Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog

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NBC TODAY SHOW: Are you getting what you pay for at the pump?

NBC TODAY SHOW: Are you getting what you pay for at the pump?

<p> Consumer Watchdog's Judy Dugan takes on the "hot fuel" ripoff on NBC's Today Show. The pain at the gas pump is palpable. Making it worse:  a summertime gas station secret cheats drivers out of billions of dollars. And chains are fighting against changing the rules.</p>
Aetna Announces Double-Digit Rate Hikes For California’s Small Businesses

Aetna Announces Double-Digit Rate Hikes For California’s Small Businesses

<p> Health insurance rates are going up. California's third largest health insurer, Aetna, has announced a new rate hike for many customers in California, which could be as high as 21%. The State Insurance Commissioner says it's excessive and consumer advocates are up and arms, and propose California citizens sign the <a href="http://JustifyRates.org">JustifyRates.org</a> petition to force health insurers to get approval from the insurance commissioner before they can raise rates - just like home and auto insurers have to.</p>
Consumer group pushes health insurance regulation

Consumer group pushes health insurance regulation

<p> KABC-LA: Have you noticed your health insurance premiums going up? in the last decade health insurance rates in California have gone up 153% and there are no regulations to stop them. But consumer specialist Ric Romero says Consumer Watchdog Campaign is trying to get an initiative on the November ballot to change that, and it could be quite a battle...</p>
Google’s Decision To Consolidate Your Digital Profiles Is Raising New Privacy Concerns

Google’s Decision To Consolidate Your Digital Profiles Is Raising New Privacy Concerns

<p> Google's new single privacy policy for all their digital assets also indicates they are creating a 'digital dossier' of you which can then be marketed as a commodity to advertisers. Even more concerning is this move by Google threatens to reveal sensitive personal information at unexpected moments. Consumer Watchdog's John M. Simpson explains it's implications...</p>
Big Questions Raised About Our Right To Privacy In The Digital Age

Big Questions Raised About Our Right To Privacy In The Digital Age

<p> On January 24, 2012, Google announced it was changing its privacy policies. All 60 Google services will now be covered by a blanket policy.<br /> <br /> But along with that, information across all platforms will be combined to create a fuller portrait of users. Ostensibly, the move will help Google better tailor ads to people's tastes.<br /> <br />
KGO-SF, ABC 7: Patients Challenge Health Insurers Through Ballot Initiative Process

KGO-SF, ABC 7: Patients Challenge Health Insurers Through Ballot Initiative Process

<p> KGO-SF, ABC 7: ABC 7's Michael Finney discusses how an effort to qualify a ballot initiative that would regulate health insurance rates is shaping up to be a huge battle. Emotions are running high as average citizens struggle to keep up with staggering insurance premium rate hikes.</p> <p> You can print and sign the petition at <a href="http://JustifyRates.org">JustifyRates.org</a></p>
Senator Feinstein Calls On Activists To Put Health Reform on CA Ballot

Senator Feinstein Calls On Activists To Put Health Reform on CA Ballot

<p> In a speech in San Diego, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein goes after health insurance companies for excessive increases in consumers' premiums, often more than once a year, even as insurers continue raking in huge profits. Feinstein calls on activists to join the fight and circulate petitions for a California ballot initiative that will require health insurance companies to publicly justify and get rate increases approved.<br /> <strong>Print and sign the petition at <a href="http://JustifyRates.org">JustifyRates.org</a></strong></p>
Blue Shield’s $3.1 Billion In Excess Surplus Exhibit A For Rate Regulation Initiative

Blue Shield’s $3.1 Billion In Excess Surplus Exhibit A For Rate Regulation Initiative

<p> Patients facing 15% rate hikes March 1st took their complaints to Blue Shield yesterday, and signed a ballot petition outside the insurer's San Francisco headquarters to make health insurance companies publicly justify rates before they take effect.  Blue Shield is sitting on $3.1 billion in excess surplus - 1400% the minimum surplus required by law. Sign the petition at <a href="http://www.justifyrates.org">www.JustifyRates.org</a>.</p>