Topeka ? The proposed sale of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kansas to an Indiana company has led critics of the deal to push for legislation, but their bill remains stuck in a subcommittee.

The measure would make it harder for profit-making corporations like Indianapolis-based Anthem Insurance Cos. Inc. to acquire companies owned by their policyholders, like Blue Cross.

Last year, then-Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius blocked Blue Cross’ sale to Anthem. A Shawnee County judge overturned her order, and Sebelius’ appeal is before the Kansas Supreme Court.

The bill dealing with such acquisitions is before a House Insurance subcommittee, but Chairman Ray Cox said he planned no hearings or action this year. The bill would remain alive in 2004.

“There’s just not any reason to do anything,” said Cox, R-Bonner Springs. “We’ll just wait to see what the courts say.”

The bill would require a majority of all eligible policyholders to approve any sale of a company they own to a for-profit firm. Current law requires approval only by a majority of policyholders who choose to vote.

Last year, Blue Cross policyholders voted 63,504 to 36,618 for the deal with Anthem. But the “yes” votes represented only 37 percent of policyholders eligible to vote.

In addition, the bill would allow such a vote only after the state insurance commissioner had approved or rejected the transaction. Last year, the Blue Cross vote came before Sebelius acted.

The bill would also would give the commissioner more discretion in determining if a sale price were fair.