Insurance

Insurers’ mergers limiting options;

April 19, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Health care choices are narrowing, says study by AMA </h3><p class="source">THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE</p> <p>With rates increasing nearly three times the pace of inflation, critics contend the opposite. "A handful of insurance companies control the market and raise rates at will, far above the value of the insurance they're selling," said Jerry Flanagan, health policy director for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica.</p>

Several states criticize Enzi health insurance bill

April 18, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>In a letter to Enzi last month, California Attorney General Bill Lockyear: "As you are aware, there is a proliferation of health plans that do not cover maternity, basic and preventative services such as annual physicals, mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetic care service and supplies and other documented positive therapies," adding that the California Legislature has decided that any health plan offered in the state must offer such coverage.</p>

L.A. MORTGAGES FUTURE;

April 16, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>BOND PROJECTS RAISE PROPERTY TAXES 10 PERCENT SINCE 1989</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>"Bonds are large-scale versions of credit cards, and like with credit cards, with bonds, it can be a killing-me-softly kind of effect,'' said Doug Heller, executive director of The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica.</p>

Canciamilla takes insurance money & co-sponsors insurance company bill

April 15, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>Meanwhile, Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla, D-Pittsburg, ran afoul of a watchdog group when he co-sponsored a bill to delay auto insurance rate reforms. The watchdog group noted Canciamilla has accepted $95,000 in contributions from insurance firms during his political career.</p>

Health care for all in Mass.;

April 13, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A law signed yesterday calls for the 515,000 uninsured residents to have insurance by 2010.</h3><p class="source">The Philadelphia Inquirer</p> <p>Critics claim the new law lacks adequate funding and cost controls that would assure long-term success. They fear that Massachusetts' high health-care costs ultimately could derail the measure. "If consumers are forced to pay for a policy that's not affordable, there's going to be another Boston tea party," said Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a consumer watchdog group in Santa Monica, Calif.</p>

The legal lock on stem cells;

April 12, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Two patents that cover key research areas are setting back science.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>California doesn't have a lot of room to maneuver. The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, based in Santa Monica, has urged California's stem cell agency to challenge the Wisconsin patents. But patents are not easy to reverse, even when they are clearly contrary to the public interest. That's why Congress needs to act now to reform the U.S. patent system.</p>

Insurance counter-bill hits traffic

April 7, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Appeal-Democrat (California)</p> <p>"Over the last two decades, the insurance industry has used every type of scare tactic to stall insurance reform. Now, insurers have put $300,000 into the pockets of these five politicians who have introduced the latest scheme to block and maintain high rates for good drivers," FTCR Executive Director Douglas Heller said in a statement.</p>

Insurers well-braced for next California quake

April 6, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Today, 86 percent of the state's homeowners have no earthquake insurance. CEA officials are hoping this month's 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake that destroyed San Francisco, along with the lessons of Hurricane Katrina, will prompt more to sign up. "The story of earthquake insurance in California is one of cut and run," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a frequent industry critic.</p>

Despite year of catastrophic losses from hurricanes, insurance companies still made record profits

April 5, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">CBS TV National Evening News</p> <p>Mr. HARVEY ROSENFIELD (Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights): They've used a national disasters like 9/11, natural disasters like Katrina and phony excuses like "too many lawsuits", to jack up people's premiums.</p>

Insurers Saw Record Gains in Year of Catastrophic Loss;

April 5, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>They say the profits are a fluke, but the industry has worked to shift risk to clients and the public.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said: "The insurance industry is running away from risk, and leaving policyholders holding the bag."</p>

GEICO settles suit, must pay refunds

April 4, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Monterey County Herald (California)</p> <p>The lawsuits against GEICO and the other insurers contend their discount policies favoring California drivers with proof of prior insurance violated Proposition 103, an insurance regulation initiative adopted by voters in 1988.</p>

Small-business insurance groups likely;

April 3, 2006  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>After seven flops, Senate on verge of acceptance</h3><p class="source">Arizona Daily Star</p> <p>Opponents of the association health plans argue the current legislation will let insurers in the new plans ignore certain state mandates so long as they offer at least one comprehensive benefit equal to those provided to state employees by the five most populous states.</p>