A rate hike for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has been denied. A hearing officer called the request excessive. The health insurer was looking to increase rates by more than 30 percent. Instead the hearing officer is recommending Blue Cross increase Medigap rates by less than 4 percent in February. Michigan’s attorney general's office has been strongly opposed to the 31 percent hike and says the smaller increase is good news. A final decision is expected next month.