Insurance

State Targets Insurers’ Practices;

October 20, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Proposed regulations would boost disclosure of fees that brokers get for selling policies.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer activist Douglas Heller said the proposal didn't go far enough. Even if disclosed, commissions paid by insurers to brokers pose a conflict of interest and should be banned, said Heller, executive director of FTCR.</p>

ARNOLD THE REPUBLICAN

October 18, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">LA Weekly (California)</p> <p>Davis took lumps over credible evidence that campaign contributions won access and may have influenced his policy. Ditto Schwarzenegger. Drug companies have contributed $337,000 to Schwarzenegger's various political committees, according to FTCR.</p>

Canada-bound seniors search for cheaper prescription drugs;

October 16, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Train stops in Savannah to pick up people who can't afford medicine here.</h3><p class="source">Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)</p> <p>Such pharmaceuticals are available in Canada for 30 percent to 60 percent less because Canadians buy in bulk, a system that drug companies have blocked in the United States, said Jerry Flanagan of FTCR, the California-based organizer of the train trip.</p>

Drug protesters, Amtrak spar over trip

October 15, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Rochester Democrat & Chronicle</p> <p>Jerry Flanagan, health care policy director for the nonprofit group running the Rx Express, said Amtrak's action must have been taken to keep protests about U.S. prescription drug costs out of the news on the day of the last presidential debate.</p>

Prescription Drug Advocates Bash Amtrak

October 13, 2004 · Jerry Flanagan

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>The group of about 20 elderly people are traveling to Toronto to buy drugs at cheaper Canadian prices. The U.S. government does not allow reimportation of such drugs from Canada, arguing there are safety concerns.</p>

Seniors find discounts on Rx Express

October 10, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Miami Herald</p> <p>FTCR wants the federal government to insist that the drug manufacturers provide bulk rates for Medicare recipients, the same way the Veterans Administration forces large discounts for its patients.</p>

Governor hitting campaign trail;

October 5, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>FUNDS RAISED TO HELP DEFEAT GAMBLING MEASURES</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>To Jamie Court, president of the Santa Monica-based Taxpayer and Consumer Rights Foundation and an outspoken critic of the governor, the policy is a distinction without a difference.</p>

With vetos and signatures, Schwarzenegger’s politics are revealed

October 4, 2004 · Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>Pharmaceutical companies helped underwrite parties last month in Schwarzenegger's honor at the GOP convention in New York and have contributed $337,000 to the governor, according to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

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;