Anthem Blue Cross of California Saturday agreed to delay until May a proposed rate hike for individual members. Anthem has proposed increasing rates for individual health insurance sold in the state by as much as 39% on March 1. Last week, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner called on the insurer to postpone the increase until an independent actuary can review whether it complies with state law, which requires insurers to pay at least 70 cents of each premium dollar received for benefits. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, "While a two-month delay offers some temporary relief, what California families need is long-term health insurance security, so that they don't face sharply higher prices or fewer benefits. This rate increase underscores the urgency of passing real health insurance reform."