Protest over Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross premium increase

Organizers protested at the Philadelphia headquarters of Independence Blue Cross' due to the insurer's request to increase health insurance premiums 20% to 58% for some plans available to individuals and families who do not get health insurance at work, but who buy it on their own. For example, in one plan, the monthly premium cost for a family with two parents in their 30s would rise from $1,069.15 a month to $1,634, a 52.8% increase, according to the company's filings with the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.