“I am hopeful that acting Commissioner Spear will set a new standard of scrutiny and transparency at the Insurance Department.

            “Commissioner Spear will quickly face a vitally important challenge -- reviewing a proposed 20 percent price hike by Anthem for some of the company’s 2011 individual health plans. The company has failed to justify this extraordinary rate increase -- deserving close and careful review.

            “Permitting my office to argue and cross examine witnesses in a public hearing would be a good first step.

“Commissioner Spear has a critical opportunity to finally give consumers greater fairness and transparency, which they have long deserved.”