Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire Introduces Tonik
Product Aimed at 'Young Invincibles' in Granite State
February 14, 2007
MANCHESTER - Almost 17 million young American adults between the ages of 19 and 34 have one major thing in common when it comes to their health care- they typically go without health insurance. By choice.
To help address this issue, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire, the state's largest health benefits provider, has introduced "Tonik" a unique health insurance option for New Hampshire's "young invincibles".
"Tonik is an important product that allows this growing demographic to purchase coverage on their own terms," said Lisa M. Guertin, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire. "Our company asked young people what they were looking for in a health plan, and we listened. The end result is Tonik - a plan that makes it easy to understand the concepts and terminology associated with health insurance and provides easy access to a health insurance product they can relate to."
According to Ms. Guertin, "young invincibles" typically are no longer covered by family insurance policies and are just beginning to establish their independence. They are also just beginning their careers and less likely to be offered or purchase health insurance from their employers.
Tonik health plans were designed with input from "young invincibles" throughout the country in an effort to create the most appropriate product possible in order to decrease the numbers of uninsured and expand access to health care coverage. This product -- first introduced in 2004 -- has already been launched in California, Colorado and Nevada. Approximately 78 percent of current Tonik enrollees were previously uninsured.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is offering a range of Tonik plans that include medical, pharmacy, dental and vision. Prices depend on the plan and the insured's age, medical history and where they live.
"We found through our research that this group wants head-to-toe coverage in one easy-to-understand product. And with Tonik plan rates beginning at about $130 a month, we are able to offer the type of coverage they are looking for at rates most young invincibles can afford," added Ms. Guertin. "By introducing innovative new products and services like Tonik, Anthem is constantly working to help improve our members' health, enhance health care quality and address affordability for our members."
Applying for Tonik is simple and quick. Individuals can visit and apply for Tonik online at http://www.tonikhealth.com or contact their independent agent. Applicants who apply online are subject to review, but approval can be as short as a few minutes.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP). WellPoint’s mission is to improve the lives of the people it serves and the health of its communities. WellPoint, Inc. is the largest health benefits company in terms of commercial membership in the United States. Through its nationwide networks, the company delivers a number of leading health benefit solutions through a broad portfolio of integrated health care plans and related services, along with a wide range of specialty products such as life and disability insurance benefits, pharmacy benefit management, dental, vision, behavioral health benefit services, as well as long term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, WellPoint is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves its members as the Blue Cross licensee for California; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding counties and as Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.), Wisconsin; and through UniCare. Additional information about WellPoint is available at www.wellpoint.com.
