Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ RESPONDS TO ANTHEM BLUE CROSS RATE HIKE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) released the following statement today in response to news that 120,000 customers of Anthem Blue Cross will experience a sharp rate hike beginning this Sunday.

“Anthem Blue Cross’s decision to raise monthly premiums on California beneficiaries yet again by double digits is disappointing and unreasonable,” said Rep. Sanchez. “A major rate hike enacted by Anthem this past January crippled the finances of California families who were forced to contend with, on average, a 30 percent increase in premiums.

“Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have a similar plan in mind for our seniors which would eliminate Medicare and hand it to the private insurance market. The Affordable Care Act prevents this type of corporate gouging by improving accountability and increasing competition in the insurance industry. Everyone, young or senior, low or middle class, should have access to affordable and quality health care. I will continue to defend the Affordable Care Act which strengthens Medicare and puts an end to the unfair policies imposed by companies like Anthem Blue Cross.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

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United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859