Insurance

Hayashi Urged to Say ‘No’ to Governor’s Rescission Bill

July 30, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> When we at Consumer Watchdog heard a disturbing rumor late last week that Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) is considering authoring the governor's bill on health insurance rescissions we sent her this ...</p>

Referendum Process Now Being Used By Wealthy

July 28, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font>When California's reform-minded Gov. Hiram Johnson launched the referendum process in 1911, his idea was to give common citizens more of a voice in setting state policy.<br/> <br/> If citizens couldn't afford to hire lobbyists in...</font>

Legislation Puts Insurers on Road to More Profits

July 26, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The insurance industry is busy telling us that it has teamed up with environmentalists to clean the air by cutting insurance premiums for drivers who spend less time on the road.<br/> <br/> The reality is that they want to monitor your driving...

Mileage-based insurance rates don’t have to rely on spyware

July 25, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> The Contra Costa Times posed some <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=21489">good questions this week in an editorial about the "pay-as-you-drive" proposal</a> making its way... </p>

California Law Bans Rescission Compensation

July 24, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

SACRAMENTO, CA -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation banning health insurance companies from rewarding employees for rescinding a policyholder's insurance.<br/> <br/> A.B. 1150, which cleared both chambers of the state...

Beware of Black Box

July 23, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

There is a new concept for automobile insurance being driven through our state Legislature with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner at the wheel. The idea is called "Pay as You Drive," which is already an option in 34 states as well...

‘Midday Sunday’ Interview with Prop 103 Author, Harvey Rosenfield

July 23, 2008  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

<strong>Harvey Rosenfield discusses why it took nearly 20 years to end the corporate practice of zip-code based auto insurance.</strong>

Critics Say Barona Grants Are Misused

July 18, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>Tribe Donates to Schools Chosen by State Lawmakers</strong><br/> <br/> SACRAMENTO, CA -- The Barona Band of Mission Indians has made state elected officials a generous offer. The tribe will contribute $5,000 to any public or private...

California Insurers to Pay $13 Million to $15 Million in Fines Over Rescissions

July 18, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California agreed to pay a combined $13 million-$15 million in fines and to offer new health insurance coverage to consumers whose policies they canceled under separate agreements with state...

Panel Will Probe Health Insurers That Cancel Sick Members’ Policies

July 18, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

“I understand that insurance companies need to protect themselves from fraud,” Congressman Henry Waxman said. “But that is not what happened in California, Connecticut and across the country. Insurers are using technicalities or trumped-up ‘misrepresentations’ to rescind policies after individuals get sick and accumulate hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills.”

2 Health Insurers to Pay $13 Million to Calif Regulators

July 18, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> LOS ANGELES,CA -- Two of California's biggest health insurers agreed Thursday to collectively pay $13 million and reinstate more than 2,000 insurance policies to settle claims with the state that they illegally dropped policyholders...</p>

L.A. City Attorney Sues Blue Shield of California Over Health Insurance Cancellations

July 18, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong> Delgadillo's suit contends the company has illegally rescinded the coverage of more than 850 policyholders since 2002.</strong> </p> <p> When Blue Shield of California learned Ana Simoes needed emergency surgery to remove...</p>