Consumer Watchdog

Disorder in the courts?

The opinion of the Mercury NewsSan Jose Mercury News Vote yes on 30 and 31 to make sure insurance companies are accountable

History of the No-Fault Concept.

This is a brief explanation of no fault, who came up with the idea and its history.

History of Auto Insurance

A short history of auto insurance and the personal responsibility system.

“Choice” No-Fault and Other Recent Proposals

A detailed analysis of various no-fault insurance proposals presented by the insurance industry

A Failed Experiment: Analysis and Evaluation of No-Fault Laws

This is a detailed look at how no fault laws have worked in practice. Data from no fault states shows that no…

An Analysis and Critique of the RAND Corporation’s Studies in Support of No Fault Laws

Santa Monica, California-based RAND Corporation has repeatedly issued studies suggesting that no fault will lower premiums (even though it never has). This…

The Private HMO Justice System for Injured California Patients: Is It Fair?

FTCR's downloadble pamphlet about "pre-dispute, binding arbitration" contracts with HMOs.

Yes on Props. 30 and 31: Fair incentives for insurers to do the right thing

Sacramento Bee EditorialSacramento Bee Voters, beware: Propositions 30 and 31 on the March ballot are trick questions. Insurance companies have already spent…

Get better care by being a little pushy with your doctor

U.S. News & World Report I really don't have time to explain all this," Dennis Moore's physician said as he hurried away,…

Lynch ready to energize PUC post

Longtime Davis ally expected to be named commission presidentSan Francisco Examiner Never one to straddle the fence, Loretta Lynch climbed over one…

Bill Seeks Ban On Trial Waiver

Oakland Tribune OAKLAND -- Health maintenance organizations would be prevented from requiring incoming patients to sign away their rights to a jury…

CA Legislation To Ban Pre-Dispute Forced Arbitration At HMOs Would Have Allowed Lung Cancer Patient His Day In Court

Texas Liability Model Shows Success

Texas Senate Bill 386 became law on September 1, 1997 to provide patient protection by assuring that managed care companies are responsible…

Healthcare Costs Not Hiked By HMO Liability

Numerous official studies show liability reform would be both health-enhancing and cost-effective.

Judges Urge ERISA Reform

An unintended loophole in the federal ERISA law prevents patients with private-sector, employer-paid healthcare from recovering damages against HMOs that harm them.…

TV ads return to lament plight of uninsured

USA TODAY Harry and Louise, the TV ad characters used by the insurance industry to help defeat President Clinton's health reform plan,…

Insurers’ Campaign To Block Consumer Legislation A Bonanza For PR Firms/Spokespeople

99.87% of Anti-30/31 Money From Out-of-State Insurance Companies

External Review Alone Cannot Help Patients

External review systems are the HMO industry's reform of choice, because they permit bureaucratic maneuvers by HMOs that an ill patient has…