Insurance

Garamendi won’t let health insurers merge

July 25, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>"Not only do California consumers owe Garamendi a debt of gratitude, they owe him a debt of $4 billion," said Jerry Flannagan, of FTCR, referring to the funds he estimated would be paid by Californians to finance the merger.</p>

Regulator Stalls Blue Cross Deal in California

July 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>At least one advocacy group, FTCR, which has been a vocal critic of the plan, praised his decision. The deal had been roundly criticized for the generous pay packages given to the executives involved and for the $3.4 billion in debt that would be incurred</p>

Garamendi puts brakes on insurance giants’ merger

July 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>Jerry Flanagan, an advocate with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, praised Garamendi "as the only regulator in the state to stand up to WellPoint and Anthem and say, 'Enough is enough.' "</p>

Garamendi Blocks Part of WellPoint Deal

July 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The state insurance chief's move makes the purchase of the health insurer by Anthem Inc. even more uncertain.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The Santa Monica-based Foundation for Consumer and Taxpayer Rights, which first leveled the tax allegation, is considering filing a lawsuit over the matter, possibly as early as next week. "This isn't over," said Jamie Court, the group's president.</p>

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>