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Consumer Watchdog Saves Policyholders More Than $53 million with 21st Century, USAA, and Liberty Insurance Rate Hike Challenges

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer Watchdog recently reached settlement in three challenges to double-digit rate hikes requested by 21st Century Insurance Company for its auto policies, United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”) for its homeowners, renters and condo policies, and Liberty Insurance Corporation for its homeowners policies. Consumer Watchdog’s advocacy resulted in a total savings of more than $53 million for California policyholders. The three companies’ newly-approved rates will take effect for all new and renewal policies between November 18, 2024 and February 12, 2025, and will impact over 671,000 policyholders combined. 

According to Consumer Watchdog’s analysis of the rate filings, the companies were overstating projected losses, causing their proposed rates to be excessive by millions of dollars. “Given the current state of the California insurance market, with insurer-created shortages and massive rate increases, it’s important that applications are closely scrutinized,” said Consumer Watchdog Staff Attorney Benjamin Powell. “Consumers’ seat at the table to challenge excessive rates is critical, especially when insurance companies are requesting multiple major rate hikes in the same year.”

In each case, Consumer Watchdog successfully advocated for lower overall rate increases under Prop 103 and prior approval rate regulations, which require insurers to justify all rate changes prior to implementation. 

Company/Line of Insurance

% Overall Rate Increase Requested

% Overall Rate Increase Approved

$ Savings 

Date Approved

Effective Date

21st Century/Auto

18.4 %

15.9 %

11.56 mill

10/2/24

11/18/24

USAA/Homeowners, Renters, Condo Owners

20.2 %

16.8 %

10.37 mill

10/4/24

2/12/25

Liberty Insurance Corp. /Homeowners

29.1 %

16.5 %

31.08 mill

10/2/24

12/10/24

 

In the 21st Century proceeding, the company initially sought a rate increase of 18.4% to its automobile insurance policies. This request followed a prior $29 million dollar rate increase effective January 2024. Consumer Watchdog challenged the rate hike as excessive under Prop 103 and the Department’s ratemaking regulations, specifically challenging 21st Century’s projected losses as being inflated for giving too much weight to recent losses. Additionally, Consumer Watchdog alleged that 21st Century’s method for projecting Bodily Injury and Uninsured Motorist claims would have resulted in excessive rates. Finally, Consumer Watchdog argued that 21st Century was trying to charge consumers for institutional advertising (ads designed to improve the company’s image rather than aimed at selling specific insurance products), in violation of state rules. (Read Petition)  

Consumer Watchdog requested that 21st Century provide further information to substantiate its application, and successfully advocated for a lower rate increase of 15.9%, representing a savings to California policyholders of more than $11.5 million. (Read Stipulation) 

In the USAA proceeding, the company sought an overall rate increase of 20.2% for its homeowners, condo and renters policies combined, which would have cost California policyholders an overall $53 million. Consumer Watchdog challenged the rate hike as excessive, calling out United Services’ projected losses as being overinflated. Consumer Watchdog also alleged that USAA was in violation of the rules by failing to provide required information to the Department to substantiate its loss projections. Finally, Consumer Watchdog argued that USAA, like 21st Century, had failed to properly exclude expenses for institutional advertising. (Read Petition)  

Consumer Watchdog requested that USAA provide further information in order to substantiate its claims about losses and other information in its application. Consumer Watchdog ultimately achieved a lower rate increase of 16.8%, saving California policyholders a total of more than $10 million. (Read Stipulation)

In the Liberty proceeding, the company sought an overall rate increase of 29.1% for its homeowners insurance policies, at a total cost to California policyholders of over $67 million. Consumer Watchdog argued that the requested rate increase was excessive. As with the 21st Century and USAA filings, Consumer Watchdog argued that Liberty’s trend selections overstated the projected losses, leading to an inflated rate indication. Additionally, Consumer Watchdog challenged Liberty’s claim that only 1% of its advertising expenses were “institutional” in nature. (Read Petition)

Consumer Watchdog sought additional information from Liberty that would support its trend selections and institutional advertising percentage. Through this information exchange Consumer Watchdog convinced the Department that Liberty’s institutional advertising percentage should be 100%, not 1%. 

“Consumers are inundated with ads from insurance groups, with nearly 10% of all television advertising expenses coming from insurers,”[1] said Consumer Watchdog staff attorney Ryan Mellino. “Prop 103 protects consumers from paying for general advertising. If insurers are going to expend billions of dollars in collected premiums on ads, that expenditure must be properly reflected in their rate filings.” 

Consumer Watchdog ultimately agreed that a 16.5% rate increase, reflecting just over half of the 29.1% increase Liberty initially sought, was reasonable, saving policyholders over $31 million. (Read Stipulation)

California’s voter-approved insurance reform law, Proposition 103, requires that insurers open their books and prove they need to raise rates in a process subject to full transparency, in which consumer representatives have the right to review and challenge improper rates and practices. According to the Consumer Federation of America, Prop 103 has saved California motorists over $154 billion since 1989. Consumer Watchdog has saved California consumers over $6 billion over the last 22 years by challenging excessive and unfair auto, home, business, and medical malpractice rates.

For more information about Proposition 103 visit: https://consumerwatchdog.org/prop-103/

[1] Doug Bailey, Insurance industry ads continue to be among top watched, InsuranceNewsNet, Aug. 22, 2022, https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/insurance-industry-ads-continue-to-be-among-top-watched.

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

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HelloNation Article Highlights Sterile Compounding and Medication Safety With Insights From Compounding Pharmacist Expert Laura Temple

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July 21, 2026

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The article explains how sterile compounded medications are prepared to reduce the risk of contamination and support safe, customized treatments.

AZLE, Texas, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does sterile compounding mean for medication safety? HelloNation has published an article explaining how sterile compounding helps pharmacies prepare highly specialized medications while adhering to strict contamination-prevention procedures.

The article features insights from Laura Temple, Compounding Pharmacist Expert and Owner of Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas. It explains that sterile compounding is a specialized process for preparing medications in carefully controlled environments designed to reduce the risk of contamination. Sterile compounded medications are often used for injections, eye drops, IV medications, and other therapies that require the highest levels of cleanliness and precision.

The HelloNation article explains that sterile compounded medications differ from commercially manufactured drugs because they are prepared individually for a patient’s unique medical needs. Physicians may prescribe compounded prescriptions when a patient requires a customized dosage, a combination medication, or a treatment not commercially available. Because these medications often bypass the body’s natural defenses, medication safety depends on strict preparation standards throughout the compounding process.

The article describes how pharmacies that provide sterile compounding rely on cleanroom environments equipped with filtered-air systems, specialized equipment, and contamination-prevention protocols. Pharmacists and technicians follow detailed gowning, sterilization, and handwashing procedures before handling medication ingredients. These measures are designed to support medication safety by limiting exposure to bacteria, particles, and other contaminants.

According to the article, environmental monitoring also plays a critical role in sterile compounding. Temperature control, air quality testing, and routine equipment inspections help maintain consistent preparation standards. The article notes that sterile compounded medications may undergo additional quality assurance checks before being dispensed to patients. These procedures help support both treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

The HelloNation article also explains that pharmacies performing sterile compounding are expected to follow USP guidelines established for sterile preparation. These USP guidelines outline requirements for cleanroom pharmacy operations, environmental testing, employee training, and quality assurance practices. The article emphasizes that maintaining compliance with USP guidelines helps reinforce contamination prevention and consistent preparation standards for compounded prescriptions.

Patients seeking sterile compounded medications may also look for pharmacies that participate in accreditation programs or are overseen by state boards. The article explains that these programs review safety procedures, documentation practices, and facility standards to help maintain medication safety. Regular environmental monitoring and staff competency evaluations are also identified as important safeguards in sterile compounding operations.

The article further explains that communication between pharmacists, healthcare providers, and patients remains an important part of safe compounded prescriptions. Compounding pharmacists review prescriptions carefully, confirm dosing instructions, and evaluate ingredient compatibility before preparation begins. This collaborative approach supports medication safety by reducing the risk of errors and ensuring treatments meet individual patient needs.

The article concludes that sterile compounding continues to play an important role in healthcare, particularly for patients requiring customized therapies that are unavailable through traditional manufacturing channels. Whether preparing IV medications, injectable therapies, or other sterile compounded medications, pharmacies rely on contamination prevention procedures and strict preparation standards to support patient care. The article notes that understanding how sterile compounding works can help patients feel more informed about the safety measures involved in preparing specialized medications.

What Sterile Compounding Means for Medication Safety features insights from Laura Temple, a compounding pharmacist expert at Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas, on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-highlights-sterile-compounding-and-medication-safety-with-insights-from-compounding-pharmacist-expert-laura-temple-302831275.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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CIOs Forced to Rethink Manual Compliance Processes as Regulatory Complexity Rises, Says Info-Tech Research Group

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July 21, 2026

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Regulatory demands are increasing in volume, complexity, and speed, leaving many organizations reliant on fragmented, manual approaches that slow response times and increase risk. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that organizations need to adopt more structured and scalable approaches to keep pace with regulatory change. The firm’s recently published blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, provides frameworks, tools, and step-by-step guidance to help organizations translate regulatory requirements into actionable IT controls and prioritized initiatives.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Growing regulatory pressure across jurisdictions is forcing organizations to rethink how they interpret, prioritize, and execute compliance requirements. Many IT teams continue to operate with inconsistent processes and limited coordination, resulting in delayed initiatives and increased exposure to financial and reputational risk. Info-Tech’s blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, introduces a coordinated and repeatable approach to help IT leaders operationalize compliance and improve execution outcomes.

Info-Tech’s findings indicate that while organizations recognize the need for faster and more consistent regulatory response, they continue to face barriers such as fragmented interpretation of requirements, weak prioritization, and limited scalability. AI-enabled tools can help streamline analysis and accelerate response planning, but without a coordinated approach grounded in governance and human oversight, those benefits are difficult to realize.

“Regulatory response is becoming too complex to manage through disconnected, manual processes,” says Ahmad Jowhar, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “IT leaders need a repeatable way to interpret requirements, prioritize action, and use AI to accelerate planning without losing the governance and oversight needed to execute effectively.”

Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Regulatory Response

Despite ongoing investments in compliance, organizations continue to face systemic challenges that hinder effective execution. Info-Tech’s blueprint highlights several areas where IT and compliance leaders struggle most:

Fragmented and manual processes that slow regulatory interpretation and response.Inconsistent application of regulatory requirements across teams and jurisdictions.Poor prioritization of IT initiatives, leading to missed deadlines and duplicated effort.Limited scalability to manage increasing regulatory volume and complexity.Misalignment between compliance activities and broader business priorities.

Info-Tech’s Framework for Building a Regulatory IT Response Engine

To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured, AI-enabled approach that improves consistency, speed, and scalability. The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint outlines the following key priorities for IT leaders:

Define the regulatory landscape: Establish organizational context, governance structures, and a centralized inventory of applicable regulations.Translate requirements into IT controls: Use AI-enabled analysis and structured assessments to convert regulatory obligations into actionable controls.Prioritize IT initiatives: Align initiatives based on cost, effort, impact, and regulatory timelines to reduce execution risk.Build and communicate a roadmap: Develop a clear, resource-aligned roadmap to guide execution and stakeholder alignment.Establish a repeatable process: Continuously monitor, adapt, and refine regulatory response capabilities to maintain compliance over time.

Organizations that adopt this structured approach can move from reactive compliance efforts to a more proactive and scalable model that shortens response timelines, reduces manual effort, and strengthens execution.

The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint includes practical tools such as a Regulation Inventory Tool, a Regulatory Response IT Action Plan Tool, a Communication Deck Template, and a Compliance Program Framework. By applying these resources, IT leaders can standardize regulatory responses, improve prioritization, and help ensure compliance initiatives are executed on time and in alignment with business priorities.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Ahmad Jowhar, and access to the complete Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cios-forced-to-rethink-manual-compliance-processes-as-regulatory-complexity-rises-says-info-tech-research-group-302831286.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Atomera to Announce Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Host Webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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July 21, 2026

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LOS GATOS, Calif., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Atomera Incorporated (NASDAQ: ATOM), a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company, announced today that it plans to release its second quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.

The company will host a live video Zoom webinar at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, to discuss the results. The live webinar can be accessed through Atomera’s investor relations website at https://ir.atomera.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for 12 months. To pre-register for the webinar, use the following link.

https://atomera.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJFbTWe1SIyV69LLdDadCw

About Atomera

Atomera Incorporated is a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company focused on deploying its proprietary, silicon-proven technology into the semiconductor industry. Atomera has developed Mears Silicon Technology™ (MST®), which increases performance and power efficiency in semiconductor transistors. MST can be implemented using equipment already deployed in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and is complementary to other nano-scaling technologies already in the semiconductor industry roadmap.  More information can be found at www.atomera.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atomera-to-announce-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-and-host-webinar-on-tuesday-august-4-2026-302830602.html

SOURCE Atomera Incorporated

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