The insurer had delayed the increases till May 1 pending a review by an outside actuary appointed by the state insurance commissioner. That report is expected within two weeks. Thousands of worried Californians who buy individual insurance policies from Anthem Blue Cross will soon learn whether they face rate increases of up to 39%...
“I’ve been ‘unofficially’ told by the H.R. manager of my employer,” wrote RG from Los Angeles, “that it will be cheaper for them to take the penalty than to continue insuring us.” RG’s question — whether it was true that “many, many companies will start dumping health insurance benefits” — was one of several...
Skyrocketing premiums have stunned some consumers who buy their own health insurance policies. People in several corners of the country are facing increases of 20 percent or more from some insurers. Congress has asked the largest health insurer, WellPoint Inc., to testify about rate hikes of up to 39 percent for its Anthem Blue...
Consumer Watchdog says Anthem violated California’s health and safety code when it closed policies to newcomers and offered remaining customers alternative plans with fewer benefits at higher rates. A consumer group sued Anthem Blue Cross on Monday, accusing California’s largest for-profit health insurer of violating state law by closing certain policies to new members...
Sacramento, CA — Anthem Blue Cross is in the hot seat in Sacramento. State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is alleging that the insurance company has committed over 700 violations of California law. “There’s evidence to suggest that there have been serious issues with the way Anthem deals with paying health insurance claims,” says Poizner....
President Barack Obama wants to give the federal government sweeping new authority to curb exorbitant rate hikes by the nation’s health insurance companies, a White House official said Sunday night – a proposal designed to win over skeptical voters as Obama announces his own health insurance legislation for the first time Monday. Releasing his...
Washington (CNN) — Health insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years and a new government report says the increases are likely to continue, underscoring the need for reform. In releasing the report Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius pointed to the recent announcement by Anthem Blue Cross of California that it plans...
Recently, Anthem Blue Cross of California, an insurance company owned by the for-profit company WellPoint, Incorporated, announced that its individual market premiums would rise by as much as 39 percent in the coming months. This shocking increase isn’t unique. Across the country, families have seen their premiums skyrocket in recent years, and experts predict...
When does having health insurance offer you no greater protection against financial ruin than having none at all? This isn’t a riddle or some joke with a witty punch line. This is a serious question that all health care consumers need to ponder. The sad truth is that any health insurance – even a...
(CBS) Consumer advocates say health insurance scams are growing at an alarming rate in the tough economy, and operating in nearly every state. “People are suffering devastating financial losses,” James Quiggle, of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud tells CBS News. “They are looking for a better health insurance deal. Swindlers love this kind of...
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