Consumer Watchdog

Insurance

Can we trust government regulators to get it right?

The 60 Minutes segment, "The Man Who Knew," was produced by my brother Andy, and it shows how the SEC ignored the…

Mar 4, 2009

Insurance

AIG v. AIG: Lawsuit-hating former chairman files lawsuit

Five years ago, AIG's then-Chairman, Hank Greenberg, compared lawyers who sue corporations on behalf of injured plaintiffs with terrorists.   Now he's suing…

Mar 4, 2009

Privacy

White House website cuts tie to Google’s YouTube

In the face of criticism from privacy advocates, the White House website apparently has ended its ties to Google's YouTube video service.

Mar 3, 2009

Energy

Arnold’s staff taking free trips on us

The Los Angeles Times reported over the weekend that several top members of Arnold’s staff charged California taxpayers thousands in airfare, hotel…

Mar 2, 2009

Healthcare

Even “non-profit” private insurance companies waste patients’ premiums

The Boston Globe reported on Friday that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts hiked its CEO's salary to $3.5 million (plus unreported…

Mar 2, 2009

Privacy

Consumer Lawyers Fighting Against Legal Tide

California Supreme Court Will Decide Key Proposition 64 Case on Class Action Consumer Suits "It's some kind of a twilight zone where…

Mar 2, 2009

Energy

California Consumer Groups Dispute ‘Hot Fuel’ Report

Two consumer rights groups in California are claiming that the lead energy commissioner involved in a gasoline "hot fuel" study has a…

Mar 2, 2009

Healthcare

Mandate could push Massachusetts patients into pro-life health plan

Updated 03/05/09, Caritas hospitals also refused post-rape birth control The Boston Globe raises serious questions about access to family planning and abortion…

Mar 2, 2009

Privacy

Podcast: Watchdog On Facebook’s Democratic Foray

Click here to listen to the podcast. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on February 26 that, from now on, the company will…

Feb 27, 2009

Privacy

Facebook’s new democracy could challenge other web giants

Facebook has taken the unusual step of allowing 30% of its members to decide privacy policies.  CBS News and CNET's Larry Magid…

Feb 27, 2009

Insurance

Obamacare principles steer clear of Schwarzenegger mistakes

The release of today's federal budget was accompanied by 8 principles that President Obama laid out for the Congress as it takes…

Feb 27, 2009

Privacy

Google Seeks Starvation Of Growling Watchdog

(Semi-)Apology For Money-Snuffing Missive San Francisco, CA -- Google has attempted to cut the funding of a well-known public watchdog, after the…

Feb 26, 2009

Insurance

Move Afoot At Federal Level That Could Gut California’s Prop. 103

The plan has drawn fire from the Santa Monica-based Consumer Watchdog, formerly the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, which believes the…

Feb 26, 2009

Privacy

Google Stays Mum On EHR Privacy Provisions Of Stimulus Bill

Consumer Watchdog, a Washington D.C.-based consumer advocacy group, said the additions were a victory for patient privacy rights activists. "Google and Microsoft…

Feb 26, 2009

Insurance

Consumer Watchdog Tackles Autism Coverage Denials

Consumer Watchdog has called on the Californian HMO regulator to make public its communications with insurance companies relating to cases of coverage…

Feb 25, 2009

Insurance

Google wants to get rid of watchdogs, no apologies

When I walked into the Consumer Watchdog office today on a press conference seeking to protect benefits for autistic children, it occurred…

Feb 25, 2009

Healthcare Litigation

Parents of Autistic Children Fight Back — Warn HMO Regulator Against Siding With Insurers Refusing to Pay for Treatment

Kaiser, Blue Cross and Other Health Insurers Illegally Deny Treatment to Autistic Children, Says Consumer Watchdog   Santa Monica, CA -- Parents…

Feb 25, 2009

Healthcare

Insurers Urged To Review Autism Treatment

Click here to watch the video clip of this news broadcast. Consumer Watchdog says insurers are writing the rules to deny valid…

Feb 25, 2009