Protesters target health insurers across the U.S.

Dozens of protesters, including physicians and social workers, rallied Thursday outside Highmark Inc.'s headquarters, Downtown, to push for nationwide, single-payer health insurance. All wore one blue glove, with a marker-made "X" on top -- a reference to Highmark's "better hand in your health" advertising campaign. The protest was one of 19 across the country, primarily in cities where major insurers are based, and the events coincided with the annual convention of the trade group America's Health Insurance Plans in San Francisco. Jean Budowanec of Medina, Ohio, attended the Pittsburgh event, saying her sister-in-law, despite having health insurance, was denied coverage and billed for $15,000 for more than a week in a hospital.

Zippo cuts 35

Zippo Manufacturing Co. of Bradford laid off 35 employees, citing a recent decline in business. Business though April was only slightly behind the same period last year, but lighter sales since then have decreased, particularly in the U.S., and the sales forecast looks soft, CEO Greg Booth said. Zippo's business has been affected by the anti-smoking movement, Transportation Safety Administration regulations and counterfeits. To help diversify, Zippo wants 50 percent its products to be unrelated to smoking by 2010. The layoff was effective June 11.

Advocate sought

Several consumer groups and a labor union that represents health-care workers want the state to appoint an independent consumer advocate to participate in a review of the proposed merger of the state's two largest health insurers. The groups say such an advocate would ensure that consumers' interests are represented during the state Insurance Department review of the possible marriage of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark. Gov. Ed Rendell says he doesn't think an independent advocate is necessary because he and Acting Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario already represent insurance ratepayers.

eBay battles fraud

eBay Inc. hopes to attract more online traders by expanding the protections available to people who use its PayPal payment service for transactions on eBay's Internet marketplaces. EBay executives said Thursday at the company's annual user conference that buyers who pay for items with PayPal will be eligible for full refunds, with no cap, if a seller fails to deliver an item as promised. Previously a buyer's coverage was capped at $200, or $2,000 if the item's seller enjoyed a particularly good reputation on eBay. EBay sellers who accept PayPal as a payment method will also get unlimited protection against a charge being reversed.

5.2 million still haven't filed

About 5.2 million retirees and disabled veterans nationwide -- including 15,105 in Pittsburgh -- haven't filed a tax return to claim their economic stimulus payments, the Internal Revenue Service said Thursday, announcing a campaign to get out the word to those population segments. The IRS has issued $63.8 billion so far in 76.5 million payments, based on 2007 tax returns processed. Individuals can receive $600; married couples, $1,200. About 26 percent of retirees and disabled veterans have not filed to claim their payments, the IRS said. The figures also include 1,458 potential recipients in McKeesport. Many retirees and veterans don't file tax returns because their benefits aren't taxable, but they must file this year to get a payment.

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