California insurance chief expands inquiry into healthcare rate hikes

California’s new insurance commissioner has expanded his inquiry into rate hikes by major insurers, calling on them to delay pending increases for 60 days while he examines paperwork submitted to his office.

Commissioner Dave Jones had already urged Blue Shield of California to refrain from raising rates for a third time in five months. The increases would drive up consumers’ bills as much as 59% cumulatively.

Read the LA Times story.