WellPoint Signs Deal With HealthCare Compare

WellPoint Health Networks Inc., the for-profit subsidiary of Woodland Hills-based Blue Cross of California, said it signed a tentative agreement with HealthCare Compare Corp. in Illinois that will extend WellPoint’s medical provider networks nationwide.

WellPoint said the alliance will add about 100,000 physicians and 1,350 hospitals nationwide to WellPoint’s existing network of 34,000 doctors and 470 hospitals in California. WellPoint said the alliance would appeal to group clients that have employees outside of California.