Insurance

Auto insurance bill on bumpy road to Senate

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Critics of the Mercury Insurance-sponsored bill say the measure goes against the will of the voters - expressed in Proposition 103 - and would hurt the poor more than it helps good drivers.</p>

Low Cost Auto Rate Testimony

May 6, 2003  ·  Doug Heller

Testimony of Douglas Heller regarding legislation to expand and improve California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program.<br />

Strike three, you’re out?

May 5, 2003  ·  Carmen Balber

<h3>U.S. consumer groups trying to create corporate three-strikes law</h3><p class="source">St. Johns Telegram (Newfoundland, Canada)</p> <p>Borrowing from a popular punishment for multiple street crimes, California consumer activists are trying to create a three-strikes-and-you're-out law for corporations.</p>

Book Review:

May 5, 2003  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>CORPORATEERING; How Corporate Power Steals Your Personal Freedom... and What You Can Do About It</h3><p class="source">Publishers Weekly Reviews</p> <p>Corporations have this power, Court says, because many of them have become larger than some national governments. The book explores the impact of this power on America's judicial system, education system and the public spaces that define community.</p>

On shaky ground;

May 4, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Costly earthquake insurance leaves many homeowners in a quandary, facing high deductibles and no coverage for garages, pools and other structures.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer groups believe current earthquake policies, with their high deductibles, limited coverage for household contents and lack of coverage for detached garages, swimming pools and other peripheral structures, offer little value to homeowners.</p>

CAPITOL REPORT – Bill splits lawmakers, regulators

May 4, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>The Legislature's 2002 finale featured a pitched battle over an issue known as ''the persistency factor.'' If it sounds boring, it isn't.</p>

SB 841: Surcharging the Poor

May 1, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Insurance Proposal Violates Consumer Protection Law</h3> <p>SB 841 will add a surcharge to consumers who cannot afford to maintain continuous auto insurance coverage.</p>

3 strikes law, good business

May 1, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Daily Forty-Niner (CSU Long Beach, CA)</p> <p>The Enron scandal has taught us that we need to keep a closer watch on how corporations are doing business. Money and power are the two most influential corrupters in our society. Corporations are in the business of increasing both. It is only logical tha</p>

Senator Proposes ‘Three Strikes and Out of Business’ State Law;

April 30, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A company's third felony conviction would bring a ban on operating in California.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The strikes would apply to virtually any type of felony, ranging from violations of the tax and consumer protection codes to offenses involving civil rights, antitrust and environmental protection, among others.</p>

Health Plan Pushes Universal Care

April 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Managed Care Week</p> <p>Calls for universal coverage intensified last week, with proposals outlined by a nonprofit insurer, a presidential candidate and a health policy research group.</p>

HMOs eye universal care

April 25, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Blue Cross, Kaiser propose statewide plan</h3><p class="source">LA Daily News</p> <p>A proposal that insures the 6.6 million Californians who lack medical coverage would increase the cost of health care by $7.8 billion for businesses, individuals and the state, according to a study commissioned by Blue Shield of California.</p>

Letters on Regulating Health Care

April 23, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Those who pay skyrocketing HMO premiums cannot afford to be as incurious as Weintraub was in his column, in which he condemned legislators and consumer groups for sponsoring legislation that would require the HMOs to make their case to someone</p>