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
UnitedHealth to buy PacifiCare;
The $8.1 billion acquisition would give the company a commanding presence in the senior-care market.The Orange County Register (California) Consumer advocates were…
Jul 7, 2005As America ages, UnitedHealth bulks up and moves deeper into government-funded health care
Associated Press "HMO goliaths like WellPoint and Aetna and a merged UnitedHealth and PacifiCare are so big they don't have to compete,…
Jul 7, 2005UnitedHealth to buy PacifiCare in deal worth $8.1 Billion
USA TODAY The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (FTCR), the group that led the fight in California over WellPoint, has launched…
Jul 7, 2005UnitedHealth plans to acquire PacifiCare;
$8.1 billion deal will create insurer with 26 million membersThe San Francisco Chronicle A consumer advocacy group disagreed with the merger. "Consumers…
Jul 7, 2005UnitedHealth to Buy PacifiCare in Push Into Medicare
The New York Times Jerry Flanagan, a spokesman for the advocacy group, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said it would…
Jul 7, 2005Merger of health insurers planned;
UnitedHealth Group is set to purchase PacifiCare in an $8.1 billion deal.Sacramento Bee Creating the nation's second-largest health insurer "will result in…
Jul 7, 2005UnitedHealth makes offer for PacifiCare in huge health care deal
Associated Press "HMO goliaths like WellPoint and Aetna and a merged UnitedHealth and PacifiCare are so big they don't have to compete,…
Jul 7, 2005Blue Cross fined for $12 million in overcharges
Stockton Record "A $150,000 fine on a company that had a $300 million profit increase is barely a slap on the wrist…
Jul 6, 2005Blue Cross billing errors result in fine of $150,000;
Nearly 45,000 charged multiple timesVentura County Star The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights reported that one customer in Stockton had $1,110,…
Jul 6, 2005State fines Blue Cross $150,000;
Error caused multiple charges for premiumsSan Diego Union Tribune Jerry Flanagan, a spokesman for the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, said…
Jul 6, 2005UnitedHealth/PacifiCare Merger Will Make Goliaths Too Big to Compete;
State and Federal Regulators Must Get Guarantees for Patients, Doctors & Hospitals
Jul 6, 2005Associations’ Policies Under Scrutiny;
Millions buy health insurance through trade and other groups. But alliances and claims of misrepresentation raise concerns.Los Angeles Times Many associations offer…
Jul 5, 2005Hospital price lists trickle in;
About 60% meet state's deadline for service chargesSan Francisco Chronicle "We need to have strict oversight and require standardization of rates," said…
Jul 2, 2005Bush expected to sign junk fax amendments
Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR) The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonprofit consumer protection agency, said the Act would…
Jul 2, 2005Most Hospitals Have Not Submitted Required Price Lists
A Tylenol Can Cost $7 Depending on the Hospital, Uniform Pricing Needed
Jul 1, 2005