Supplier Diversity

A wide range of diverse suppliers is needed to support WellPoint’s business operations.

Through our supplier diversity program, we are dedicated to diversifying our supplier base to include businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, members of the LGBT community, and persons with disabilities, wherever possible. We actively work to include diverse suppliers in every bidding opportunity and are focused on making sure the program continues to grow.

Supplier Diversity Champions

Senior-level supplier diversity champions, appointed by our executive leadership team throughout the organization, help us make a solid business case for focusing on diversity in our supplier sourcing. These champions inform and advise associates about how to help WellPoint meet supplier diversity goals and expectations at every sourcing opportunity. We increase our goals for supplier diversity each year. The value of such diversity is also reflected in the executive leadership team members’ performance goals, as well as the overall performance goals for our business units.

Key Partnerships

WellPoint has partnered with and given financial support to national and local organizations that promote diverse supplier development. We’re a committed member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and participate with the Southern California and Indiana councils. In addition, we belong to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and we’re a community partner sponsor of the Indianapolis chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and we’re a founding partner of the US Business Leadership Network’s Disability Supplier Diversity Program (DSDP).

WellPoint is proud to play a role in creating and sustaining economic development opportunities for diverse suppliers through these memberships and sponsorships. We have provided booth space at opportunity fairs and have invited suppliers to join us as guests at tables we sponsor at supplier diversity advocacy organization events.

“I appreciate WellPoint’s willingness to include small businesses in competing on projects normally awarded to large companies. This inclusion allowed us, a small business, to compete, be awarded, and successfully deliver services. Our WellPoint clients let us know they are very pleased with our efficiency and effectiveness.”

Kathy Cabello
President & CEO Cabello Associates
WellPoint Supplier and Anthem Member

Tracking Progress

WellPoint carefully tracks its spending with businesses owned by diverse suppliers. We require vendors and contractors to subcontract a minimum percentage of their contracts to diverse suppliers. Our sourcing teams help ensure compliance by following a checklist and submitting required documents to our supplier diversity team for review. We increased dollars spent with diverse suppliers by 55 percent from 2009 to 2010, exceeding our 2010 target. Over the past year, our program has continued to grow. It is integral to our successful development in all areas of the enterprise.

"Our commitment to supplier diversity has made us a stronger business and has helped us with new sales and account retention for local municipality accounts, as well as national accounts. Our goal is to have a supply base and purchasing approach that reflect the diversity of our employer groups and members. We work closely with our supplier diversity team to demonstrate this commitment to our clients."

Ken Goulet
Executive Vice President, President & CEO
Commercial Business