Insurance

Proposal to bar excessive HMO rates fails in Senate committee

May 5, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Jerry Flannigan, a lobbyist for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said the bill would have helped control one of the biggest factors in rising health care costs: administrative overhead.</p>

A Voice for HMOs

May 5, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">HMOs were not supposed to have any more clout in the Capitol than patients if you believe Arnold's campaign promises. But testimony by the Gov's newly appointed HMO regulator tomorrow could...</font>

Lawmakers eye limits on health care profits;

May 4, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Health profits' limits considered</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Consumer advocates have shown strong support of the bill. The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights issued a press release Monday detailing the lobbying efforts of health care companies attempting to woo legislators.</p>

Kaiser income enjoys big gain

May 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Oakland Tribune</p> <p>Consumer advocates say the first-quarter earnings show the need for passage of legislation that would require Kaiser and other health plans to go through a state approval process before raising premiums.</p>

A CURE FOR COSTS

May 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A California group is proposing a three-pronged attack to counter the rising price of health care.</h3><p class="source">Governing Magazine - May 2004</p> <p>FTCR is not just making noise. There's an underlying goad in the proposal. In its report "Crisis and Opportunity: Forging a Universal Health Care Consensus," the nonprofit organization throws down the gauntlet.</p>

Fighting Mad Doctors’ Disease

April 29, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Marketplace - National Public Radio</p> <p>Mad doctors disease is out of control. Striking doctors are not targeting insurance companies even though their profits went up a 1000 percent last year. Or threatening the few doctors who commit the majority of malpractice. They're targeting patients.</p>

Fighting Mad Doctors’ Disease

April 29, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Marketplace - National Public Radio</p> <p>Mad doctors disease is out of control. Striking doctors are not targeting insurance companies even though their profits went up a 1000 percent last year. Or threatening the few doctors who commit the majority of malpractice. They're targeting patients.</p>

Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
“L.A. Could Cut Drug Costs With Bulk Buys”

April 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>City Council plan would ease the prescription bite for residents</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Hardly a day goes by that we don't hear from senior citizens and others who cannot afford prescription drugs. Faced with gridlock in Washington, a proposal being considered by the Los Angeles City Council offers a meaningful solution at the local level. Insured or not, from the Eastside to the Westside, in Hollywood or South L.A., we are all paying too much for prescription drugs. </p>

COMMENTARY: L.A. Could Cut Drug Costs With Bulk Buys;

April 27, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>City Council plan would ease the prescription bite for residents.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Los Angeles can take the lead by approving the proposed plan and showing the nation how to get a better deal for seniors and others who need more affordable prescription drugs.</p>

Regulating insurers touted as solution

April 25, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Tulsa World</p> <p>Stringent regulation of insurance companies has kept medical malpractice insurance rates stable for 13 years in California, a national consumer advocacy group says.</p>

X-RAYING WORKERS’ COMP

April 23, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">LA Weekly (California)</p> <p>"The reason rates are so high is not because of a sudden spate of injuries or litigation or anything that's particularly new, but because the insurance industry has absolutely gouged businesses in this state.", said Doug Heller, executive director with FT</p>

Regulating Damages vs. Regulating Insurance Rates: The California Experience

April 22, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Testimony of Douglas Heller to Oklahoma State Legislature</h3>