WellPoint said that the exit in both states will allow the company to focus its efforts on its operations in other areas throughout the United States.
In Illinois, UniCare customers will be guaranteed coverage if they move to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and have until Dec. 1 to decide if they will accept the BCBS coverage. Members will not, however, be guaranteed coverage at the same rates, according to the report.
WellPoint also plans to cut its workforce in Chicago, but did not say how many employees would be laid off.
Read the Chicago Tribune‘s report on the exit of UniCare.
