Insurance
Beware of Black Box
There is a new concept for automobile insurance being driven through our state Legislature with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner at the wheel.…
Jul 23, 2008Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Energy
Misuse of Office
Robert Klein II, who chairs the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, continues to drag down the $3 billion stem cell research program…
Jul 20, 2008
Privacy
Stem Cell Patent Ruling Contested
Two consumer groups yesterday filed an appeal of a U.S. Patent and Trade Office ruling that said the University of Wisconsin's Alumni…
Jul 19, 2008
Healthcare
Sick & Fired: Is There ‘Health Discrimination’ in the Workplace?
Amid rising costs, sick employees may be left out in the cold. Fighting breast cancer, she lost her job and her insurance…
Jul 19, 2008
Insurance
Critics Say Barona Grants Are Misused
Tribe Donates to Schools Chosen by State Lawmakers SACRAMENTO, CA -- The Barona Band of Mission Indians has made state elected officials…
Jul 18, 2008
Insurance
California Insurers to Pay $13 Million to $15 Million in Fines Over Rescissions
SACRAMENTO, CA -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California agreed to pay a combined $13 million-$15 million in fines and…
Jul 18, 2008
Privacy
Consumer Groups File Appeal to WARF Stem Cell Patents
Two consumer groups that had challenged three key human embryonic stem cell patents held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation said Friday…
Jul 18, 2008
Healthcare
California Fines Two Health Plans $13 Million
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also agree to restore coverage to patients whose coverage was canceled after they became ill. Anthem…
Jul 18, 2008
Insurance
Panel Will Probe Health Insurers That Cancel Sick Members’ Policies
“I understand that insurance companies need to protect themselves from fraud,” Congressman Henry Waxman said. “But that is not what happened in…
Jul 18, 2008Consumer Groups File Appeal In Challenge Of Human Stem Cell Patent Held By WARF
SANTA MONICA, CA -- Two consumer groups today filed an appeal in their challenge of a controversial patent on human embryonic stem…
Jul 18, 2008
Insurance
2 Health Insurers to Pay $13 Million to Calif Regulators
LOS ANGELES,CA -- Two of California's biggest health insurers agreed Thursday to collectively pay $13 million and reinstate more than 2,000 insurance…
Jul 18, 2008
Energy
Where’s U.S. Shout Heard ‘Round World’?
Gas Prices Fail to Push Most U.S. Drivers to Protest. The national nonprofit Consumer Watchdog recently launched a campaign encouraging consumers to…
Jul 18, 2008
Insurance
L.A. City Attorney Sues Blue Shield of California Over Health Insurance Cancellations
Delgadillo's suit contends the company has illegally rescinded the coverage of more than 850 policyholders since 2002. When Blue Shield of California…
Jul 18, 2008Blue Shield Settlement with Regulators Timed to Fend Off Criminal Investigation
Santa Monica, CA -- Governor Schwarzenegger and regulators announced a company-friendly settlement with Blue Shield today on the heels of a new…
Jul 17, 2008
Energy
O.C. Drivers Pay More for Hot Gas
When summer temperatures rise in Orange County, you pay more at the pump for your gas, according to the California Energy Commission.…
Jul 17, 2008
Energy
Rising Cost of Electricity
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: To our viewers, you're in THE SITUATION ROOM. You may have noticed the cost of electricity is rising…
Jul 17, 2008
Insurance
Watching You at the Wheel
ANCHOR: DEBORAH ROBERTS / REPORTER: ELISABETH LEAMY DEBORAH ROBERTS (ABC NEWS): (Off-camera) Now a 'GMA" 'Consumer Alert." Should safe drivers who drive…
Jul 17, 2008
Privacy
It Costs What?! Calculating the CPI Requires a Lot of Shopping Around
The consumer price index, used to gauge inflation, has jumped 5% since June 2007. Figuring it out means the Bureau of Labor…
Jul 17, 2008