Tornadoes have ripped through North Texas, destroying homes and upending thousands of lives. Here are some tips for families and policyholders when dealing with their insurance company.
(more…)
Press Releases
Hundreds of Miles of Gas Lines Corroding, Experts Warn
DALLAS –– In the summer of 2011, three people were critically injured when their Oak Cliff home exploded as a light switched on. Initially blamed on a lightning strike, an investigation by the Texas Railroad Commission ended with the state issuing a notice of violation to Dallas-based Atmos Energy. (more…)
Key Senate Committee Recommends Pro-Policyholder Reforms
The Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, chaired by Sen. John Carona, issued its recommendations for the current legislative session this morning. Among them were pro-policyholder reforms that, if implemented, will improve transparency and empower policyholders to shop our complex insurance market more effectively. (more…)
Fix What Is Broken First
Imagine this scenario. Texans are facing a physician shortage. Under-served rural and poor communities struggle to attract doctors to serve their needs. Politicians scramble to find a solution to the crisis. That is where we were 10 years ago. Things aren’t so different today. (more…)
Consultant Recommends Lowering TWIA Agent Fees. Sound Familiar? Sure Does to Us.
Commissions paid to insurance agents by the state’s windstorm insurance pool should be lowered to levels that are in line with what private insurance carriers pay agents. That is the recommendation of a highly paid consultant hired to give Texas insurance regulators ideas for ways to cut costs in TWIA.
This is a great idea that should be implemented. Why didn’t we think of it? Oh, wait, we did – more than 2 years ago. (more…)
Study: Restricting Physician Accountability Bad for Patients
Here’s a shocking conclusion from a new academic study into the impact of restricting medical liability: Patients harmed by medical negligence can’t access the legal system.
Okay, not so shocking. We’ve known that for years. Just ask patients who have been needlessly harmed by medical negligence. Or a family member – like Bill and Kelly Putnam – who have lost a loved one.
But, this latest bit of scholarly research into the matter confirms the anecdotal evidence that doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes escape accountability when they commit medical malpractice. The study also concludes that all patients are put at greater risk as a result. (more…)
SCOTX Gives Pedophile Doctors Benefit of the Doubt
In a Pre-Labor Day, late Friday afternoon media dump, the Texas Supreme Court released a series of anti-justice opinions. Among them was a dangerous ruling that gives predator doctors the benefit of the doubt just because they wear white coats and assault their victims in exam rooms. (more…)
Rick Perry: Special Interest Campaigner-In-Chief
Leave it to Rick Perry. While the state is crumbling under a real health care crisis, he’s still defending the lobbyist-driven health care battle from a decade ago that has failed Texas patients. The governor and his insurance lobbyist buddies want you to believe that taking away the legal rights of patients is good medicine. Try as he might, though, there is no disputing the facts. (more…)
VIDEO: Texas Watch Tells Lawmakers Homeowners Need a “Square Deal”
Texas Watch Director of Legislative Affairs Ware Wendell demanded solutions to our home insurance market during testimony before state lawmakers this week. He called on the legislature to give homeowners a “square deal” that includes decent coverage for a fair price, the power to generate real price competition to bring down rates and improve service, and better transparency so that homeowners know what they are (and aren’t) getting when they pay their premium. Check out the video. (more…)
Senators Discuss Home Insurance Problems
The Senate Business & Commerce Committee met today to discuss issues in the Texas home insurance market. Texas Watch Director of Legislative Affairs Ware Wendell told Senators about some of the many problems facing Texas policyholders, including high rates, slashed coverage, and a lack of transparency for consumers. (more…)
