Insurance

Health-Care Costs Jump At Calpers; Big Premium Increase May Signal Trend

April 17, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Washington Post</p> <p>Health insurance premiums for California's 1.2 million state employees and retirees are likely to jump a record 25 percent next year, officials said yesterday, delivering an ominous warning for the rest of the nation about rising medical costs.</p>

CalPERS likely to up premiums;

April 17, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Health care State employees could pay 25% more next year. Other employers might follow suit.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register</p> <p>Health-insurance premiums for public workers throughout the state are headed toward a stunning 25 percent increase next year, after a decision Tuesday by a key committee of the California Public Employees' Retirement System.</p>

CALPERS: EXPECTED TO RAISE PREMIUMS 25%, DROP TWO HMO’S

April 17, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">American Health Line</p> <p>The California Public Employees' Retirement System, the second-largest purchaser of health care behind the federal government, is expected today to approve a "historic" 25% increase in health insurance premiums for next year, the San Jose Mercury News</p>

Regulators Broke Law, Suit Claims;

April 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Courts: A consumer group takes on PUC over settlement with Edison, PG&E plan</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A consumer group asked the California Supreme Court on Thursday to declare that state regulators violated the law when they entered into a settlement with Southern California Edison and proposed a reorganization plan for Pacific Gas & Electric Co.</p>

Consumer rights group sues PUC

April 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>LAWSUIT BLASTS COMMISSION'S BAILOUT PLAN FOR BANKRUPT PG&E</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>A consumer rights group is suing the California Public Utilities Commission, saying the agency is "out of control" and illegally trying to force ratepayers to foot PG&E's huge bankruptcy bill.</p>

Stock Ownership Conflict Costs PUC Commissioner His Seat

April 5, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The judge finds that Henry Duque was not dishonest but rules he should have known of the conflict of interest.</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Daily Journal</p> <p>In a tentative ruling, a San Francisco judge has ousted a state utility commissioner from office because he owned stock in a company regulated by the commission.</p>

Judge orders PUC Commissioner Duque removed from office

April 4, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>A state judge ordered California Public Utilities Commission member Henry Duque removed from office Thursday for investing $10,000 in a mobile phone company regulated by the commission.</p>

3rd Man Accused in Insurance Dept. Scandal;

April 3, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Crime: Businessman, who led a foundation created by Chuck Quackenbush, faces eight criminal charges, including theft of funds.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A businessman who as a favor to a friend joined a charitable foundation created by former Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush has been charged with eight felonies, including the theft of $18,000 in foundation funds.</p>

At a premium; Insurance rates climbing — with no end in sight

March 28, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Thanks to sky-high doctor bills, terror attacks, SUV crashes, mold damage and a shaky stock market, Californians are paying higher rates these days for auto, life and homeowners insurance.</p>

California PUC Action Boosts $11B Power Deal Plans

March 25, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Bond Buyer</p> <p>In a closed session late Thursday, the commission decided not to reconsider its approval of a rate agreement that spells out how the bonds will be paid off by customers of the investor-owned utilities for which California has purchased power since January</p>

Table Set In Calif. Commissioner’s Race

March 11, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Insurance Chronicle</p> <p>California's first elected insurance commissioner, John Garamendi, took an important step towards returning to the office last week, beating out both a current and a former member of the State Assembly for the Democratic nomination.</p>

Garamendi, Mendoza Win California Insurance Commissioner Primary

March 6, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>Former California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, a Democrat, will face off against Republican Gary Mendoza in a bid to reclaim his seat in this November's general election.</p>