Consumer Watchdog

Watch the PBS’ NOW Show on Junk Health Care, ¿Payment Due,” Featuring Dana Christensen and FTCR Advocates

Read the transcript of the program. View a ...

60% of Californians Support Universal Health Care — What’s Your Vote?

Which would you prefer — the current health insurance system in the United States, in which most people get their health insurance…

Current Proposals for Universal Health Care

Proposal: Senate Bill 840 (Senator Sheila Kuehl) Status: Pending in California Legislature ...

Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies Inflated Losses By $Billions to Overcharge Doctors, Study Finds

Consumer Advocates Call for Investigation of Insurance Accounting Practices

False Accounting: How Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies Inflate Losses to Justify Sudden Surges in Rates and Tort Reform

In this study, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) reviews the loss projections of medical malpractice insurance companies, beginning with…

Calculating Malpractice Claims

Study by Consumers Group Suggests Insurers Set Premiums Based on Market, Not Their Losses

‘What’s in that bill?’ The risk of deadline votes;

Insiders are finding surprises in last week's flurry of votesChristian Science Monitor The practice of adding new provisions in conference, even after…

GOOD DRIVERS’ RATES TO DIP;

AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS TO BE BASED ON RECORD, NOT HOME'S ZIP CODEThe Daily News of Los Angeles "The people who are going…

An Enterprising Contribution

As Arnold has twisted and turned on the question of accepting campaign contributions, he has always claimed that he wouldn't take money…

Power price shock lingers

The Daily News of Los Angeles "It's too little too late," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for…

Insurance rates under fire;

State Commissioner Garamendi wants drivers to pay based on safety records, not ZIP codesSacramento Bee (California) Consumer groups that accuse insurers of…

Changes sought in auto insurance;

Garamendi: Give record more weight than the ZIP codeTHE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Garamendi characterized the changes as the final implementation of Prop.…

Insurance Plan May Shift Auto Rates in State;

California's top regulator says he will propose giving more weight to motorists' records and miles driven than to where they live.Los Angeles…

Insurance commissioner seeks new rules for setting auto rates

Associated Press The foundation (FTCR) was a driving force behind the voter approval of Proposition 103. The initiative gave the Department of…

TRAUMATIC ROADBLOCKS: The Cost of Being Poor

Daily Press (Newport News, Virginia) "What (insurance companies) do is target urban areas and raise the rates," said Doug Heller, executive director…

Consumer Advocates Hail Switch from Zip Code to Safe Driving for Auto Insurance Rates

Decision on Prop. 103 Will Lower Premiums for California's Good Drivers, Create a Fair System

38 Senators With Up to $13.4 Million in Pharmaceutical Stock Approve Drug Industry’s Sweetheart Deal

Holiday Shopping Alert: Consumers Warned on ‘Rebate’ Rip-Offs;

Tips on How to Make Sure You Get Your Rebate