Consumer Watchdog Announces Settlement in State Farm Insurance Rate Case Saving California Consumers Approximately $530 Million

Seeking Refunds for Inflating Gas Prices

Judge Denies Lara’s CDI and State Farm’s Attempt to Move Rate Case Pre-Hearings Behind Closed Doors

Consumer Watchdog's Legal Project attorneys advocate for consumers' rights and hold corporations and government officials accountable in federal and state courts and before regulatory agencies.

The Legal Project specializes in highly complex litigation, including class actions in federal and state courts, to address healthcare, civil rights, government accountability, and abuses in the marketplace such as illegal overcharges, false advertising, and violations of consumer protection laws.

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In The Courtroom

CA Taxpayers Sue To Force Wellpoint/Blue Cross To Pay $500 Million In Unpaid Taxes

November 24, 2004 · Harvey Rosenfield

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has filed a taxpayer lawsuit on behalf of all California taxpayers calling upon California Controller Steve Wesley and the Board of Equalization to collect hundreds of millions of dollars in gross premiums taxes unpaid by Wellpoint subsidiary Blue Cross of California during the last eight years.

Schwarzenegger Folds to Special Interests, OKs WellPoint/Anthem Merger; Garamendi Says “No” on Patients’ Behalf

July 23, 2004 · Jerry Flanagan

Following the Schwarzenegger Administration’s approval this morning of the pending buy-out of Blue Cross of California’s parent company, WellPoint, by Anthem, the Foundation for Taxpayer...

Open Letter to WellPoint and Anthem Shareholders Regarding Blue Cross of California’s Failure to Pay Gross Premium Tax

July 12, 2004 · Jerry Flanagan

As California regulators review the impact on the California health care system of the proposed merger of Blue Cross of California’s parent company, WellPoint Health...

Patients, Taxpayers Criticize Anthem/WellPoint Merger Over Higher Premiums, Unpaid Taxes, Executive Compensation

July 9, 2004 · Jerry Flanagan

At public hearings today on the buy-out of Blue Cross of California's parent-company, WellPoint Health Networks, by Anthem Inc., patients and taxpayers called on legislators and regulators to derail the deal and investigate Blue Cross' special tax status that has allowed the company to avoid paying about $500 million dollars in gross premium taxes since 1994.

Investigation of Blue Cross’ Tax Status Called for By Consumer Group

July 8, 2004 · Jamie Court

Blue Cross of California, whose parent company WellPoint has yet to receive approval for its pending merger with Anthem Inc., has avoided paying hundreds of millions of dollars in annual gross premium taxes