Consumer group sues Anthem over policy changes

[cory777]

Source: AP

By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER, Associated Press Writer Shaya Tayefe Mohajer, Associated Press Writer – Mon Mar 1, 9:36 pm ET

LOS ANGELES – A consumer watchdog group filed a lawsuit Monday against California's largest for-profit health insurer on behalf of policyholders, claiming they were pushed to take coverage with fewer benefits and higher deductibles.

In the case filed in Ventura Superior Court, Anthem Blue Cross is accused of violating a California law requiring health insurers to offer new, comparable coverage or minimize premium increases when they close a policy.

According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs Mary Feller and Randy Freed received similar form letters from the Woodland Hills-based insurer, stating their policies were closed and they could "switch to any Anthem Blue Cross individual health plan with no underwriting required."

The lawsuit alleges that the few plans Anthem would allow Feller and Freed to switch into had higher premiums, higher deductibles, less coverage, or a combination of those undesirable traits.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100302/ap_on_bi_ge/us_anthem_blue_cross_lawsuit

---

Insurance company's argument: Blame everyone else!

[wilt the stilt]

1. Wellpoint to self insured

FU you piece of slime. I want you on a $10,000 deductible so you will never make claims. I love pure profit. BTW, I was self insured with Wellpoint for 6 years. I know what I am talking about. There was a pattern to get you to the highest deductible by jacking rates 15% per year

[Supersedeas]

2. local NPR affilitate in NC made hay about BlueCross profits being cut drastically this year

Down to merely double digit millions. Therefore, healthcare premium increases can be expected in the double digits this year. Stockholders rejoice.


Here's another comparison of BCBS of NC with California:
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/feb/28/insurance-choices-limited/