#consumer-advocacy

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#medical-debt

Harris backs slashing medical debt. Trump's "concepts" worry advocates.

Advocates urge Kamala Harris to advance measures tackling medical debt and ensuring health insurance access.

Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law

Starting January 1, 2025, California law will stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies, helping those with unpaid medical bills maintain their credit scores.

Harris backs slashing medical debt. Trump's "concepts" worry advocates.

Advocates urge Kamala Harris to advance measures tackling medical debt and ensuring health insurance access.

Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law

Starting January 1, 2025, California law will stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies, helping those with unpaid medical bills maintain their credit scores.
moremedical-debt
from www.npr.org
2 weeks ago

Big Health Care is ending a terrible year. Is anyone happy with this business?

Health care companies are facing increased scrutiny following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, highlighting issues of high costs and denied claims.

What to Know About MrBeast's Controversial Sweepstakes Partner MoneyLion

MrBeast's reality show raises ethical concerns due to its partnership with MoneyLion, potentially exposing young fans to predatory loan practices.

4 Ways Readers Fought the Travel Industry and Won After a Travel Problem

Travelers can effectively resolve issues with airlines and service providers through diligent strategy and by leveraging available resources.

More Than 70 Orgs Urge Congress to Extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits - MedCity News

Over 70 organizations urge Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits to avoid increased healthcare costs for millions by 2026.
#gras

How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food

The FDA's GRAS system enables corporations to add potentially harmful ingredients to food without sufficient regulatory oversight or transparency.

How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food

The GRAS system allows food companies to self-determine ingredient safety, risking public health by keeping consumers unaware of potentially harmful additives.

How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food

The FDA's GRAS system enables corporations to add potentially harmful ingredients to food without sufficient regulatory oversight or transparency.

How the FDA allows companies to add secret ingredients to our food

The GRAS system allows food companies to self-determine ingredient safety, risking public health by keeping consumers unaware of potentially harmful additives.
moregras

Junk Fees' or Unbundling'? Airlines and Senators Battle Over Added Costs.

Airlines charge fees for services like checking bags, raising costs for passengers.
Senators argue these fees are exploitative, while airlines frame them as consumer choices.
#ftc-investigation

Watchdog group asks FTC to investigate Dr. Oz's influencer marketing

Mehmet Oz faces investigation for failing to disclose financial ties to a supplement company while promoting it extensively on social media.

Consumer watchdog wants FTC to investigate Oz for influencer marketing violations

Dr. Mehmet Oz may have violated influencer marketing rules by failing to properly disclose financial ties to iHerb.

Watchdog group asks FTC to investigate Dr. Oz's influencer marketing

Mehmet Oz faces investigation for failing to disclose financial ties to a supplement company while promoting it extensively on social media.

Consumer watchdog wants FTC to investigate Oz for influencer marketing violations

Dr. Mehmet Oz may have violated influencer marketing rules by failing to properly disclose financial ties to iHerb.
moreftc-investigation
from Spokesman.com
1 month ago

Mehmet Oz endorsed products without noting financial ties, watchdog says

Dr. Mehmet Oz's undisclosed endorsements of herbal supplements raise ethical and regulatory compliance concerns regarding his position overseeing Medicare.

Online Bank Users Horrified as Their Savings Accounts Vanish Into Thin Air

Banking startup failures have left customers' savings in jeopardy, leading to financial ruin for individuals trusting these platforms.
#black-friday

Warning issued to Black Friday shoppers over sneaky pricing tactics'

Many Black Friday deals may not offer real savings, as research shows most prices are comparable to previous periods.
Consumers should exercise caution and verify sale prices during Black Friday sales to avoid misleading promotions.

What Time Do Stores Open on Black Friday? Here's What We Know About Some Major Chains

Black Friday is evolving with e-commerce, shifting from a single day of deals to an extended promotional period.

Warning issued to Black Friday shoppers over sneaky pricing tactics'

Many Black Friday deals may not offer real savings, as research shows most prices are comparable to previous periods.
Consumers should exercise caution and verify sale prices during Black Friday sales to avoid misleading promotions.

What Time Do Stores Open on Black Friday? Here's What We Know About Some Major Chains

Black Friday is evolving with e-commerce, shifting from a single day of deals to an extended promotional period.
moreblack-friday

Chinese Women Mobilize Against Subpar Sanitary Pads

Many sanitary pad brands in China have been found to measure shorter than advertised, leading to calls for stricter regulatory oversight.

More Google search woes | Computer Weekly

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has certified a £7bn collective action against Google for its dominance in the search market and its impact on consumers.

Cable companies and Trump's FCC chair agree: Data caps are good for you

Data caps are seen as profit-driven tools by ISPs, affecting consumers adversely, particularly low-income households.
#california

PG&E and California lawmakers point the blame at each other for skyrocketing bills

Skyrocketing PG&E bills are largely influenced by utility regulators, with customers feeling powerless despite efforts to reduce usage.

California insurance official takes heat over proposed reforms

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is facing backlash over insurance reforms amid significant rate hikes and market withdrawals by major insurers.

California Assembly passes measure aimed at easing gas price spikes critics say it will cause them

California Assembly passed a bill aimed at regulating gas refinery maintenance to prevent price spikes and protect consumers.

Newsom Vetoes California Bill Against Private Equity Firms' Health Care Takeovers | KQED

The veto of a healthcare consumer protection bill is a setback for patient care advocacy in California.

California insurance department accused of hiding information on life insurance complaints

California's Department of Insurance may be unlawfully withholding consumer complaint data on life insurance, raising transparency and accountability concerns.

Brace for impact, California drivers! Car insurance rates set to skyrocket. Here's why

California drivers face an unprecedented auto insurance rate increase of 54% by year's end, significantly higher than the national average.

PG&E and California lawmakers point the blame at each other for skyrocketing bills

Skyrocketing PG&E bills are largely influenced by utility regulators, with customers feeling powerless despite efforts to reduce usage.

California insurance official takes heat over proposed reforms

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is facing backlash over insurance reforms amid significant rate hikes and market withdrawals by major insurers.

California Assembly passes measure aimed at easing gas price spikes critics say it will cause them

California Assembly passed a bill aimed at regulating gas refinery maintenance to prevent price spikes and protect consumers.

Newsom Vetoes California Bill Against Private Equity Firms' Health Care Takeovers | KQED

The veto of a healthcare consumer protection bill is a setback for patient care advocacy in California.

California insurance department accused of hiding information on life insurance complaints

California's Department of Insurance may be unlawfully withholding consumer complaint data on life insurance, raising transparency and accountability concerns.

Brace for impact, California drivers! Car insurance rates set to skyrocket. Here's why

California drivers face an unprecedented auto insurance rate increase of 54% by year's end, significantly higher than the national average.
morecalifornia
#economic-policy

Baby formula could be price capped to fight soaring costs, UK watchdog says

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is proposing price caps on baby formula to help vulnerable families amid rising costs.

Brexit wine tax sparks call for consumers to pressure MPs

The proposed post-Brexit wine tax could significantly raise prices and cause popular wines to vanish from shelves, prompting urgent action from consumers.

Biden Targets a New Economic Villain: Shrinkflation

President Biden criticizes companies for shrinkflation during a video on Super Bowl Sunday.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky influenced Mr. Biden's economic argument against companies using shrinkflation tactics.

Baby formula could be price capped to fight soaring costs, UK watchdog says

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is proposing price caps on baby formula to help vulnerable families amid rising costs.

Brexit wine tax sparks call for consumers to pressure MPs

The proposed post-Brexit wine tax could significantly raise prices and cause popular wines to vanish from shelves, prompting urgent action from consumers.

Biden Targets a New Economic Villain: Shrinkflation

President Biden criticizes companies for shrinkflation during a video on Super Bowl Sunday.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky influenced Mr. Biden's economic argument against companies using shrinkflation tactics.
moreeconomic-policy

If You Enjoy Making Smart Purchases (AKA Things You'll Get A Lot Of Good Use Out Of), Then You Should Definitely Check Out This Post

The article showcases valuable product recommendations aimed at maximizing customer satisfaction and value.

The Art of Reviewing: Tips from HackerNoon Editors | HackerNoon

Objective and balanced reviews are essential for credibility and consumer trust in product evaluations.
#government-policy

Calls for MP to resign role over fuel payment vote

MP Liz Twist's support for cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment has sparked criticism and calls for her resignation from her charity position.

Starmer is intent in creating more problems for himself - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Government's proposed health measures are criticized for potentially harming consumers and undermining media independence.

Calls for MP to resign role over fuel payment vote

MP Liz Twist's support for cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment has sparked criticism and calls for her resignation from her charity position.

Starmer is intent in creating more problems for himself - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Government's proposed health measures are criticized for potentially harming consumers and undermining media independence.
moregovernment-policy

McDonald's and Boar's Head outbreaks may have you worried. Experts say the food supply is safe

Despite recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks, experts maintain that the U.S. food supply remains one of the safest globally.
#discrimination

Consumer advocate says policy changes are needed to help FHA buyers compete

CFA calls for policy changes to support FHA loan users in tight housing markets, especially minority first-time homebuyers.

Disabled woman banned from Asda in south east London 'for not showing ID for her service dog'

Banned from all Asda stores, a disabled woman advocates for her rights after being wrongly denied access with her service dog.

Consumer advocate says policy changes are needed to help FHA buyers compete

CFA calls for policy changes to support FHA loan users in tight housing markets, especially minority first-time homebuyers.

Disabled woman banned from Asda in south east London 'for not showing ID for her service dog'

Banned from all Asda stores, a disabled woman advocates for her rights after being wrongly denied access with her service dog.
morediscrimination

T-Mobile, AT&T oppose unlocking rule, claim locked phones are good for users

The proposed FCC rule to unlock phones within 60 days may harm consumers by limiting handset options and subsidies.

Trump's Likely FCC Boss, Brendan Carr, Tries To Undermine Popular Infrastructure Bill Broadband Improvements

The BEAD program is essential for enhancing broadband access and competition, especially among low-income communities.

Protesters demand Kellogg remove artificial colors from Froot Loops and other cereals

Kellogg's U.S. products still contain artificial colors despite global changes and public calls for healthier ingredients.
#regulation

He Regulated Medical Devices. His Wife Represented Their Makers.

Dr. Jeffrey E. Shuren's FDA career was marked by both record device approvals and significant ethical concerns due to his industry's connections.

Mother dies after being trapped and suffocated in own ottoman bed

Faulty ottoman beds pose a risk of serious injury or death, necessitating urgent regulatory action to prevent future accidents.

He Regulated Medical Devices. His Wife Represented Their Makers.

Dr. Jeffrey E. Shuren's FDA career was marked by both record device approvals and significant ethical concerns due to his industry's connections.

Mother dies after being trapped and suffocated in own ottoman bed

Faulty ottoman beds pose a risk of serious injury or death, necessitating urgent regulatory action to prevent future accidents.
moreregulation

Does paying the rent help build your credit score?

Rent payments do not typically contribute to building credit history unless enrolled in a rent reporting program.

Politicians' proposals would only minimally lower US drug prices, says report

Most popular drug pricing proposals may only slightly reduce costs; systemic change is needed.
Single policy won't suffice—multiple strategies necessary to control drug prices.

Questions raised about failed bills aiming to hold CA insurance industry accountable

California's insurance crisis worsens as consumers face skyrocketing rates and reduced options due to insurers withdrawing from the market.
from www.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Wine sellers campaign against looming alcohol duty plan

Wine retailers are warning of impending price increases due to a new tax system effective February 1, impacting quality and choice.

Mass. congressional delegation wants answers from Stop & Shop about price disparities

Stop & Shop faces scrutiny over price disparities between neighborhoods, prompting lawmakers to demand explanations and changes from the grocer's parent company.

At the Hard Rock Hotel, FHA's Gordon talks reverse mortgage observations, possible enhancements

FHA Commissioner Julia Gordon emphasizes the growing importance of the HECM program for financially unprepared seniors.
#texas-gas-service

Council rejects Texas Gas Service rate hike - Austin Monitor

Texas Gas Service's revised proposal to raise fees still lacks City Council's approval, highlighting ongoing concerns about affordability for Austin residents.

Texas Gas Service rate hearing at Council this Thursday - Austin Monitor

The City Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed rate increase by Texas Gas Service that could significantly impact residential customers.

Council rejects Texas Gas Service rate hike - Austin Monitor

Texas Gas Service's revised proposal to raise fees still lacks City Council's approval, highlighting ongoing concerns about affordability for Austin residents.

Texas Gas Service rate hearing at Council this Thursday - Austin Monitor

The City Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed rate increase by Texas Gas Service that could significantly impact residential customers.
moretexas-gas-service
#child-safety

Consumer group believes more must be done after recalls are issued to keep kids safe

Only 22% of recalled children's products are successfully removed from homes, posing safety risks to children.
Increased transparency and consumer outreach are critical in addressing recall effectiveness.

Amazon and Walmart still selling older dressers at risk of tipping over, Consumer Reports finds

Retailers like Amazon and Walmart still sell older dressers at risk of tipping over despite new safety standards implemented for children's safety.

Consumer group believes more must be done after recalls are issued to keep kids safe

Most recalled children's products remain in homes, posing safety risks.
Only 22% of recalled products are returned or destroyed.
Nonprofits are calling for increased accountability from companies on recalls.

Consumer group believes more must be done after recalls are issued to keep kids safe

Only 22% of recalled children's products are successfully removed from homes, posing safety risks to children.
Increased transparency and consumer outreach are critical in addressing recall effectiveness.

Amazon and Walmart still selling older dressers at risk of tipping over, Consumer Reports finds

Retailers like Amazon and Walmart still sell older dressers at risk of tipping over despite new safety standards implemented for children's safety.

Consumer group believes more must be done after recalls are issued to keep kids safe

Most recalled children's products remain in homes, posing safety risks.
Only 22% of recalled products are returned or destroyed.
Nonprofits are calling for increased accountability from companies on recalls.
morechild-safety

Martin Lewis pens open letter to Ed Miliband claiming 'too many smart meters don't work'

Smart meters' rollout faces criticism due to high malfunction rates, with Lewis urging focus on fixing existing meters rather than installing new ones.

Letters: Protection from PG&E | Media's role

PG&E's rate increases are burdening consumers, with many feeling neglected by elected officials in addressing this issue.

Homeowners join consumer advocates in assailing California insurance reforms

Proposed reforms by Insurance Commissioner Lara are criticized for potentially undermining Proposition 103's protections against high insurance rates in California.

Opaque and complicated' card surcharges are costing Australians billions. Is an overhaul needed?

Debit cards are not necessarily cheaper than credit cards due to hidden fees, which has led to rising costs for consumers and merchants.

Martin Lewis slams councils for acting like worst loan sharks' over tax collection

Council tax collection practices are critiqued as excessively aggressive and damaging, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
#california-legislation

'Paper or plastic?' will no longer be a choice at California grocery stores

California lawmakers have passed legislation to eliminate plastic bags in grocery stores, aiming to significantly reduce plastic waste.

California Bill Would Require State Review of Private Equity Deals in Health Care | KQED

California legislation seeks to enhance oversight of private equity in healthcare amid concerns about its impact on costs and care quality.

'Paper or plastic?' will no longer be a choice at California grocery stores

California lawmakers have passed legislation to eliminate plastic bags in grocery stores, aiming to significantly reduce plastic waste.

California Bill Would Require State Review of Private Equity Deals in Health Care | KQED

California legislation seeks to enhance oversight of private equity in healthcare amid concerns about its impact on costs and care quality.
morecalifornia-legislation

Kroger's Nearly $25 Billion Merger Is Bad for Shoppers, F.T.C. Says

The trial on Kroger and Albertsons' merger raises concerns over reduced competition and higher prices for consumers.

The Right to Repair Movement Explained by Gay Gordon-Byrne

The Right to Repair movement advocates for better repair access and legislation to empower consumers against manufacturer monopolies.
#real-estate

Buying a house just got more complicated. Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do when working with a broker

A new NAR settlement complicates home buying, requiring buyers to sign contracts before showings.

Opinion: Anticompetitive price fixing in real estate commissions is not the answer to fair and accessible homeownership

CFA advocates for uncoupled real estate commissions to enhance price competition, countering realtor industry practices that inflate costs for consumers.

Buying a house just got more complicated. Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do when working with a broker

A new NAR settlement complicates home buying, requiring buyers to sign contracts before showings.

Opinion: Anticompetitive price fixing in real estate commissions is not the answer to fair and accessible homeownership

CFA advocates for uncoupled real estate commissions to enhance price competition, countering realtor industry practices that inflate costs for consumers.
morereal-estate

Manhattan residents upset over gas rate differences

Con Edison may be overcharging NYC residents for gas services compared to National Grid, raising concerns and frustrations among consumers.

California bill to scrutinize new electric charge dies in Assembly committee

Assembly Appropriations Committee stopped bill AB 1999 requiring review of new electric charge.
Controversy around new $24.15 electric charge for encouraging electric car adoption and reducing fossil fuel use in California.

California says restaurants must bake all of their add-on fees into menu prices

California restaurant law mandates transparent pricing with penalties for violations.

Regulators approve sweeping change to the way most Californians are billed for electricity

California Public Utilities Commission approved new fixed monthly fee for electricity, prioritizing electric vehicle adoption over consumer concerns.

Their truck had an 'urgent' safety defect. They waited almost 2 years without a permanent fix | CBC News

Vehicle recall due to defective fuel pump
Concerns with delayed vehicle defect repairs

Telecom execs insist wireless prices going down as MPs voice concern over costs | CBC News

CEOs of Canadian telecom companies defend pricing
Committee studying accessibility and affordability of wireless services

PUC approval of PG&E interim request sends bills higher once again

Monthly bills for PG&E customers will increase by $4.68 for combined electricity and gas services.
The state Public Utilities Commission approved PG&E's higher monthly bills with little debate.

California should require insurances to cover homeowners who protect property, advocate says

Advocacy organization Consumer Watchdog is pushing for a proposal to require insurance companies to issue policies to homeowners who take action to protect their homes from wildfires.
The proposal faces opposition from insurers, who argue that outdated regulations and the lengthy rate approval process contribute to the lack of coverage options and higher prices for homeowners.

The 6 'worst' CES 2024 products revealed - from earbud duds to an AI shopping cart

Some CES products are judged to be the "Worst in Show" due to their potential harm to society and the planet.
The judges considered how uniquely bad a product is, its potential impact, and if it was worse than previous versions of similar technology.

Starbucks sued by consumer group that calls its claim of ethical sourcing false and misleading

Consumer advocacy group files lawsuit against Starbucks for false and misleading claims about ethically sourced coffee.
National Consumers League cites media reports of abuses on farms supplying coffee and tea to Starbucks as evidence of misleading claims.

State Farm seeks massive' insurance rate hike for California homeowners

State Farm seeks a 30% increase in California homeowners' insurance premiums, citing losses from wildfires and weather events.
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