Anthem Blue Cross postponing rate hike -- again

Anthem Blue Cross postponing rate hike -- again


LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Anthem Blue Cross has again put a controversial planned rate hike on hold.

The Woodland Hills-based health insurance company said this week that policyholders will not see a rate change beginning May 1.

A spokeswoman for Anthem's parent, Wellpoint Inc., Kristin Binns, told the Los Angeles Times in a story Friday that "Members will receive adequate notification of any rate change. Until they receive information indicating otherwise, rates remain unchanged."

In January, Anthem notified many individual policyholders that their rates would rise as much as 39 percent March 1. After a public outcry, the company announced a two-month delay.

State law requires insurers to give policyholders at least 30 days' notice before altering rates.

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That makes it alright then? How about some value for the money first?

patients is really scaring me. I am a breast cancer patient. I have insurance under a group plan thru a state. So I think I am safer than individuals thru an employer. And our state bargains for rates. Our insurance went down about 15 or 20 cents a month but the prescription plan went up 3 dollars as did the dental plan. I thank the Lord each time we get our renewal papers that we have a good plan. I think of all the people who don't. And right now with this breast cancer and all the costs I am doubly thankful.