This will happen throughout the country unless healthcare reform is passed in the next few weeks.
Feinstein Blasts Calif. Insurer Over Rate Increase
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, sharply criticized Anthem Blue Cross of California on Tuesday over its plans to raise health insurance premiums by as much as 39 percent, and she said that the move provided a vivid example of why major health care legislation is needed.
“It is unconscionable that Anthem Blue Cross would consider increasing health insurance premiums for Californians by as much as 39 percent, especially at a time when so many people are experiencing economic hardship,” Ms. Feinstein said in a statement. “I can think of no better example of why we need health insurance reform, and this kind of behavior is a stark reminder of why any reform plan should establish a rate authority to keep insurance rates affordable.”
Ms. Feinstein also called on Congress to repeal the limited exemption from federal antitrust laws that insurance companies have enjoyed since 1945. The House was supposed to vote this week on a standalone measure to repeal the exemption, but all votes were delayed because of weather conditions in Washington. The Senate did not include provisions to repeal the antitrust exemption in its health care bill.
Feinstein Blasts Calif. Insurer Over Rate Increase – Prescriptions Blog – NYTimes.com