Insurance

‘John Q’ Pains Health-Care Industry

February 16, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The film's premise is flawed, officials say, adding that its violence could encourage copycat crimes.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register</p> <p>The movie 'John Q', Hollywood's latest take on the outrages of the U.S. health-care system, is raising the hackles of health plans and hospitals, who say it is factually flawed and could even be dangerous.</p>

Bailout Watch #90 – Feb 07, 2002

February 7, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #90 - Feb 07, 2002<br/> <br/> Why did the whistleblowers wait? </strong>These days mid-level managers and execs at Enron are ratting...

Region’s Gas Price Hikes Expected to Slow

February 2, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Fuel: Ample West Coast supplies should help keep the average per-gallon cost well below $2, analysts say.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The surge in average gasoline prices around Southern California--nearly 30 cents a gallon in January--isn't over yet, analysts said Friday. But they predicted that increases would moderate soon, holding costs at the pump well below the $2 level</p>

WATER DAMAGE DRIVES TWO MORE CALIF. COMPANIES TO SEEK HIGHER HOMEOWNERS RATES

January 23, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>Citing a growing number of water-damage claims, two more insurers in California are seeking homeowners rate increases.</p>

CALDERON: INSURANCE DONATIONS WON’T AFFECT HIS JUDGMENT

January 23, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>California Assemblyman Tom Calderon, who has been the only candidate to accept campaign contributions from insurers in his bid for California insurance commissioner, said the donations don't affect his judgment.</p>

CALIF. CONSUMER GROUP MONITORS INSURERS’ CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

January 22, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>Concerned about a potential conflict of interest, a California consumer group is monitoring insurers' campaign contributions to candidates for insurance commissioner.</p>

Insurance Money Makes a Face: Quackenbush’s

January 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>To commemorate a degree of cupidity rare even in politics, the name and face of discredited former state Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush have been bestowed upon the "Quack-O-Meter", a device to track the insurance industry's contributions</p>

Firms accused of inflating premiums for formerly uninsured drivers

January 16, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Three auto insurance companies have been accused of violating a state insurance reform law by allegedly overcharging some customers who were previously uninsured, according to a lawsuit filed by a consumer group.</p>

Suit Filed Over ‘Good Driver’ Discount Rates

January 15, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Insurance: An advocacy group claims Geico, the Auto Club and Safeco overcharge those without prior coverage.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A consumer advocate group has sued three auto insurers, alleging the companies violated California's Proposition 103 by overcharging new customers who lacked prior insurance coverage.</p>

“Tort Reform” A Fraud, Insurers Admit (includes filings made by insurance companies)

January 15, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">NICO - 10/20/87</p>

Voters will have another chance to fill scandal-tinged position

January 15, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>California voters were assured in 1988 that if they made the state insurance commissioner's office an elective one, rather than an arm of the governor's administration, they would be making the regulator a servant of the people, rather than a toady</p>

Business Blues; Health Care; attitudes toward a universal health care system

January 14, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Business Journal</p> <p>There's no doubt that businesses are fed up with rapidly escalating health care premiums, but so much so that they are willing to swallow state-sponsored universal health care?</p>