Wellmark defends proposed rate increase as needed

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is defending its proposed 11 percent rate increase, saying it's needed to keep up with the rising prices and use of medical care.

Iowa's largest health insurer announced the increase in November. It comes on the heels of an 18 percent increase last spring.

A state hearing on the proposed increase was held on Thursday. The Des Moines Register says the company sent Jeff Fisher, the company's assistant general counsel, after declining to send anyone to a similar hearing in December.

Fisher says Wellmark understands customers' anger. He says Wellmark is working with doctors, hospitals and patients to get a handle on rising costs.

Several customers urged the insurance commissioner to reject the increase. A decision could come by the end of January.