Anthem Inc. reversed course and said it will offer Affordable Care Act exchange plans in Virginia, after a pullback by another insurer threatened to leave the state with large gaps in coverage.
Anthem revised its 2018 offerings, saying in a statement that it would now offer plans in 68 cities and counties in Virginia. Around the United States, insurers face deadlines at the end of this month to decide whether they will participate in states' ACA exchange programs and what plans they will offer.
Anthem had earlier said it would exit Virginia entirely next year, along with rivals Aetna Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Shares of the insurer were little changed in trading on Friday, and have gained 30 percent so far this year.