WellPoint to Expand ‘Consumer-Driven’ Care

WellPoint Inc., the largest U.S. provider of health benefits by medical membership, said it would expand its offerings of low-premium, high-deductible insurance to most people enrolled in its plans.

WellPoint, the parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states, will make the change beginning Jan. 1, the Indianapolis-based company said. WellPoint has 500,000 enrollees in the plans, often referred to as “consumer-driven” because the insured people can make more choices on how much to spend on care and what doctors to see.

The marketing push reflects a drive among companies to lower costs by shifting more expenses and decision making to workers.