"Under a class action settlement announced [Oct. 27], Anthem Blue Cross in California will no longer make mid-year changes to individual customers' annual deductibles, co-pays, or other out-of-pocket costs and will refund $8.3 million to consumers. The settlement resolves two lawsuits challenging mid-year changes Anthem made to individual California policies in 2011.... The lawsuits alleged that Anthem illegally increased 'annual deductibles' and other 'annual' and 'yearly' out-of-pocket costs, thereby reducing the benefits available under consumers' health plan contracts, in the middle of the year."  MORE >>