Insurance

Aetna Video Shows ERISA Patients Mistreated

January 15, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>An internal video of Aetna lawyers training claims managers about procedures for denying claims shows the insurer considers liability exposure in determining whether or not to pay a policyholder's claim</p>

Consumers Need SB 1738 – The Insurance Policyholder and Patient Association Act

January 1, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Insurance Policyholders and Patients Lack A Voice in Insurance and Healthcare Ratemaking and Policy Proceedings</h3> <p>Insurance companies spend millions to advocate for higher rates and weaker consumer protections by hiring accountants, lawyers, auditors and other experts that critically outnumber and drown out the voices of consumer advocates</p>

MADD shocks activists with insurer alliance

December 30, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Diego Union Tribune</p> <p>Advocates of two propositions intended to boost the clout of accident victims in dealing with recalcitrant insurance companies fully expected the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.</p>

HMO critic takes fight against managed-care abuses online

December 22, 1999  ·  Jamie Court

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Jamie Court, that constant thorn-in-the-side of health maintenance organizations, has now adopted the World Wide Web as a weapon in his fight against managed-care abuses. <br></p>

Several Area Cities Targeted for Campaign Reform Drive

December 17, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Led by consumer advocate Ralph Nader, a new organization is launching a campaign in Santa Monica, Pasadena, Claremont and three other California cities to change the way races for public offices are financed.</p>

State Farm Suit Seeks Return of Data Critics Say Indicate Redlining

December 5, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>State Farm Insurance is suing the state and a former Texas insurance commissioner for the return of information it claims is proprietary but which critics say confirms a long-standing contention that the company underserves poor communities across Los Ang</p>

State Farm Sues Over Release of Documents Suggesting Alleged Redlining

December 4, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>State Farm is suing the state and a former Texas insurance commissioner, demanding he return proprietary information the company says was inadvertently released by California insurance regulators.</p>

Referendum Drive To Submit Signatures Soon

November 15, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Net Capitol Journal</p> <p>Last year, a coalition of Indian tribes and their political consultants took the initiative business to school with a $10 million qualification campaign for Prop. 5, the gambling initiative approved by voters but tossed by the courts. This year, the stude</p>

Referendum Hide-and-Seek

November 7, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The special-interest sponsors of an insurance measure are playing a complicated game with the voters.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>There's nothing new about special interests designing and writing a ballot measure and funding a signature-gathering campaign.</p>

Disaster Could Leave You With Less Than a Full House

November 2, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Soaring Construction Costs, Vanishing Replacement Policies Leave Most Underinsured</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>If a fire were to level your house tomorrow, do you think your homeowners insurance would cover the full cost of rebuilding it?</p>

Insurers to Launch High-Profile Effort to Void New Law

October 14, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Expensive Campaign is Expected in Drive to Gather at Least 400,000 Signatures Needed to Put the Measure on the Ballot. The Law Allows Citizens to Sue Companies</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Californians will soon be bombarded at malls, in parking lots and at other high-traffic spots by signature gatherers for a rush referendum to undo a new law expanding citizens' rights to sue insurance companies.</p>

Right to Sue Insurance Firms Target of Referendum Drive

October 13, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>A coalition of insurance companies and other groups announced Tuesday that it will seek a March 2000 statewide ballot referendum to overturn newly signed legislation involving lawsuits against insurers.</p>