Fitch affirms WellPoint

Fitch Ratings said it affirmed WellPoint, Inc.'s long-term issuer default rating at A, senior notes at A- and short-term issuer default rating and commercial paper at F1.

The agency also affirmed Anthem Holding Corp.'s long-term issuer default rating at A and 6.375% senior notes due 2012 at A- and Anthem Insurance Cos., Inc.'s long-term issuer default rating at A+ and 9% surplus notes due 2027 at A.

The outlook remains stable.

The agency said the affirmation reflects the company's strong and generally stable historical operating performance, its very strong competitive position and the solid statutory capitalization of its operating subsidiaries.

The company's ratings also reflect an anticipated debt-to-EBITDA ratio that is higher than average for the health and managed care sector, very strong competition in the commercial health sector, ongoing risks associated with the implementation of health reform legislation and continued concerns related to unsustainable medical cost trends, Fitch said.

The company's rolling 12-month debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 1.9 times as of Sept. 30.

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