Anthem Blue Cross of California has agreed to postpone big rate increases for individual policyholders from March 1 to May 1 so outside actuaries can review its rate proposal, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.
Anthem agreed to state officials' request for an outside review after encountering nationwide criticism of the planned increases, which average 25 percent and as high as 39 percent.
Meanwhile insurers in other states announced several other large rate increases for individuals:
- Anthem Blue Cross plan in Maine proposes a 23 percent increase for this year after a 32 percent rate increase last year.
- An unidentified insurer in Kansas proposed a 20-30 percent increase but state officials persuaded it to reduce the increase to 10-20 percent.
- Several insurers in Oregon are raising rates by 15 percent or more, after 25 percent increases last year.
Read the Los Angeles Times' report on insurance premiums.