Anthem Blue Cross has encouraged substantial political backlash this week by seeking to raise their California individual health insurance rates by as much as 39%.

In a political climate that has little patience with health insurance companies, regardless of the nature of currently stalled health care legislation, it appears that Anthem Blue Cross has crossed the line and the Obama adminstration intends to do something about it.

Or, at least hopefully will do something. In a letter fired off from the secretary of Health and Human Services, Anthem Blue Cross must provide proof that their spending on medical care reaches at least 70% of profits, as mandated by law.

The premium hikes come at a time when many Californians are struggling to keep up with their health care costs as it is. And, with Anthem Blue Cross and their parent company WellPoint posting record profits at the end of last year, this rate increase doesn't seem necessary.

Anthem Blue Cross has replied to the criticism by stating that in the current economic climate fewer people are buying health insurance.The result is that only costlier and less healthy people are buying coverage, raising rates.

The Washington Post contends that here is another reason why a health insurance mandate would save all Americans money - situations like these would be averted.