Congress, state to probe insurer's hike

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Congress will investigate Anthem Blue Cross's pending rate hike in California, cited by President Barack Obama in his effort to move along healthcare reform.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce and its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations said they would examine the increases, effective March 1, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. The congressional panel will meet Feb. 24 on the matter, while a state committee in Sacramento scheduled a Feb. 23 hearing.

"Reports of premium increases up to 39 percent are deeply troubling," Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the energy committee, said in a statement. "At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to keep their health insurance, we need to know what possible justification there could be for increases of this magnitude."

Anthem is California's largest insurer. The increases in monthly premiums are for many of the insurer's estimated 800,000 customers with individual health policies who aren't part of group coverage, the Times said.

While talking to reporters Tuesday after meeting with congressional Democratic and Republican leaders on jobs and the economy, Obama said the rate hikes were "a preview of coming attractions" as he pressed for action on reforming the U.S. healthcare system.