The state Insurance Department will conduct public hearings on rate-increase-request filings by three health insurers, Anthem Health Plans, ConnectiCare and Golden Rule Insurance Co.

The hearings will begin at 9 a.m. July 27 in the seventh-floor conference room of the department offices at 153 Market St., Hartford.

Anthem is proposing a 4.7 percent rate increase that would affect 34,553 policy holders, the department said Tuesday in a news release.

ConnectiCare has asked for a 9.8 percent increase that would affect 34,000 policyholders, while Golden Rule has proposed an 18.5 percent increase that would affect 2,000 policyholders, the department said.

In Connecticut, health insurers must gain regulatory approval before rates can be implemented.

“These proposed rates will affect more than 70,000 Connecticut policyholders in the 2016 coverage year,” Insurance Commissioner Katharine Wade said. “I believe it is very important that consumers better understand the regulatory review process and the factors that drive health care costs that ultimately have an effect on their household budgets. The Department’s actuarial review is rigorous and seeks to ensure that rates are adequate for the benefits offered and protects consumers’ interests.”

Healthcare Advocate Vicki Veltri said that because of the increasing numbers of people who have obtained health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, many for the first time, “it is essential that the public have greater opportunities to weigh in.”

“I welcome these hearings, which will provide a full public disclosure of the facts and factors behind why insurers feel they to need raise rates,” she said.

For details about participation in the public hearing, visit the public hearing's notice at: http://www.ct.gov/cid/cwp/view.asp?a=1270&Q=255210.