Anthem-Wellpoint merger good for Indy

Roger Harvey/Eyewitness News



Indianapolis, Dec. 1 - On the surface it's a name change in Indianapolis. Anthem and Wellpoint Health Network's merger means the WellPoint name comes to Indiana, but the headquarters stays in Indy.

That puts a smile on Mayor Bart Peterson's face. "Sometimes you need something like this, a company that is a consumer business and people know the name and to have it here in Indianapolis is really a good selling point for the city."

The Anthem and WellPoint merger is massive. The new company is among the top 30 largest publicly traded companies with 38,000 employees and 28 million members.

A business deal this big can only be good for Indianapolis, according to the mayor. "Inevitably it will mean more jobs in Indianapolis."

As for how many more jobs, it's unclear. Anthem CEO and President Larry Glasscock says the Anthem headquarters is home to 200 to 250 employees. But now the company is more than doubling in size. "We would expect, by virtue of creating a prosperous company, we think employment will increase."

Glasscock says the focus for the company now is growth and helping the underserved and uninsured. "We want to do everything we can to reduce the disparity that exists in healthcare and to make products more affordable."

Programs in Georgia will help establish clinics in rural areas to help the poor.

In recent years, news headlines were dominated with job loss and companies leaving Indiana. Not only is this business staying, but is expanding into other states. City officials say that's a nice selling point as they work to attract more business.