WellPoint profits up on enrollment gains

INDIANAPOLIS—WellPoint Inc. reported higher profits for the first nine months of 2005 due to strong membership gains and disciplined pricing in both its individual and small group and national account businesses.



The Indianapolis-based company posted net income for the first nine months of 2005 of $1.8 billion, a 6.9% increase from the prior-year period.





Revenues for the first nine months of 2005 were $33.7 billion, a 7.4% increase from the first nine months of 2004.





Total medical membership as of Sept. 30 was 29 million, a 5.6% increase from the prior-year period.