Insurance

California Backs Merger of 2 Giant Blue Cross Plans

November 10, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>Jamie Court, president of a California patients' advocacy group, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, suggested that "every state insurance commissioner will be trying to see what they could get from this deal."</p>

Anthem-WellPoint deal OKd;

November 10, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Companies agree to spend more on underserved communities</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Health care advocates said that they are glad Anthem and WellPoint had made additional concessions but that they are still worried about the impact of the giant merger on California consumers.</p>

Anthem merger clears key hurdle;

November 10, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Millions in concessions sway California opponent; Company talks with other states that could object</h3><p class="source">The Indianapolis Star</p> <p>Back on May 19th, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonpartisan advocacy group, calls on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to order regulators in California to have a public hearing on the proposed merger of Wellpoint/Anthem.</p>

State’s Businesses Are Given a Lift by Voters;

November 4, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Companies, with the governor's help, win on referendums about health insurance and limits on lawsuits.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer activists were far from pleased with business' success at the polls this week. In particular, the expensive campaign in favor of Proposition 64 raised concerns that industry could simply buy the business climate it wants in California.</p>

Businesses hail Prop. 64 victory;

November 4, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Opponents call it a victory for polluters and scofflaws.</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Opponents of Proposition 64 said the initiative really benefits big businesses that were flouting the law.</p>

A Victory for Special Interests

November 3, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Arnold is claiming victory over the special interests today in the wake of results from his five main initiative campaigns. In those battles, he had $86 million on his side. It's incredible how...</font>

Lockyer launches insurance probe

November 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>Consumer watchdog Harvey Rosenfield alleges Spitzer's probe merely exposed decades of corruption that plagued the industry while government regulators and prosecutors did nothing.</p>

Political Trick or Special Interest Treat?

October 29, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Arnold claims that he is going to "scare the special interests" during his statewide tour on Halloween. Scare them. With what? The $37 million in special interest money he has received...</font>

Malpractice Insurer Sees Little Savings in Award Caps

October 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Wall Street Journal</p> <p>"When the largest malpractice insurer in the nation tells a regulator that caps on damages don't work, every legislator, regulator and voter in the nation should listen," said FTCR's executive director, Douglas Heller.</p>

FIRMS CONFIDENT OF MERGER;

October 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>WELLPOINT, ANTHEM BID STILL RAISES CONCERNS</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>"Even if they win in court, every state will have to take a second look," said Jamie Court, president of the nonprofit group FTCR. "I'm not saying they won't all approve it, but this thing is far from a done deal, like they're telling investors."</p>

ELECTION 2004: MEASURE 35 – CRITICS SAY DAMAGES LIMIT DIDN’T HELP TEXAS

October 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Oregonian</p> <p>"These insurance companies are unwilling to pass on the savings to doctors. They want to keep the profits for themselves," said Doug Heller, a spokesman for FTCR, a California-based group that brought the rate increase request to light this week.</p>

Malpractice Insurer Sees Little Savings in Award Caps

October 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Wall Street Journal</p> <p>"When the largest malpractice insurer in the nation tells a regulator that caps on damages don't work, every legislator, regulator and voter in the nation should listen," said FTCR's executive director, Douglas Heller.</p>