Hearing Saturday on Wellmark rate hike in Des Moines

A public hearing will be conducted Saturday in Des Moines on Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's proposed individual health insurance rate increase.

Wellmark is seeking to raise rates for individual Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield policies from 10.8 percent to 15 percent next April if the rates filed with the Iowa Insurance Division last month are approved.

The vast majority of individual policy holders – some 46,000 – would see their rates go up 10.8 percent effective April 1, 2011, under Wellmark's filing.

Angel Robinson, the division's consumer advocate, said the Saturday hearing was scheduled outside of regular business hours to provide a convenience opportunity to comment for individuals who cannot attend the division's hearing at 9 a.m. Thurday, Jan. 6, on the rate increase request.

“We just want to make sure that people who wish to speak on the matter have the opportunity to be heard,” Robinson said. “We certainly encourage consumers who wish to make comments to attend either hearing or to add their comments to the web site at www.insuranceca.iowa.gov.”

Saturday's hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Iowa Capitol Building, Room 102 – Supreme Court Consultation Room. Participants should enter through the south entrance of the Capitol.