CareFirst, Inc. announced, in November 2001, that it would seek approval to become a for-profit company and be acquired by WellPoint Health Networks, Inc. WellPoint is one of the nation’s most respected health care companies and, like CareFirst, a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield family. Conversion to for-profit status and merger with WellPoint is a logical next step for CareFirst, the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading health plan. The merger will allow CareFirst to build on the success of the last decade and produce tangible benefits for our members, customers, health care partners, and the communities we serve.