Insurance

Embattled home lender gives heavily to politicians;

August 12, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Ameriquest, a big donor to both parties, accused of duping low-income borrowers</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>"This is a classic case of trying to buy political cover from both sides of the aisle," said Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica. "Who's left to prosecute? The company and the CEO have basically conflicted every public official out."</p>

Pig People from Outer Space

August 11, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">www.ifwisheswerefishes.com</p> <p>The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) cited data released today showing that HMO profits increased 10.7 percent in 2004 after an 80 percent increase in 2003, a trend that will likely continue as HMO mergers reduce market competition and patient choice.</p>

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

August 10, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Arnold may not be getting what he wants because the Court of Appeal decided to keep his key initiative off the ballot yesterday. But, as an ArnoldWatch tipster points out, Arnold will get what...</font>

SUPPORT BASE: OC’s Money, Moderation Bankrolls Schwarzenegger

August 9, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Orange County Business Journal</p> <p>Whether OC is the top giver to the governor is unclear-though the county surely ranks near the top, said Carmen Balber, a spokeswoman with the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, which tracks giving to the governor.</p>

PacifiCare deal draws fire;

August 8, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Consumer advocates decry $314 million for top execs</h3><p class="source">Modern Healthcare</p> <p>The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights last week called on state regulators to slash the payouts that PacifiCare executives are in line to receive and to ensure that UnitedHealth doesn't siphon PacifiCare's $374 million in financial reserves out of California. </p>

Suing Insurers In California

August 8, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p>California's Proposition 103 bestowed upon the public the right to challenge the rates or practices of an insurance company in court. (Insurance Code Section 1861.10) Proposition 103 also specifies that California's civil rights and consumer protection laws apply to the actions of insurance companies. (Ins. Code Section 1861.03(a)) and can, therefore, be enforced by citizens in court. <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/feature/intervene-lawsuits-department-insurance-hearings">Read more about these provisions</a> of California law.</p>

Top PacifiCare Executives Could Receive $230 Million in Sale to UnitedHealth

August 5, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>"When piggish HMO executives cash out with nine-figure paychecks, patients and small business foot the bill," said Jerry Flanagan, a spokesman with the FTCR, in a statement. "Patients need new protections to ensure that premiums reflect the cost of medical care, not the greed of health-care profiteers and Wall Street financiers."</p>

PacifiCare Execs’ Deal Is Detailed

August 2, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"When HMO executives receive hundreds of millions of dollars of cash and stock, patients will invariably be asked to pay more for less care," said Jerry Flanagan, spokesman for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a Santa Monica-based consumer group, which wants the state to allow regulators to review all future rate increases and deny those deemed to be excessive, unfair or discriminatory.</p>

PacifiCare execs could earn millions in UnitedHealth deal

August 2, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights said it will demand that the state oppose the deal unless executive payouts are limited and other steps are taken. The filings said 18 PacifiCare executives would share $14.5 million in "change in control" payments.</p>

Consumers trust blindly in policies, unaware of association-insurer ties

July 31, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p>

CAMPAIGN GIFTS KEEP GIVING BACK

July 31, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would not have been able to conduct all the fund-raising events he pulled off last spring. One event in Dallas, for instance, was co-hosted by Bob Schlegel, whose Pavestone Co. has a $113,000 California state contract. Another event in Chicago was co-chaired by Patrick Ryan, head of AON, a large insurance brokerage deeply involved in the California workers' compensation market, according to the consumer watchdog Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Ameriquest Prepares to Settle States’ Probe;

July 29, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The Orange County mortgage giant allots $325 million to end an inquiry into allegations of loan abuses. The firm has denied wrongdoing.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Doug Heller, executive director of FTCR in Santa Monica, took issue with Arnall's nomination to be ambassador to the Netherlands. "His companies have engaged in unfair and deceptive practices too many times to count," Heller said. "These executives should be headed to the pen, not some diplomat's mansion."</p>