Big Blue's Big Ask: Another 19 Percent Increase

After all the hubbub over Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon's last 25.9 percent rate increase on individual accounts comes this news:

Now the insurance giant is asking for a 19 percent rate increase on more than 79,000 individual policy holders starting July 1, according to a news release (PDF) from the state insurance division.

The news release says the state will be taking public comments on Regence's proposed rate increase, and must receive those comments by April 3.

"We understand the impact that this rate increase would have on consumers," acting insurance division administrator Teresa Miller is quoted as saying. "We want to make sure we consider all pertinent information before making a decision."