HARTFORD, Conn._A coalition of state officials is suggesting new legislation to overhaul Connecticut's approval process for individual health insurance policy rates.

The proposal comes after Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan approved rate increases of up to 20 percent for six Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut plans, beginning in 2010.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo say the affordability of proposed rates should be considered by regulators when they approve increases.

The proposed reforms, to be debated in the 2010 legislative session, would require public hearings for all insurer-proposed rate increases and mandate rates be "reasonable."

Sullivan says he has to judge each rate increase application on the merits. He says the cost of medical care is increasing and premiums have to increase to keep up with those costs.