Fitch affirms WellPoint

Fitch Ratings said it affirmed the long-term issuer default rating of WellPoint, Inc. at A, along with its 5% senior notes due 2011 at A-, 6.8% senior notes due 2012 at A-, 5% senior notes due 2014 at A-, 6% senior notes due 2014 at A-, 5¼ % senior notes due 2016 at A-, 5.875% senior notes due 2017 at A-, 7% senior notes due 2019 at A-, 5.95% senior notes due 2034 at A-, 5.85% senior notes due 2036 at A-, 6.375% senior notes due 2037 at A-, short-term issuer default rating at F1 and commercial paper rating at F1.

Anthem Insurance Cos., Inc.'s long-term issuer default rating was affirmed at A+ and its 9% surplus notes due 2027 at A. Anthem Holding Corp.'s long-term issuer default rating was affirmed at A and its 6.375% senior notes due 2012 at A-. The insurer financial strength ratings of WellPoint's operating subsidiaries also were affirmed at AA-.

The outlook remains negative.

The action follows a review of WellPoint's operating performance in 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, Fitch said, and reflects expectations for the company's performance for the remainder of 2010.

Despite an unfavorable enrollment environment driven by ongoing difficult global economic conditions, WellPoint has continued to produce respectable operating margins and cash flow, albeit at levels somewhat below those achieved in previous years, the agency said.

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