Insurance

Anthem-Wellpoint merger – California blocks blockbuster deal;

July 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Decision final, says insurance official</h3><p class="source">The Indianapolis Star</p> <p>Indianapolis' chance of becoming home to the country's largest health-benefits company hit a wall Friday when California's insurance commissioner rejected the proposed $16.4 billion dollar merger of Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. and WellPoint Health N</p>

Arnold’s Anthem

July 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Arnold looked like the HMOs' Superhero today when his HMO regulator suddenly blessed the nation's largest health insurance acquisition; Anthem's buyout of Wellpoint, the parent company of Blue...</font>

This Democratic National Convention is brought to you by…

July 23, 2004  ·  Jamie Court

<p class="source">Marketplace - National Public Radio</p> <p>Lots of folks don't like the way the naming rights game is played - attaching corporate brands to what are commonly thought of as public spaces. But our consumer activist argues at least its more honest than the way the game is played by the political pa</p>

This Democratic National Convention is brought to you by…

July 23, 2004  ·  Jamie Court

<!-- excerpt --><p>Lots of folks don't like the way the naming rights game is played - attaching corporate brands to what are commonly thought of as public spaces. But our consumer activist argues at least its more honest than the way the game is played by the political pa</p>

Calif. insurance commissioner rejects Anthem-WellPoint merger

July 23, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Critics suggested that Blue Cross has underpaid insurance taxes by $500 million since it became a for-profit corporation in 1994. Blue Cross officials called the charge a blatant lie, but FTCR said it would sue to recover the money.</p>

Junk Faxer Fights Back;

July 19, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Fined Aliso Viejo firm countersues to protect its perceived right to send unsolicited fliers. Foes call it intimidation.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>An Orange County business that has been fined millions of dollars for sending unwanted faxes is suing more than a dozen people who turned to the courts to stop the flow of so-called junk faxes.</p>

Politics or protecting policyholders?

July 18, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>As Anthem's merger stalls, different theories arise about the holdup</h3><p class="source">The Indianapolis Star</p> <p>Jerry Flanagan, consumer advocate for the nonprofit FTCR, which has questioned the merger's impact on policyholders, sees Garamendi's proposal as "more of a payoff to the state to get approval. It's not as if they (WellPoint or Anthem) owe that debt to th</p>

BLUE SHIELD OFFERS REBATES TO NEEDY

July 15, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Jerry Flanagan, lead health care advocate at the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica, said Blue Shield and other health plans should be giving significantly more.</p>

WELLPOINT: REGULATORS EXPECTED TO RULE ON ANTHEM DEAL AFTER; REVIEW

July 12, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">American Health Line</p>

CRITICS SLAM MERGER PLANS;

July 10, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>ANTHEM, BLUE CROSS PARENT TO COMBINE?</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Critics are concerned that the deal will result in excessive compensation and bonuses to the two companies' executives, and that patients will be paying the cost through their premiums.</p>

Pat and Dave Parkers’ Second Letter To Schwarzenegger

July 9, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Regarding Anthem's Acquisiton Of Wellpoint</h3> <p>Since December we have been waiting for the phone call from you that your staff promised us when we tried to hand delivered a letter explaining our situation during your $10,000 per-skybox fundraiser at a Laker's game.</p>

Lawmakers engaged in bitter battle for control of California Senate

July 9, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Most nose-counters rate it as a tossup now, and it's at least theoretically possible that Republican votes for Perata would be decisive if Democrats don't unite behind the one who nails down 13 Democratic senators.</p>