Attorney General Says Public Hearing Opportunity For Anthem To Do Right Thing, Drop Rate Increase Request

Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Says Public Hearing Opportunity For Anthem To Do Right Thing, Drop Rate Increase Request

July 8, 2009

"Even before a July 20 public hearing, Anthem should redeem itself -- do the right thing and drop its outrageous rate hike request. A public hearing will effectively put the company in the public stocks, making it a rightful target for verbal brickbats and rotten fruit. This proposal has been a catastrophe for the company and consumers, a nightmare that can only grow worse if Anthem fails to relent.

"This case shows the clear need for reform in the law -- mandating hearings for all insurance rate increase requests. If nothing else, mandatory hearings will increase accountability and scrutiny, giving insurers pause before submitting massive rate increase requests like Anthem's. I will fight for legislation requiring public hearings and input for any and all insurance rate hike applications."