Consumer Advocate Group Demands Release of Info on Anthem Blue Cross Rate Hikes

Los Angeles, CAA consumer advocacy group has called on California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to release all the information compiled during his department's investigation into forthcoming Anthem Blue Cross rate hikes, which could see double-digit increases for customers purchasing individual plans.

Consumer Watchdog, the organization that is most actively pursuing this case, has asked the commissioner to hold at least four public hearings throughout the state to allow locals the chance to participate in the state's inquiry into these increases, according to the LA Times.

"Any kind of a closed-door process will be met with outrage by Californians," Jerry Flanagan, Consumer Watchdog's healthcare policy director, told the news provider. "Without a public forum for this investigation. . . the public will distrust it as some kind of preconceived plan by the regulator and the company he is supposed to be overseeing."

Anthem, a subsidiary of Wellpoint, the largest insurer in the Golden State, has temporarily delayed the hikes until May in light of the ongoing investigation into the legality of these claims. The insurer has proposed an increase of premium rates by as much as 39 percent.

California state law requires that insurance companies devote a minimum of 70 percent of their premiums to direct health expenses for individual plan holders.