Anthem Blue Cross in California has agreed to cut its quarterly premium in half, dropping it to 3% on average for some products in its small-group market.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, saying he was “pleased” that Blue Shield of California withdrew its recent rate increase, used the opportunity to again appeal for regulatory authority over health insurance rates in the state.

Newly instated California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones sent letters to Anthem Blue Cross, PacifiCare and Aetna asking them to delay increasing premiums for at least 60 days while he reviews the filings.

California’s regulator of managed health plans fined the seven largest health plans in the state $4.85 million for violating laws regarding paying claims to health care providers.q