NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 9/22/98 – Standard&Poor's today affirmed its single-'A'-plus financial strength and counterparty credit ratings on Noridian Mutual Insurance Co., d/b/a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND). The outlook is stable. The rating reflects BCBSND's dominant market position, excellent capitalization, conservative investment practices, and adequate earnings performance. These strengths are partly offset by regulatory restrictions on capital accumulation and rate increases, as well as a potentially more competitive market environment. Major rating factors include: -- Dominant market position: BCBSND is well-positioned to maintain its dominant market share in providing health insurance products and services in North Dakota, and the plan has an estimated 78% market share based on total insured premiums
