DES MOINES, IOWA -- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield could be in for a pummeling at a public hearing on its planned rate increases.
The Des Moines Register says Saturday's hearing in Des Moines will be the first in the state since legislators decided to mandate public hearings on large rate increases. Another hearing is set Jan. 6.
In November, Wellmark proposed raising premiums on individual policies an average 11 percent in 2011. Last spring state regulators approved an 18 percent increase for Wellmark, agreeing with the company that the rate jump was justified by rising costs.
Wellmark officials aren't expected at Saturday's hearing.
Dozens of Wellmark customers have protested the Wellmark proposal to the Iowa Insurance Division. Some have described themselves as "irate," some say they're "appalled." Others used less polite language.
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