CEO OF LARGEST HEALTH BENEFITS COMPANY SPEAKS TO TOWN HALL LOS ANGELES

September 19, 2006, Larry C. Glasscock, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of WellPoint, Inc., will speak to Town Hall Los Angeles on October 5, 2006. Glasscock's Town Hall appearance is an opportunity for the public to ask questions about advances in health care and issues concerning coverage for consumers.

WellPoint, Inc. is the largest health benefits company, in terms of commercial membership, in the United States, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. At a conference in March 2006, Glasscock said, "This whole notion of consumerism, getting consumers more invested and involved in their health and their health care, is beginning to make a major difference."

Glasscock served as Chairman, President and CEO of Anthem Inc. during the merger in November 2004 that created WellPoint, Inc. At the time he said, "We have worked diligently with Commissioner Garamendi to understand and address his concerns in order to demonstrate that this merger will truly benefit Californians." Anthem and WellPoint agreed to allocate an additional $100 million of high-quality portfolio investments to the Healthy California Program, which provides loans to finance community health centers.

While at Anthem in 2001, Glasscock and the Board of Directors took the company public with what was the largest IPO in the health insurance industry. Before joining Anthem, Glasscock served as President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of the National Capital Area, and in 1998, oversaw the affiliation of the company with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maryland. He became chief operating officer of the resulting holding company (CareFirst, Inc.) and was responsible for operation and integration of the two companies.

Since 1937, Town Hall Los Angeles has been dedicated to promoting civic participation and awareness. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit forum, we encourage a public discussion on issues of regional, national, and international significance. Throughout its history, Town Hall has convened several events concentrating on health coverage, benefits, and advances.

All members of the media are invited to cover this event. To RSVP, please contact Deborah Weinberg, Media Director.

** Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.

WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2006
Noon Luncheon
12:30 - 1:30 PM Address and Q & A

WHERE: Omni Los Angeles Hotel
251 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071