A Portland, Ore.-based health insurance company is experiencing system change problems, which the company says is from the new system required under the federal health reform.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is going to pay $20 million back to about 90,000 policyholders in Colorado as part of a settlement of an investigation into rate increases on its individual health policies in the state.

A dozen Virginia colleges have decided there is power in numbers and have formed a collaborative benefits group to control the cost of employee health benefits.

Having faced national scrutiny over planned rate hikes as much as 39% for some individual plan members, Anthem Blue Cross has again delayed those new rates from taking effect in California.

California’s seven largest health insurers were issued subpoenas to investigate possible illegal activity regarding premium rate increases and delays in claims payments.

With the recent discovery of 732 violations of California claims handling laws against Anthem Blue Cross, the insurer’s parent company says it is taking the matter “very seriously” and will address all the issues identified by regulators.

The focus of some sharp criticism in recent days, the nation’s private insurance companies are now taking Washington, D.C., to task for painting them as the bad guys, solely responsible for rising healthcare costs.

Fresh off a critical response to Anthem Blue Cross’ plans to raise premium rates in California by up to 39%, the U.S. Department Health and Human Services says such requests are not isolated and comprehensive reform can curb the actions of health insurers.

The five largest public U.S. health insurance companies generated record profits in 2009, according to a new report from Health Care for America Now (HCAN).

While Anthem Blue Cross has announced it will delay a rate hike for California customers, the move is being called a “temporary relief” and another reason for the federal government to move forward with comprehensive health reform.