Insurance

Calif. Regulator Approves Aetna, Humana Merger

June 20, 2016 · Mark Reback

California's health plan regulator approved Aetna Inc.'s acquisition of Humana Inc. with conditions that boost scrutiny of proposed premium rate increases and require that the merged plan keep small group rate increases to a minimum. The Department of Managed Health Care negotiated commitments from Aetna to ensure the merged company would comply with state rules for consumer protection and financial solvency, Director Shelley Rouillard said in a June 20 statement.

California Insurance Commissioner Urges Feds To Block $54 Billion Anthem-Cigna Deal

June 16, 2016 · Mark Reback

<div class="article-body"> California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones <a href="http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2016/upload/LetterUSDOJAnthem-Cigna06-16-16.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urged federal officials</a> to block the merger of health insurance giants Anthem Inc. and Cigna Corp., declaring the $54-billion deal anti-competitive and harmful to consumers.

Consumer Groups Want Transparency During Final Review Of Aetna-Humana Deal

June 7, 2016 · Mark Reback

Missouri was the first state to take regulatory action against the merger of insurance giants Aetna and Humana, but consumer advocates are petitioning the state’s top insurance regulator to go even further. A handful of advocacy groups, both national and local, are calling on John Huff, the director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, to conduct the final step of the review process out in the open.

Advocates Argue DTSC Executive Departures Reflect Dysfunction, Unease

May 12, 2016 · Mark Reback

Environmentalists and civil rights advocates are charging that recent resignations by a host of top executives and managers at the toxics department reflects continuing dysfunction at the embattled agency and a lack of support for director Barbara Lee.

DIRECTV Consumer Class Action Against Overcharges May Go Forward, California Court Of Appeal Says

May 9, 2016 · Harvey Rosenfield

A class action lawsuit against DIRECTV brought in 2008 by California consumers who were forced to pay unlawful early termination fees of up to $480 may proceed, the California Court of Appeal has decided.

Bogus Blackouts Draw A Brownout

May 8, 2016 · Mark Reback

Speaking to a group of crime survivors in Sacramento recently, Gov. Jerry Brown confessed a tough sentencing law he signed in the 1970s was a big mistake. "The problems I create, I can clean up," Brown declared, pitching his latest plan to reduce sentences and ease paroles for many crimes.

Man’s knee surgery goes awry when surgeons fail to sterilize equipment, leading to additional surgeries, a knee replacement and a lifetime limit on mobility.

May 1, 2016 · Evan Thomas King

<img class=" alignright size-full wp-image-3005" alt="" class="right" src="https://consumerwatchdog.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/resources_blevinschuck.jpeg" style="width: 150px; height: 150px; float: right;" width="150" height="150" />Charles Blevins had arthroscopic knee surgery at an outpatient surgical center. Three days later he went to an emergency room with severe pain and a fever, and he had to undergo further surgery and receive antibiotics for a bacterial infection. He later learned three others who had been operated at the same outpatient center and also been infected with the same bacteria.

Aetna’s Proposed $37 Billion Health Merger Under Microscope

April 25, 2016 · Mark Reback

The proposed $37 billion merger between health insurers Aetna Inc. and <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/search/?action=search&channel=business&inlineLink=1&searchindex=gsa&query=%22Humana+Inc.%22">Humana Inc.</a> will face regulatory scrutiny Wednesday in a hearing by the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/search/?action=search&channel=business&inlineLink=1&searchindex=gsa&query=%22California+Department%22">California Department</a> of Insurance.

State: Insurance Providers Owe Californians Over $300 Million In Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits

April 25, 2016 · Mark Reback

Nation’s Biggest Personal Lines Insurers Fight For Huge Rate Increases

April 19, 2016 · Mark Reback

Across the country, the largest and best-known personal lines insurance carriers are doing battle with regulators to gain approval for large premium jumps in auto and home insurance. Most recently, consumer groups in California have urged the Department of Insurance to reduce its rates by at least 9.26%. According to Consumer Watchdog, the homeowners insurer – the largest in the state – has overcharged its customers by roughly $78 million, or $285,000 per day, since at least July 2015.

Fixes For Takata Air Bags Can Take Months. What To Drive In The Meantime?

April 19, 2016 · Mark Reback

The Takata Corp. air bag recall has become so massive that vehicle owners might wait months for repairs, which leaves many struggling to figure out how to get around in the meantime. Dealerships are paying for rental cars, but some need to be pushed into offering them, customers complain. And drivers under age 25 or with weak insurance coverage or credit say they are encountering snags when they get to the rental counter.

High Time For Voters To Make PUC Accountable

April 11, 2016 · Mark Reback

<div> Travel back in time to the mid-1980s, when California’s insurance rates for both cars and property were nearly the highest in America and climbing fast. Back then, the state insurance commissioner, who could have stopped much of the price acceleration, was appointed by the governor.

Prop 103 California Insurance Reform

New Bill Requires Insurance Companies to Offer and Renew Insurance Coverage for Fire-Safe Homes

Homeowners Dropped by Insurers