HC Reform Update from Mark Sanna: The state Department of Insurance, after a rare public hearing, has rejected the 20% rate increase sought by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for individual market plans that cover some 48,000 clients, a decision that maintains the current premium prices. This is a great victory for insurance consumers in the state of Connecticut, said Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo, who said the ruling calls into question increases approved earlier in this fall, in which one plan saw a 47% rate increase. ... Anthem spokeswoman Sarah Yeager said the insurer was reviewing the ruling and said it shares the concerns 'of our members over the rising cost and rate of utilization of health care services and the corresponding adverse impact on insurance premiums.