Anthem Blue Cross 2008 Annual Report Download - page 13

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WELLPOINT, INC. 23
AFFORDABLE PLANS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
Too many Americans are uninsured, or lack adequate
coverage. Our SmartSense® plan offers a solution
that balances affordability with the kinds of benefits
consumers most want. Members choose the exact
coverage options that fit their needs, at prices lower
than many other products. As a result, the plan delivers
reliable protection against expensive and unexpected
medical bills, while offering a variety of deductibles that
allow consumers to select a premium they can afford –
with quality and value previously out of their reach.
HEALTH. CARE. VALUE.
22.5%
20.0%
17.5%
15.0%
12.5%
10.0%
Selling, General and Administrative Expense Ratio
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
When we introduced
SmartSense
®
plans in Nevada,
independent broker Denise
Brown embraced the multiple
benefit options and very
reasonable rate structures
as an innovative solution for
affordable quality health insur-
ance. Since then, SmartSense
has become a popular offering,
matching a choice of benefits
with premiums that meet her
customers’ needs.
DOING MORE WITH LESS
Lower selling, general and administrative expenses
(SG&A) as a percentage of revenues allow us to offer
more affordable products. That’s why between 2000
and 2008, we reduced our SG&A expense ratio from
21.4 percent to 14.6 percent. At the same time, we
invested for growth and launched new programs and
products, such as 360° Health®and PrismSM
. Although our
administrative costs per member are among the indus-
try’s lowest, we continue to strive to improve and keep
our products and services accessible and affordable.