Editorials Criticize Anthem Blue Cross Over Rate Hikes

A Los Angeles Times editorial states that Anthem Blue Cross of California's planned rate hikes for individual policyholders "looks suspiciously like an attempt to extract as much as possible from customers" before Congress can pass health care reform legislation. A Stockton Record editorial states that HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is playing a role as "the nation's embarrasser in chief, although you have to wonder if Anthem Blue Cross is really worried about being embarrassed since the company picked this time to jump rates."

• "Reform, Meet Anthem Blue Cross" (Los Angeles Times, 2/11).
• "Making Health Harder" (Stockton Record, 2/11).