Insurance

Death of the corporation tax

September 15, 2008  ·  Judy Dugan

<p> This warning --<strong> "Death of the Corporation Tax” is part of the Budget Deal</strong> -- kicks off a press release I just got from our friends at the California Tax Reform Association about the new smoke and mirrors budget... </p>

Told ya, AIG’s subprime porfolio sinks dow

September 15, 2008  ·  Jamie Court

<p> Remember how incredulous those<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ErE57Rz_ps&eurl=http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporateering/"> CNBC</a> Wall Street denizens were when I <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=22269">suggested</a> a few weeks back that insurers' investment losses, particularly in the subprime mortgage mess, would hit the Dow?  Well, wonder what those anchors are saying now about that "big charge" I made.  </p>

CIRM Mulls Loan Program to Help Plug Stem Cell Funding Gaps

September 15, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

California's stem cell agency is hammering out key details of a loan program that could deliver badly needed cash to companies trying to develop stem cell therapies and tools. "Some of the loans will be risky, but we need some sense of how risky will they be allowed to be," said John Simpson, stem cell project director at Consumer Watchdog, which has tracked CIRM since voters approved the sale of $3 billion in bonds by the state to fund stem cell research.

Dawn Rich, Healdsburg CA

September 12, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Back in 2004, I had Kaiser health insurance through my employer. I was diagnosed late that year with a fibroid uterine tumor and the doctors said I needed a hysterectomy. After the surgery that December, at Kaiser in Santa Rosa, my cervical...

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  ·  Carmen Balber

<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  ·  Jamie Court

<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  ·  Carmen Balber

<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.