Important Step Towards Health Care Reform Does Not Go Far Enough
Blue Shield CEO Pushes An HMO's Dream Plan: Universal Health Care Without Cost Controls Health care advocates lauded Blue Shield's initiative but…
Dec 4, 2002Consumer Watchdog
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Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Insurance
Witnesses cite problems in getting, keeping homeowners insurance
Associated Press State & Local Wire State officials said they are receiving an increasing number of complaints from consumers about the cost…
Dec 4, 2002
Insurance
State health-care system unraveling; Blue Shield CEO pushes universal coverage
The San Francisco Chronicle The head of one of California's largest insurance companies said Tuesday that the state should provide health coverage…
Dec 4, 2002
Insurance
Insurer proposes giving Californians universal health coverage
San Jose Mercury News The proposal by Bruce Bodaken, CEO and chairman of Blue Shield of California, would use a combination of…
Dec 4, 2002
Insurance
California health care system aches for reforms
Associated Press Almost everyone agrees California's health care system is hurting badly, but are enough businesses and consumers ready to accept the…
Dec 4, 2002President Bush Signs Massive Insurance Bailout; Insurers Get the Premium, Taxpayers Get the Risk
Terrorism Insurance Bill Overrides State Regulation FTCR condemned the federal terrorism insurance bill, signed by President Bush today, as an unnecessary bailout…
Nov 26, 2002
Insurance
Op-ed: Patriotism has become the refuge of corporate scoundrels.
The Sacramento Bee While individuals are losing liberties, such as protection from search and seizure under secret spy court rulings, corporations are…
Nov 22, 2002
Energy
State Supreme Court to take PUC’s utility bailout case
Sacramento Bee The California Supreme Court on Wednesday took over a dispute in which federal judges appeared ready to slap down plans…
Nov 21, 2002
Healthcare
Insurers begin charging more for some hospitals and doctors
The Associated Press Some insurance companies are trying yet another tactic to drive down health care costs, using tiered medical coverage to…
Nov 21, 2002
Energy
California Supreme Court enters energy deregulation fray
David Kravets, Associated Press WriterAssociated Press State & Local Wire The California Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether power regulators unlawfully…
Nov 21, 2002
In The News
FTCR amicus brief in State Farm v. Low, Case No. 102251 – Part 2 (7/5/02)
FTCR's brief to the California Supreme Court in a case where State Farm and other insurers are attempting to hide their redlining…
Nov 20, 2002
In The News
FTCR amicus brief in State Farm v. Low, Case No. 102251 – Part 1 (7/5/02)
FTCR's brief to the California Supreme Court in a case where State Farm and other insurers are attempting to hide their redlining…
Nov 20, 2002California Supreme Court Takes Utility Bailout Case
Group Sees Billions in Refunds to Ratepayers The California Supreme Court today announced it will decide whether the California Public Utilities Commission…
Nov 20, 2002
Insurance
Patriotism has become the refuge of corporate scoundrels.
This week Eli Lilly and other large American corporations hijacked the "Homeland Security" legislation to win the right to be free from…
Nov 20, 2002“Homeland Security” Bill Hijacked By Corporations
Consumer Group Says Republicans Leverage Fear of Terrorism to Create New Corporate Protections
Nov 18, 2002
In The News
FTCR Objections to Allstate Class Action Settlement, Mitchell v. Allstate, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 212492 – (9/13/02)
Objections to class action settlement in lawsuit against Allstate for violating Prop 103 by overcharging motorists who previously lacked auto insurance
Nov 18, 2002
Energy
PG&E yet another piece in California’s electric rate puzzle
Associated Press Teams of lawyers and consultants representing Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and state power regulators will head back into federal…
Nov 18, 2002
Healthcare
Kaiser Will Pay $1-Million Fine for Death;
The state's biggest HMO gives in to regulators who said thefirm failed to deliver timely care to a woman who died of…
Nov 16, 2002