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."