WellPoint Inc. stated that its profits jumped by 51% in the first three months of this year as contrasted with the same time the previous year, even as it lost funds in California, after state controllers compelled it to holdup premium increases of as much as 39% for thousands of clients, who purchase their own insurance.

The firm's income also provoked instant criticism by U. S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who called on it to scrap together the projected rate increases in California.

WellPoint Chief Executive, Angela F. Braly said that WellPoint was at a good start in 2010, but added that the California rate increase delay, which is set to go into its third month, has taken a financial toll.

Owing to this holdup, firms’ individual business in California is not performing as per the expectation this year and lost funds in March.

WellPoint's projected rate increases in California have aggravated criticism from customers, state controllers and elected leaders, as well as President Barack Obama. The company's rate increase proposals also have met with opposition in other places, which includes Maine.