Insurance

Health Net to Reinstate Members

September 12, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>The company, without admitting fault, will give new coverage to 926 Californians it had dropped and pay fines.</strong><br /> One of the state's largest insurers, Health Net signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with the California Department of Insurance, agreeing to pay $3.6 million in penalties, plus as much as about $14 million in reimbursements for medical charges that the insurer had refused to pay.

We still have to pass laws to stop discrimination

September 12, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Governor Schwarzenegger should sign a <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19021http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19021">bill that prohibits workers' compensation insurance...</a> </p>

Palin as Arnold sequel

September 11, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> On the issue of tactics alone, Carla Marinucci at the San Francisco Chronicle filed a <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/09/10/MNI112QPR6.DTL">fascinating article tonight</a> comparing the rise of Arnold and Sarah Palin as champions of the mantles of change and reform, and in particular their media management strategy. What's particularly interesting in the realm of history and political accountability strategy is Team Arnold's admissions about how it managed the media under the intense scrutiny the press placed on revelations about the would-be-governor. </p>

Will Drivers Trade Privacy for Discounts?

September 9, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

California-based Consumer Watchdog wants to make sure GPS or location-based information doesn't creep into any insurers' plans. It has lobbied the California Department of Insurance to make sure consumers won't be required to participate in location-based tracking. It wants insurance companies to offer low-tech alternatives for pay as you drive discounts, such as regular manual odometer inspections.

Recall, again?

September 8, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Critics say a coin-operated governor is beholden to the special interests that have given him more money than any governor (and most politicians) in California history. Political opponents with an agenda launch an effort to recall him. Despite... </p>

Health Insurance Bills Clear Calif. Legislature

September 8, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Jerry Flanagan, a health care advocate for Consumer Watchdog, said the bill is an important piece of the health care puzzle, but is not without its drawbacks. "We also have to regulate premiums," he said. "This bill creates a perverse incentive to raise premiums." </p>

Health Insurance Bills Head To Governor

September 4, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Consumer groups were more encouraged by the legislation and the protections the measures could provide. "There's a range of bills on the governor's desk, from significant protections to more moderate proposals. As a group, they represent a significant step forward in health care reform," said Jerry Flanagan, a health advocate for Consumer Watchdog.

Pay-As-You-Drive Plan Good for Wallets – and Environment

September 4, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The PAYD model would allow drivers to document their annual mileage in three ways: They could submit maintenance records; they could have an insurance company representative check their car's odometer; or they could have an electronic mileage-tracking device installed on their vehicle. The latter option has been a source of debate among groups such as Consumer Watchdog. Former mileage-tracking technologies relied on a GPS device, which ignited privacy concerns. The idea of giving auto insurance companies access to drivers' location data was a bit too "Big Brother" for consumers.

Are hurricanes or Wall Street losses driving premium increases? CNBC didn’t like my answer

September 2, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> The CNBC anchors acted like I'd yelled fire in a crowded movie house when I pointed out this morning that it was investment losses driving insurance premium increases, not Hurricane Gustav or Katrina. You can watch the clip ...</p>

Congress Ready To Play ‘Beat The Clock’

September 1, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong> Passage of Insurance-Related Bills Problematic with Sept. 26 Adjournment Looming</strong><br /> Action was delayed after a new California member, Rep. Jackie Spier, a Democrat, voiced concerns about whether the bill would inadvertently preempt Proposition 103 -- the 1988 ballot initiative that mandated a prior-approval auto insurance rating system for California, and which ended up rolling back auto rates. Harvey Rosenfeld -- one of the chief supporters of Prop. 103, now president of Consumer Watchdog, based in Los Angeles -- said he has also voiced concerns about the bill to House and Financial Services Committee leaders because of the bill's potential impact on Prop 103. </p>

California Lawmakers Pass Several Bills

September 1, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong>Measures dealing with health insurance cancellation, mortgage lenders, chemicals and college aid to illegal immigrants are approved.</strong> </p> <p> SACRAMENTO, CA -- Insurance companies could no longer cancel with impunity...</p>

Drive Less, Pay Less – And Able To Prove It

August 29, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>New Rule Would Really Link Miles Driven And Auto Insurance Rates</strong><br /> Miles driven would be verified by one of three methods: odometer readings, service records from an auto repair shop or technical devices approved by the commissioner. Poizner has said insurers will be allowed to track only miles driven, not other factors such as when and how individual motorists drive, a concern of consumer groups.