Read this article – Blue Shield’s behavior is unbelievable!
Blue Shield of California defies state insurance commissioner over rate hikes
The Los Angeles Times
Defying California’s new insurance commissioner, Blue Shield of California has refused to delay controversial health insurance rate hikes for 60 days that prompted an uproar among customers who are seeing successive increases over the last five months of up to 59%.
The nonprofit San Francisco-based insurer said it would submit its latest increase — effective March 1 and averaging 15% — for review by an outside expert. It pledged to issue refunds to customers if errors are found in its paperwork.
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones immediately condemned Blue Shield’s move, saying the company acted on its own without consulting him. Jones discounted Blue Shield’s characterization of its action as “unprecedented,” noting that a new state law requires all insurance rate hikes to undergo scrutiny by outside actuaries.
Jones, however, has limited authority to stop rate increases. He can only do so in cases where an insurer spends less than 70% of premium income on healthcare expenses. (more)