WellChoice, Inc. Announces Upcoming Appearance at Bear Stearns 18th Annual Healthcare Conference

WellChoice's presentation is scheduled to begin at approximately11:30 AM (EST). Investors, analysts and the general public are invitedto listen to this presentation over the Internet viahttp://www.wellchoice.com/. Visitors should click on the "UpcomingEvents" page in the "Investors" section to access the link to thewebcast.

To listen to the presentation on the Internet, visitors shouldaccess the site at least 20 minutes prior to the presentation in orderto download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of thewebcast will be available for seven days following the presentation inthe "Recent Events" section of the site.

The presentation will reflect management's views as of September13, 2005. Individuals who listen to the call and/or webcast areencouraged to read WellChoice's Form 10-K for the year ended December31, 2004 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three monthsended March 31, 2005, and for the six months ended June 30, 2005,including the discussion of risk factors and WellChoice's historicalresults of operations and financial condition. Information reconcilingcertain financial and other measures that may be disclosed in thepresentation relevant to GAAP measures will be available via theWellChoice Investors link.

About WellChoice

WellChoice, Inc. is the parent company of the largest healthinsurer in the State of New York, based on PPO and HMO membership.WellChoice, through its Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield subsidiaries,has the exclusive right to use the Blue Cross and Blue Shield namesand marks in 10 downstate New York counties and one or both of thesenames and marks in selected counties in upstate New York. WellChoiceoffers a broad portfolio of products, including managed care andtraditional indemnity products, and has a broad customer baseincluding large group, middle-market and small group, individual, andnational accounts. Additional information on WellChoice can be foundat http://www.wellchoice.com.