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States fret over health insurance scams

04/13/2010 10:55 am 2 comments

Source: Alison Young / USA Today

Bogus health plans that advertise comprehensive coverage at bargain prices are on the rise, luring desperate consumers to pay for policies that won’t cover their medical bills, state insurance commissioners say.

In recent weeks, Missouri regulators have cracked down on 13 companies. California has ordered firms to stop selling misleading and unlicensed health discount cards. Tennessee regulators have seized a company they allege has collected more than $14 million from people across the U.S. — then stranded them with unpaid bills.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, who said the bad economy has fueled the uptick in scams.

James Quiggle, spokesman for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, which represents consumers and insurance companies, said: “There’s high unemployment, health premiums are expensive and tens of millions of people have no health coverage. This is an ideal breeding ground for scams.”

Among 37 insurance bureaus responding to a coalition survey last fall, 57% reported increases in health plan scams.

To read this article in itis entirety visit USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/insurance/2010-04-12-smartdata_N.htm

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http://www.nyhealthinsurer.com Vista Health

A much wiser idea is to take a long hard look at the entire health insurance industry and then work to remedy the situation by taking out the waste and creating new, innovative ideas that would be a benefit for all.
Maurice

An important issue to consider particularly in these difficult economic times is homeowners insurance and to beware of scams especially when people are affected by severe weather conditions that threaten life and health.

Royal Palm Insurance , Gainseville , FL , Tower Hill Insurance Company , Gainseville , FL, and Newman Insurance Agency , Inc., Hollywood , FL and were involved with arranging and providing homeowners insurance and shortly after being paid for the insurance they would inform the customer the home is at risk cancel the policy. Then they offer the customer another policy with another of their companies and charge a significant additional amount.

During hurricane season, they cancel again informing the customer again the home is at risk.

It is possible this may involve discrimination.

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