Topeka ? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas officials have gone to court over the state’s rejection of a proposed sale to an Indiana corporation.

Blue Cross filed a petition Thursday in Shawnee County District Court appealing Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius’ decision to deny the sale of the company to Anthem Blue Cross Inc. of Indianapolis.

Graham Bailey, Blue Cross spokesman, said the case is awaiting the appointment of a judge.

On Feb. 11, Sebelius denied the sale because she said it would have resulted in substantial increases in premiums for policyholders. Blue Cross officials said they would appeal, and Anthem said it would support that appeal.

The petition said Sebelius has concluded that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas customers and potential customers are better served by the status quo than by a sale that would provide to policyholders $321 million.