“This rate hike rejection is virtually unprecedented -- a flat total denial. This decision is a timely holiday gift for policyholders struggling with unemployment and a stalled economy.

“The new commissioner apparently tossed the rubber stamp. This decision hopefully marks the dawn of a new era for the Insurance Department, real scrutiny and service to consumers. The department did what it’s supposed to do, but often has not: set rates based on facts.

“I am pleased that the new insurance commissioner heeded my call to reject Anthem’s unconscionable and unjustifiable 20 percent rate increase request. I urge the new commissioner to subject other pending rate increase requests to similarly strong scrutiny, rejecting and reducing all unjustified by evidence and data.”

            Attorney General Blumenthal thanked for their hard work on this issue Assistant Attorneys General Richard Porter and Tom Ryan and their supervisor Assistant Attorney General Arnold Menchel.