In early February, after weeks of wrangling among the Democrats, and the shocking upset in Massachusetts where Sen. Kennedy’s seat was taken away, the New York Times reported that President Obama received interesting news that Anthem Blue Cross had alerted 800,000 customers that their rates were to be increased, some as much as 40%.  The President seized the moment and mentioned the Anthem story in a speech before the Democratic National Committee on February 6, and again during a Super Bowl interview with Katie Couric.

With people around the country up in arms over the arrogance of big insurance, the Times reported that White House advisors had, “finally latched onto a story line that might sell their plan: why people with insurance should care about the health care bill and its cost controls.” AB356 had created the reason to move forward.

Wilma Chan, a leading California Democrat, had long been noted and hailed for her ground breaking initiatives.  In response to this bill’s role in health reform, Chan stated, “AB356, signed in October 5, 2005 forced health insurance companies to be accountable by requiring them to provide their customers with 30 days written notice prior to a rate increase, or coverage change, and provide the reasons for the increase.”  Regarding her role in passage of the Health Care Reform Bill, she simply said, “this is a historic moment for American working and middle class families who have fought long and hard for healthcare security.”