Insurance

Governor’s bill choices leaves some guessing, pleased

October 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Consumer and liberal activists said Schwarzenegger showed himself a shrewd political operative who can't disguise his support of big business.</p>

Inspections a Surprise to Homeowners;

September 25, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>In fire-prone areas, insurance companies are using satellite technology to identify high-risk customers.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The practice is so new that even insurance watchdog groups were unaware that some home inspections were now being conducted by orbiting spacecraft peering down with color cameras that are able to observe objects as small as 6 inches.</p>

Seniors disgusted with prescription drug prices board train to Canada

September 21, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The Rx Express from Miami to Canada, via Savannah, is a way for seniors to thumb their noses at the U.S. pharmaceutical companies.</h3><p class="source">Savannah Morning News</p> <p>The goal of the Rx Express, paid for and organized by a California-based consumer advocacy group, FTCR, is to demonstrate the huge price disparity between prescription meds in the United States versus those in Canada.</p>

Insurers Cut Rates, but It’s No Trend Yet;

September 21, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Two California companies reduce their auto premiums. Others appear to take a more cautious route.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Under Prop 103, the insurance commissioner has the power to independently call hearings on rates. Garamendi has said that insurers should realize that they won't be allowed to simply sit back and collect excessive profits by declining to seek rate decreas</p>

‘Investigational’ treatments see cutbacks

September 21, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Kansas City Star</p> <p>Jamie Court, president of FTCR in Santa Monica, CA, said insurers generally have tried to escape from all sorts of procedures until Congress or a legislature has forced them to cover a specific treatment.</p>

Marty’s Messy Money & Mailers

September 20, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">When politicians defend their fundraising habits, they promise never to mix talk of campaign cash and policy positions. Now Arnold has introduced a new twist: <br/> <br/> In the interest of...</font>

Bipartisan aura fades as Schwarzenegger finishes first year

September 19, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>One persistent critic, consumer advocate and "ArnoldWatch" operator Jamie Court said, "In less than one week, Arnold has managed to renounce every vow he's taken to the people of California to keep big money and big policy separate in the governor's offic</p>

Arnold Inc.

September 17, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">In less than one week, Arnold has managed to renounce every vow he's taken to the people of California to keep big money and big policy separate in the Governor's office. <br/> <br/> Here's...</font>

Reducing lawsuit abuse

September 14, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Marketplace Radio - Minnesota Public Radio</p> <p>You don't hear too much about frivolous corporate litigation. That's because big business pays to publicize other things, like ambulance chasers out to bankrupt America.</p>

Reducing lawsuit abuse

September 14, 2004  ·  Jamie Court

<!-- excerpt --><p>You don't hear too much about frivolous corporate litigation. That's because big business pays to publicize other things-like ambulance chasers out to bankrupt America.</p>

A Plain Aye or Nay Will Do

September 11, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>If the nonvoting problem persists, the progressive Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights says it will sponsor a ballot initiative in 2006 that would deny legislators their pay when they fail to vote.</p>

Assembly ‘workers’

September 6, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>We have repeatedly expressed our disgust at the way Assembly members have made a custom of ducking important votes. Under Assembly rules, a majority of members on a committee -- not just those who actually vote -- is required for passage.</p>