Consumer 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
WINNING GRANDMA MILLIE’S VOTE;
Calif. AG Lockyer gets tough on EnronLA Weekly "The lawsuit drives home the point that an unregulated energy industry will never provide…
Jun 25, 2004State official threatens deal
Garamendi wants companies to assist the poorVentura County Star The commissioner scored political points with activists, such as the Foundation for Taxpayer…
Jun 25, 2004Questions raised over cost of proposed WellPoint-Anthem merger
Associated Press California's insurance commissioner grilled executives from Anthem Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. Friday, saying plans to create the nation's…
Jun 25, 2004Campaign cop limits donations to candidates’ ballot issue funds
Associated Press California's campaign watchdog voted Friday to limit the size of donations to candidate-controlled ballot measure committees, closing a loophole that's…
Jun 25, 2004Analysis: California’s insurance battles
United Press International HMO executives should not be allowed to feed at the trough at the expense of California patients and business…
Jun 25, 2004Anthem offers merger concessions;
California issues demands on execs' compensation, Blue's profitsThe Indianapolis Star California regulators may demand further concessions from Anthem before approving its takeover…
Jun 25, 2004Public Hearing Set on Deal to Buy WellPoint;
Amid criticism, state HMO regulators will take testimony on the proposed $16 billion purchase by Anthem.Los Angeles Times The department's decision to…
Jun 24, 2004Health department will hold hearing
Ventura County Star In advance of his department's Friday hearing, Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi posted on his department's Web site Wednesday the…
Jun 24, 2004A Blow to Health Plan Patients
With the state courts now closed off to aggrieved managed care patients, the only real remedy may lie with Congress, which has…
Jun 23, 2004Insurers’ fire policies criticized;
PROPOSAL: Coverage cuts in response to claims spur drive for legislation.Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA) "Insurance companies are punishing consumers if they have…
Jun 23, 2004Insurance bill would limit dropping of policyholders
Sacramento Bee The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights released an itemized list Tuesday of more than $500,000 in campaign contributions the…
Jun 23, 2004Bill sought by fire victims rejected by Assembly panel
The San Diego Union-Tribune "The insurance industry plays the game that fire survivors can't afford to," said Doug Heller, executive director of…
Jun 23, 2004Justices limit suits against HMOs;
No damages when coverage denied for recommended careSan Francisco Chronicle Few suits have been reported under the California law. Consumer advocates, like…
Jun 22, 2004High court ruling impairs patients’ rights to sue HMOs
San Diego Union Tribune "Now there is no longer a legal deterrent to HMOs that cut cost corners by overriding physicians' decisions,"…
Jun 22, 2004Group says Shell plots ‘peak’ repairs;
Documents suggest company already planned summer refinery slowdownThe Orange County Register (California) Jamie Court, president of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer…
Jun 22, 2004