On the Call: WellPoint CEO Angela Braly

By The Associated Press

Health insurance is the main focus for WellPoint Inc., which runs Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states. It also provides some dental, vision and life and disability coverage.

An analyst asked company officials during a Wednesday conference call if they would consider expanding into markets outside health benefits.

CEO Angela Braly said the company is focused on serving its members, and they could receive more value by expanding what she called the "portfolio of offerings" available to them.

QUESTION: Would that include looking at expanding into new products and markets or really just expanding some of the offerings you currently have?

RESPONSE: We talk about the core business as being the medical insurance business, and the noncore business being specialty and other opportunities. So, we're expanding our view of noncore growth opportunities as well, and there are many ways in which our customers would benefit by that expanded relationship.