Following Tuesday's election, Consumer Watchdog began promoting a 2014 ballot initiative that would change the way that California regulates health insurance premiums, the Los Angeles Times reports (Los Angeles Times, 11/7).
Details of 2014 Ballot Initiative
The measure would give the state insurance commissioner the authority to approve or reject health insurance rate changes.
Consumer Watchdog tried to qualify the measure for the 2012 ballot, but state officials in June told the group that it had not acquired enough valid signatures (California Healthline, 6/29).
In August, the measure qualified for the November 2014 ballot (California Healthline, 8/24).
Comments Following Election
On Tuesday, an auto insurance initiative -- known as Proposition 33 -- was rejected by voters. Consumer Watchdog campaigned against Prop. 33 with a smaller budget than the measure's proponents, who included George Joseph, the chair of Mercury General. The measure would have allowed car insurers to give low-risk drivers who switch companies a new discount.
In an email, Jamie Court of Consumer Watchdog's political campaign affiliate said, "Last night's populist victory ... means we can beat big insurance companies when we have the truth and the public on our side."
The message was included in an email soliciting contributions for a campaign to support the health insurance regulation measure (Los Angeles Times, 11/7).