CA Health Insurers Spend $1 Million Lobbying in 90 Days –
Key Vote This Week on "Prior Approval" of Premiums
May 1, 2004Consumer 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
Insurance
Kaiser income enjoys big gain
Oakland Tribune Consumer advocates say the first-quarter earnings show the need for passage of legislation that would require Kaiser and other health…
May 1, 2004
Energy
ChevronTexaco Earnings Climb 33 Percent
The Seattle Times The recent spike in gas prices has prompted some pointed criticism among politicians and consumer groups who believe oil…
May 1, 2004
Insurance
A CURE FOR COSTS
A California group is proposing a three-pronged attack to counter the rising price of health care.Governing Magazine - May 2004 FTCR is…
May 1, 2004Shell Oil’s Profit Report Confirms West Coast Profiteering
Senator Boxer Calls on Shell to Answer Questions
Apr 29, 2004
Energy
Sen. Boxer Seeks Review of Shell Plant Set to Close
Los Angeles Times Boxer said an independent audit was needed because the oil company's credibility had been undermined by its inconsistent statements…
Apr 29, 2004
Energy
Pumped-up profits for oil refiners;
Gas prices artificially inflated, critics claimSan Diego Union-Tribune The profit results have fueled the ire of oil industry critics, who contend that…
Apr 29, 2004
Energy
Governor backs plan to spur energy competition
San Diego Union Tribune Consumer advocates, meanwhile, who had opposed Nunez's bill, found themselves in agreement with the speaker's criticism. "We are…
Apr 29, 2004
Insurance
Fighting Mad Doctors’ Disease
Marketplace - National Public Radio Mad doctors disease is out of control. Striking doctors are not targeting insurance companies even though their…
Apr 29, 2004
Insurance
Fighting Mad Doctors’ Disease
Marketplace - National Public Radio Mad doctors disease is out of control. Striking doctors are not targeting insurance companies even though their…
Apr 29, 2004
Energy
Camera! Action!… No Lights?
In a letter to PUC Chairman Mike Peevey today, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his intention to send California back into the throes of…
Apr 29, 2004
Healthcare
Consumer Group Sues Health Net
Hartford Courant (Connecticut) Health Net Inc., one of California's biggest health insurers, is being sued by a consumer group for using a…
Apr 28, 2004
Healthcare
‘Bait and Switch’ Alleged at Health Net
Los Angeles Times A consumer group's lawsuit alleges that Health Net Inc., one of California's largest medical insurers, failed to provide public…
Apr 28, 2004
Insurance
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
“L.A. Could Cut Drug Costs With Bulk Buys”
City Council plan would ease the prescription bite for residentsLos Angeles Times Hardly a day goes by that we don't hear from…
Apr 28, 2004