations of our business may subject us to economic downturns in those regions. Large-scale medical emergencies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have built a significant portion of our current business through mergers and acquisitions and we expect to pursue acquisitions in the future. We have substantial indebtedness outstanding and may incur additional indebtedness in the future. As a holding company, we are not able to repay our indebtedness except through dividends from subsidiaries, some of which are restricted in their ability to pay such dividends under applicable insurance law and undertakings. Such indebtedness could also adversely affect our ability to pursue desirable business opportunities. We face intense competition to attract and retain employees. The failure to effectively maintain and modernize our operations in an Internet environment could adversely affect our business. We are dependent on the success of our relationship with a large vendor for a significant portion of our information system resources and certain other vendors for various other services. The anticipated potential benefits of the merger between Anthem, Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. may not be realized. We may experience difficulties integrating the business of WellChoice with our business and may incur substantial costs in connection with the integration, which could cause us to lose many of the anticipated potential benefits of the acquisition. Indiana law, and other applicable laws, and our articles of incorporation and bylaws, may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations that our shareholders might consider in their best interest.

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1156039--2/23/2006--WELLPOINT_INC