INDIANAPOLIS -- Nearly 35,000 Indiana Anthem customers will pay almost 33 percent more to keep their current health insurance plans in a rate hike approved by state regulators.

Documents obtained from the Indiana Department of Insurance show regulators approved a 26.9 percent increase July for WellPoint-owned Anthem, after sending through a 4.5 percent increase for the same plans earlier in the year.

A 1.19 percent fee implementation increase brings the total increase to 32.6 percent, 6News' Joanna Massee reported.

During the last legislative session, some lawmakers criticized the Department of Insurance for the process regulators use to approve rate increases.

"Currently it's done in the back room … no light at all shined on these issues," said Rep. Craig Fry.

Acting Department of Insurance Commissioner Doug Webber declined a request for an on-camera interview on Thursday, but told Massee by phone that, "We are looking for ways to make our system better and increase transparency."

Some Anthem customers said they have seen rate hikes for years.

"The dilemma is that our plans consistently go up. I think we're paying in the neighborhood of $1,200 to $1,500 a month right now for insurance," said Stanley Hubbard.

"It's ridiculous. We can't afford it, but we need it," said Laura Hubbard.

The couple took part in a health care reform rally outside of Rep. Andre Carson's office on Thursday.