Consumers Protest Anthem Rate Hike
A public hearing on a proposed 19.9 percent increase in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance premiums became an outlet for anger at both the insurer and the department that regulates the industry Wednesday.
Consumers spoke of struggling to pay for dwindling health insurance benefits, fears of businesses failing, and anger at what they called Anthem's "unconscionable" behavior.
Protestors criticize a proposed Anthem rate hike
At one point, the hearing was interrupted when a dozen audience members, representing the group Citizens for Economic Opportunity, stood and held signs that read "CEO $13.1 million salary," "Shame," and, across a series of signs with multiple zeroes, a number they said represented the insurer's profits.
Hearing Officer Mark Franklin ordered the protestors to put the signs down or leave, but they continued standing, prompting him to call a recess. Franklin later resumed the hearing after agreeing to let them hold signs if they stood at the back of the room and remained silent.
Send to friend
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Post new comment