Insurance

Federal agency to re-examine U.S. stem cell patents

October 3, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>Patent examiners said in recent rulings that the claims by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) and the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) raise substantial new questions about whether the patents are valid. "We take that as a positive thing," said John Simpson of the California-based FTCR. "We obviously would like to see them completely revoked because the way they are being asserted right now is an impediment to research."</p>

Prescription Drugs From Canada Not the Solution: U.S. Should Import Canadian Drug Policy

October 3, 2006  ·  Jerry Flanagan

<!-- excerpt -->

U.S. Agency to Review Wisconsin Stem Cell Patents

October 3, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Bloomberg News</p> <p>The patents will be reassessed because there's "a substantial likelihood" that previous research by other scientists could supersede the Wisconsin claims, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said in a statement on its website.</p>

Low-cost insurance programs in slow lane

October 1, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Inside Bay Area (California)</p> <p>Agents who submit an application for a high-risk policy to the assigned risk program can earn a hefty commission since the premiums are higher than policies written for good drivers, said Doug Heller, executive director of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "But part of the deal is that they are obligated to provide drivers (with low-cost insurance) who simply cannot afford to buy insurance in the regular private market," he said. </p>

Driving without a net;

October 1, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>State offers uninsured motorists inexpensive options - but few sign up</h3><p class="source">Inside Bay Area (California)</p> <p>"I think the biggest problem is that people don't know about the (low-cost auto insurance) program," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. While enrollment in the low-cost program could be higher, Heller pointed out that it has put more insured drivers on the road. That has led to a reduction in taxpayer funds billed to Medi-Cal to cover hospital care related to auto accidents caused by uninsured drivers.</p>

DMV giving notice to motorists with lapsed policies

October 1, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source"> Inside Bay Area (California) </p> <p> "Now people are going to be getting reminded by the DMV that they've got a problem with their registration because of an insurance lapse. I think that will spur people to get it," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. Heller and Speier would like to see the DMV include information about the low-cost auto insurance program in the notices that are sent out. </p>

Phone firms can get statewide franchise for TV;

September 30, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Cable competition opens as governor signs legislation</h3><p class="source">THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE</p> <p>However, critics continued to voice objections. They said the new state franchise scheme is long on promises to provide better service and prices but short on regulations to ensure that they deliver on those promises. "Consumers just lost all the leverage that they had, which was the power of city and county officials to make sure companies provide good and equitable service," said Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "You can't remove 500 carefully crafted franchise agreements without doing damage."</p>

Taking Aim at California Election Funding

September 27, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p>

Taking Aim at California Election Funding

September 26, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Among other changes, Prop. 89 would limit corporate spending -- but not that of tribes and trial lawyers -- on ballot measures.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A November initiative could dramatically transform California politics, raising taxes to pay for publicly financed campaigns, strictly limiting private giving and taking particular aim at ballot measure spending.</p>

Greasing the Wheels of Government

September 26, 2006  ·  John M. Simpson

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Just after being busted last week by the state for ripping off consumers by doing unnecessary work on their cars, EZ Lube gave the maximum allowed -- $22,300 -- to Arnold. The 76 shops in Los...</font>

Insurers Liking the Coverage of Schwarzenegger’s Policies

September 25, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"People expected of Arnold Schwarzenegger independent advisors who would bring a fresh perspective," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "Instead, the governor has brought in State Farm and its cronies."</p>

State fines Blue Cross $200,000

September 22, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE</p> <p>Some consumer advocacy groups were underwhelmed by the state's actions. "A single fine of $200,000 to a company that made $185 million in profit in just one quarter this year is chump change and not enough to bring about the type of systemic reform we need," said Jerry Flanagan of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>