WellPoint Inc. (WLP:NYSE)

WellPoint Inc.'s affiliated Life and Disability Companies announced that Newborn and Parenting Resources, a new service designed to help new mothers adjust to their newborn baby and return to work after maternity leave. Newborn and Parenting Resources are available to all new and in-force short term disability plans offered by the affiliates effective January 1, 2010. New moms have access to Newborn and Parenting Resources once their baby arrives and their short term disability claim has been approved. Then, they will receive eight weeks of Newborn and Parenting Resources services at no cost to them. The eight weeks start on the date the new mother enrolls in the program. Once enrolled, the new mothers are paired with highly trained and licensed professional coaches who have advanced degrees in counseling and/or child development. The coaches provide support and help mothers set goals, address concerns and identify resolutions on topics including: returning to work, adjusting to a new baby, work/life balance, issues with older siblings, health and nutrition, child development and parent well-being. The coaches are available via e-mail, instant message chat, online journal and telephone. In addition, new mothers can receive a 12-month subscription to AmericanBaby magazine and get discounts on products to make their house safe for their newborn.

WellPoint Inc intends to expand its Medicare business. The company is looking for acquisition opportunities. The company's chief executive, Angela Braly said that WellPoint continues "to look at the opportunity for acquisitions," but a "major acquisition of a health insurance company would be difficult until there is more clarity" on health reform. He added that the company will also continue to pursue Medicaid business, with the key being whether there is "an actuarially sound rate that would be paid" by states administering the federal coverage plan for the poor.

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