Anthem Blue Cross Sued by Policyholders; Hiking Costs Prior to Contract End Alleged

LOS ANGELES—Anthem Blue Cross improperly engaged in “bait and switch” tactics by unilaterally increasing the amount of individual policyholders’ “annual” deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs well before the yearly contract was due to expire, a class action lawsuit filed Nov. 14 alleges (Kassouf v. Blue Cross of California).

Even worse, Anthem told the same individual policyholders in a letter that as of Aug. 1, the health plan could make changes to any terms and conditions of the contracts, including what health care services and benefits might be covered, with just 60 days notice, Jerry Flanagan, an attorney with ...