Healthcare
This Bill Is A Pill
As of today, your pharmacist is not allowed to share your prescription information for marketing purposes. That would change if Senate Bill…
Jun 16, 2008Consumer Watchdog
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Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Three Insurance Bills Will Raise Drivers’ Rates, Put Spyware in Californians’ Cars
Bills Violate Voter-Approved Prop. 103, Could Cost Taxpayers Millions For Legal Defense Santa Monica, CA -- Three anti-consumer pieces of legislation…
Jun 16, 2008
Privacy
Stem Cell Gold Rush
Despite Worries About New IP Rules, Biotech Companies Are Staking a Claim to California's $3 Billion Research Lode. Robert Klein convinced Californians…
Jun 16, 2008
Insurance
It’s a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance
Fewer accidents on state roads translate into lower rates, which are not hard to find. Getting too much junk mail touting low…
Jun 15, 2008
Privacy
Remedies That Hurt
Two proposals by state officials would weaken the security surrounding prescription records. Medical records often contain excruciatingly revealing personal information, and yet…
Jun 12, 2008
Insurance
Watch the stem cell rules changes
The state stem cell agency is refining the policies that govern the way $3 billion in grants are administered. One proposed change…
Jun 11, 2008
Privacy
“Ghost voting” curtailed – For how long?
New Assembly Speaker Karen Bass took quick action yesterday to curtail "ghost voting" - when Assembly members vote for their absent colleagues,...
Jun 11, 2008
Insurance
Mercury Cutting Rates In State
About 1.7 Million Customers Will Save On Auto, Home Policies Mercury General Corp., a Los Angeles-based low-cost insurer, today is expected to…
Jun 11, 2008
Insurance
Mercury Insurance: What won’t be mentioned at the Wednesday press conference
Mercury Insurance is holding a press conference Wednesday with California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to announce rate decreases for drivers, homeowners and…
Jun 11, 2008
Privacy
One vote per lawmaker, per bill, seems reasonable to me
I’ve written a lot about “not voting” over the years, that particularly cowardly legislative habit of “taking a walk” when...
Jun 11, 2008
Healthcare
Send us your medical billing complaints!
Consumer Watchdog needs to hear from patients who who are insured but have been forced to pay extra on their medical bills.…
Jun 10, 2008
Courtroom
Is It A Good Idea To Let Drugstores Pass Along Prescription Information For Bulk Mailings?
The backers of the bill say it would help consumers by reminding them to take medications and refill prescriptions. Opponents see problems…
Jun 10, 2008
Privacy
Gift disclosure loopholes under the gun
The Fair Political Practices Commission continues to clamp down on loopholes in gift disclosure laws that have opened in years past under…
Jun 10, 2008
Privacy
Arnold’s #4 donor indicted on federal fraud charges
Henry Nicholas, the multiply indicted co-founder and ex-CEO of Broadcom, is also Gov. Schwarzenegger’s #4 overall donor. He and his NSC Holdings…
Jun 10, 2008
Healthcare
Drug Reminder Bill Raises Privacy Concerns
Calderon, A Recipient Of Industry Donations, Says That 'Marketing Or Sales Pitches' Would Be Barred Privacy concerns have been raised about a…
Jun 10, 2008
Privacy
Ghost Voting: A Long History
Used In Assembly For Decades - Critics Say It Is Unethical California lawmakers routinely violate their own law and cast votes for…
Jun 10, 2008
Energy
Watchdog Report: Hot Fuel Not Good For Your Pocketbook Or Your Car
A gallon of regular unleaded gasoline at the Shell Station at the Shell Station at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting streets…
Jun 9, 2008
Energy
Consumer Group Wants U.S. Gasoline Supply Regulated
The group Consumer Watchdog is calling for the U.S. government to regulate U.S. gasoline supplies and refinery operations, arguing that refiners are…
Jun 9, 2008