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Augusta, Maine -

Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman has announced that the Bureau of Insurance will conduct public hearings to obtain input regarding Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s filing for approval of proposed rate adjustments for its HealthChoice, HealthChoice Standard and Basic, and Lumenos Consumer Directed Health Plan products.

Anthem indicates that these adjustments will produce an average increase of 18.1%. As identified in its filing, the largest premium increase depending on deductible level and type of contract for HealthChoice is 23.6%, for HealthChoice Standard and Basic is 9.5%, and for Lumenos is 37.8%.

As of last November, there were 12,049 policyholders who would be affected by the proposed rate revisions. Anthem requests that these rate revisions become effective on July 1, 2009. Public comment will be accepted at the following dates, times and locations:

March 3, 5:30 p.m.
Wells Conference Center, Room 3
University of Maine
Orono, Maine

March 10, 5:00 p.m.
Talbot Lecture Hall
Luther Bonney Hall
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine

March 12, 9:00 a.m.
Central Conference Room
Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Gardiner Annex
122 Northern Avenue
Gardiner, Maine

Comments can also be submitted for consideration by the Superintendent of Insurance through U.S. Postal mail or e-mail:

E-mail: Pat.Galouch@maine.gov

Mail: Superintendent of Insurance
Attn: Pat Galouch
34 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

Staff members from the Bureau of Insurance will also be on hand at the March 3rd, 10th and 12th public hearings to assist consumers with other insurance matters. General insurance materials will be available and staff will answer questions.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation which encourages sound ethical business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its web site at www.maine.gov/insurance; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

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Last Updated: October 28, 2009 1:26 PM