WellPoint profit beats, but 2013 outlook "prudent"

(Reuters) – WellPoint Inc reported a higher-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday, but the second-largest U.S. health insurer said it was taking a “prudent” view of 2013 as it faces industry reform. WellPoint, which sells private health insurance to businesses and individuals and also provides government insurance for the elderly and the poor, is preparing for a round of changes resulting from the U.S. Affordable Care Act. Later this year, states and the federal government will begin selling health insurance on exchanges for 2014, and new insurance taxes are on the way. …