INSURANCE -- RELATED PUBLICATIONS
ISSUES WITHIN ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE - An oversight hearing held by the Senate
Committee on Health and Human Services. The ADHC program, currently structured
as a Medi-Cal optional benefit, provides services to over 33,000 Californians.
ADHC services are a critical component in the state's long term care continuum.
However, the program's rapid growth in recent years has also raised issues about
reimbursement levels, eligibility, regulation, and oversight. In response to a
directive from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the
State Department of Health Services is now developing a proposal to restructure
the ADHC program under a federal waiver. This raises serious policy issues that
will be considered by the Legislature. (Stock #1265-S; $5.39 - includes tax
s/h) (5/04)
IMPACT OF THE FEDERAL MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL - Congress passed and the
President signed legislation late last year creating a new drug benefit for
Medicare beneficiaries. Under the bill, Medicare beneficiaries will have access
to prescription drug discount cards starting in June 2004 and to an actual drug
benefit plan starting in year 2006. The purpose of this hearing held by the
Senate Health & Human Services and the Senate Aging & and Long Term Care
Committees is how this bill will be implemented in California. (Stock #1249-S;
$8.62 - includes tax & s/h) (2/04)
STRETCHED THIN: GROWING GAPS IN CALIFORNIA'S EMERGENCY ROOM BACKUP SYSTEM (AB
2611) - AB 2611 (Gallegos) passed in 2000, requires the Senate Office of
Research to conduct a comprehensive study of the hospital emergency department
on-call coverage issue in California. The study must include the magnitude of
the challenges facing emergency departments, including those in under served and
rural areas, the scope of the challenges facing other states, and how other
states have addressed on-call coverage issues. The bill also requires SOR to
convene a working group of affected California stakeholders, including
hospitals, hospital organizations, physician organizations, other on-call
specialists, payers, and state agencies. With the assistance of the working
group, SOR developed a list of findings and principles for reform of the on-call
coverage system that formed the basis for this report. (Stock #1216-S; $5.12 -
includes tax s/h) (5/03)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE 2001 - 2002 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY - The committee's
end-of-session report includes a summary of all measures heard by the committee,
including bills that were not sent to Governor Davis. Significant legislation
that was signed include a wide range of topics which are: health insurance,
Healthy Families Program, low cost automobile insurance, homeowners insurance,
and reforms in the operations of the Department of Insurance. (Stock #1199-S;
$3.50 - includes tax s/h) (12/02)
IS THE CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE AUTHORITY ENOUGH? – On November 2, 2000, the Senate
Insurance Committee held an interim hearing on the subject of the CEA ,
earthquake insurance in general, and related issues. The hearing was held in
Napa because a moderate earthquake struck Napa in September, 2000. The
committee wanted to assess how the CEA had performed after this moderate quake
and the reasons why homeowners did or did not have earthquake insurance at the
time of the quake. (Stock #1084-S; $4.31 – includes tax s/h) (11/00)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE 1999-2000 LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARY – The
committee’s end-of-session report includes a summary of all measures heard by
the committee, including bills that were not sent to the Governor. (Stock
#1064-S; $3.77 – includes tax, s/h) (12/00)
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE: IN RUBBLE AFTER NORTHRIDGE ~ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
REBUILDING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE – The lack of written rules began with a lack of
clarity in some statutes, and has heavily impacted the recommendations of this
report. While this report makes many recommendations, and while it outlines the
facts surrounding many DOI activities, it is not exhaustive. Most disturbing is
the manner in which former Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush contorted
current law to objectives that were never contemplated by the Legislature. As
the evidence unfolds, the Legislature must seriously re-examine those statutes
that provided opportunities for abuse. But while policy reforms are debated,
there should be no argument over the immediate goal of helping policyholders who
remain victimized by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the costliest natural
disaster in our nation’s history. (Stock #1050-S; $3.77 – includes s/h) (8/00)
CONSUMERS ON SHAKY GROUND: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE AUTHORITY
– This report represents the results of an interim hearing by the Senate
Insurance Committee as well as subsequent research by committee staff. Many of
the recommendations for change to the California Earthquake Authority set forth
in the report will require legislation. The CEA is the product of a threatened
boycott of California homeowners by insurance companies, in the aftermath of the
Northridge earthquake. Its intent is to provide homeowners with financial
protection against losses due to an earthquake. This report details how the CEA
is in jeopardy of failing in its mission, and what should be done to improve the
CEA policy as a product. (Stock #1027-S; $5.66 – includes tax s/h) (3/00)
FRAUD ON WHEELS: VEHICLE THEFT, STAGED ACCIDENTS, BOGUS AUTO BODY WORK & OTHER
RELATED INSURANCE ISSUES – In March 1999 the Senate Insurance Committee began
investigating key aspects of vehicle theft and fraud for purposes of identifying
proposals to reduce illegal conduct. Over 200 auto body shop owners, insurer
representatives and consumers were interviewed—many submitted documents to the
committee for review. Committee informational hearings were held in October and
November of 1999. The end result is “Fraud on Wheels”, a committee report with
findings and recommendations as well as the transcript from the October hearing
and a summary of the November hearing. (Stock #1024-S; $5.93 – includes tax
s/h) (2/00)
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE OVERSIGHT HEARING - On February 25, 1999 the Senate
Committee on Insurance addressed issues relating to automobile insurance
coverage, the disciplining of agents and brokers and the handling of consumer
complaints. (Stock #1008-S; $4.58 - includes tax, s/h) (2/99)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE 1998 LEGISLATIVE SESSION -- Final disposition of
bills referred to the Senate Insurance Committee, Committee bill analyses,
Committee interim hearing memoranda. (Stock #969-S; $9.70 -- includes tax, s/h)
(10/98)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE 1997 LEGISLATIVE SESSION -- Final disposition of
bills referred to the Senate Insurance Committee, Committee bill analyses,
Committee interim hearing memoranda. (Stock #933-S; $13.74 -- includes tax,
s/h) (12/97)
ARE INSURER DENIALS OF EARTHQUAKE CLAIMS FOR HIDDEN DAMAGE UNDERMINING HOMEOWNER
SECURITY? -- The purpose of this hearing by the Senate Committee on Insurance is
to assist the Legislature as it considers proposed legislation aimed at ensuring
homeowners are properly compensated for earthquake damage to their homes. The
hearing examined the issue of claims arising from damage discovered more than
one year after the earthquake. The hearing will consider perspectives from
consumers, insurers and the Department of Insurance. (Stock #932-S; $5.12 --
includes tax, s/h) (10/97)
THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE: WHAT'S THE RECENT TRACK RECORD? WHERE IS THE
DEPARTMENT HEADED? -- This joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Insurance
Committees is intended to review the record of the Department of Insurance (DOI)
during the two years since Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush took office, as well
as to gain an understanding of the future direction of the Department. DOI
has a broad regulatory mandate which includes both protecting consumers who
purchase insurance and ensuring the financial integrity of insurance companies
doing business in the state. (Stock # 915-S; $7.00 -- includes tax s/h) (3/97)
THE KENNEDY KASSEBAUM ACT AND ITS IMPACT ON LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE IN
CALIFORNIA: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? -- Joint hearing of the Senate Health and
Human Services Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care and the Senate Insurance
Subcommittee on Health Care Reform. (Stock #911-S; $4.58 -- includes tax, s/h)
(4/97)
HMO MERGERS -- The question for this Committee hearing is whether the Knox-Keene
Act and the regulator in charge, DOC, along with California antitrust law, have
kept up with the dramatic changes and risks associated with a rapidly
consolidating, for-profit HMO marketplace. Is existing California law capable
of protecting the public interest with respect to HMO mergers? Oversight
hearing by the Senate Committee on Insurance. (Stock #908-S; $7.00 -- includes
tax, s/h) (3/97)
THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION: BUDGET, LAYOFFS AND THE
IMPACT ON SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC -- The purpose of this hearing of the Senate
Insurance Committee is to identify the basis for staff reductions in the
Consumer Services Division, to assess the impact of these layoffs on DOI's
ability to serve consumers who have complaints against the insurance industry,
and to identify approaches to preserve CSD to avoid consequences which are
adverse to the interests of the insurance-consuming public. (Stock #892-S;
$6.47 -- includes tax, s/h) (10/96)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE 1996 LEGISLATIVE SESSION -- Final disposition of
bills referred to the Senate Insurance Committee, Committee bill analyses,
Special & Interim hearing memoranda. (Stock #885-S; $11.04 -- includes tax,
s/h) (11/96)
ACCESS TO DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH CARE SERVICE PLANS
-- A transcript of the Senate Insurance Committee's informational hearing on
March 18, 1996. The purpose of this hearing was to assist the Legislature as it
considers several proposals this year aimed at increasing the amount of
information the public has about HMOs. The hearing examined problems that have
been encountered when members of the public have attempted to obtain information
about health plans from the Department of Corporations. The hearing also looked
at ways for the Department to better provide information to assist consumers in
making decisions about health plans. (stock #865-S; $4.58 -- includes tax, s/h)
(3/96)
THE REGULATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFIT MANAGERS (PBMS): CURRENT TRENDS,
FUTURE OPTIONS -- February 7, 1996 informational hearing by the Senate Insurance
Committee and the members of the Conference Committee on AB1136 (Valerie Brown).
The purpose was to provide background information before convening the
conference committee which involves potential state regulation of PBMs
and consumer disclosure issues. This hearing also addressed the issue of
whether financial incentives are inappropriately influencing pharmaceutical
benefit decisions which affect millions of Californians. (stock #851-S; $7.00 -
- includes tax, s/h) (2/96)
1995 LEGISLATIVE SESSION -- Provides final disposition of Senate and Assembly
bills referred to the Senate Insurance Committee for 1995, including committee
analyses and interim and special hearing committee memoranda. (stock #835-S;
$24.51 -- includes tax, s/h) (1/96)
DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS' REGULATORY AUTHORITY OVER HEALTH CARE SERVICE PLANS
-- An oversight hearing of the Senate Insurance Committee to secure testimony
about the adequacy of Department of Corporations' authority to effectively
regulate health plans to ensure that enrollees receive quality health
care. The hearing's primary focus was on areas of current conflict and
controversy regarding the authority of DOC over health plans. Testimony was
provided on the following: DOC's authority to impose penalties on health plans;
DOC's authority to review confidential health plan records; and DOC's authority
over health plan arbitration systems. (stock #837-S; $12.12 -- includes tax,
s/h) (12/95)
EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE ISSUES -- Provides transcript of the Joint Hearing of the
Senate Judiciary and the Senate Insurance Committees on Earthquake Insurance
Issues regarding two earthquake insurance bills enacted into law in October
1995, AB 13 (McDonald) and AB 1366 (Knowles). This hearing began the process of
discussing the issues raised by these bills and it California public policy
should be developed to address residential earthquake insurance problems.
(stock #833-S; $8.35 -- includes tax, s/h) (10/95)
REPRINT OF SB 5: INSURANCE COMMISSIONER QUACKENBUSH'S PROPOSED "CALIFORNIA
EARTHQUAKE AUTHORITY" -- A transcript of the Joint Hearing of the Senate
Insurance and Judiciary Committees and the Assembly Insurance Committee on the
subject of earthquake insurance, specifically the proposal of Insurance
Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush to create a "California Earthquake
Authority," as the solution to the residential property insurance problems
facing California. (stock #832-S; $11.31 -- includes tax, s/h) (8/95)
PUTTING PREMIUM DOLLARS TO WORK: FOSTERING COMMUNITY INVESTING BY THE INSURANCE
INDUSTRY -- A report prepared by the Senate Office of Research which reviews the
history and performance of the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which
requires the banking industry to invest a share of its capital in low-income
communities. The report reviews changes in the financial services industry
since passage of the CRA in 1977, and addresses whether the insurance industry
should be actively encouraged to pursue similar investments. (stock #807-S;
$4.31 -- includes tax, s/h) (7/95)
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AT THE CROSSROADS: AN OVERVIEW OF PAST AND NEWLY
PROPOSED HEALTH CARE REFORM INITIATIVES -- A transcript of an informational
hearing of the Senate Insurance Committee to review proposals for health care
reform, looking at recent measures advanced in Washington as well as reform
efforts in California and other states. (stock #828-S; $6.73 -- includes tax,
s/h) (3/95)
THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE -- WHERE IS THE DEPARTMENT HEADED: LEGISLATIVE
AGENDA, REGULATORY INITIATIVES, DEPARTMENT BUDGET, OTHER MAJOR ISSUES --
Provides a transcript of the Senate Insurance Committee's hearing to explore the
Department of Insurance's (DOI) plan to implement and enforce California's
insurance laws. This hearing provided Insurance Commissioner Quackenbush an
opportunity to present his program for DOI and to educate the committee on how
he plans to deal with a range of difficult issues facing DOI and California.
This hearing also provided other interested parties the opportunity to present
their views on issues facing DOI and the insurance market throughout the state.
(stock #821-S; $7.54 -- includes tax, s/h) (3/95)
IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR CALIFORNIA CHILDREN -- This report was
prepared by the Senate Office of Research and its purpose is to summarize the
health care needs of children and adolescents and barriers to their access to
health care services. As such, it is intended to provide a foundation for the
consideration of proposals dealing with children's health in the 1995-96
legislative session. (stock #794-S; $3.50 -- includes tax, s/h) (3/95)
HEALTH CARE REFORM IN CALIFORNIA: OPTIONS FOR FURTHER REFORM -- Prepared by the
Senate Office of Research for the Senate Insurance Committee, this issue brief
summarizes health care reforms enacted to date in California, as well as those
being adopted in other states and under consideration at the federal level.
In addition, it presents options for further reform for the Legislature's
consideration in the 1995-96 Session. (stock #793-S; $4.04 -- includes tax,
s/h) (2/95)