THE MEGA LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY Health insurance plan is NOT what they claim North Richland Hills Texas

Sorry but yes it is a problem. Attorney General's don't seem to agree with you

Several State Attorney General's don't seem to agree with you. In fact at least one state has passed a law to prevent exactly what NASE/Mega/UICI is doing. How many names does a reputable company need anyway? Why would NASE be sued and fined by states for doing something *honest* and *helpful* instead of deceptive and criminal?

Here are some links to learn more about how *wonderful* NASE is

http://www.selfemployedweb.com/nase-wsj2.htm
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2004/01/18/premium_deal_with_complications/
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/12269183.htm

In particular let's quote the last one "the policy imposed CAPS on nearly EVERY type of coverage..."

A real insurance plan does the exact opposite.
NASE is and always will be a fraud, this is my opinion. You can read up on the links I've posted, I'm sure there are dozens more like that.

Health Care In America

To Will and any other dishearted Ex-Mega clients:
I just want to start out by saying, that it all starts with the agent. The larger that an insurance company gets, the more exposure it has to the public and the more chance there is for mis-representation. However, the other bigger factor, is how a customer wants to interpret their coverage versus what they chose to discount during the "building" of their insurance plan. 1st of all, Will you hit it right on the head that NASE and Mega are tied at the hip. So What! Is this supposed to be a crime! If so, please tell me then we can have McDonalds arrested for selling toys in happy meals, Walmart for giving you 3 cents off at the pump if you pre-buy their gift card my local supermarket who will not discount my groceries on the special buys unless I use my Kroger card.

What I'm trying to say is simply this; The whole reason for the National Association For the Self Employed (NASE) was formed, was to help provide a place where self employed people could join and use their group size to get discounts to business services as well as access to affordable health insurance. They don't try to hide this fact in any fashion that you cannot have the health insurance through Mega unless you join the association. I tell all of my prospects this up front and have no prolem with it. In fact, it is a selling point for us. The way individual health insurance is setup today is through risk pooling. When you enroll in an insurance plan with other independant insurance companies, you have usually a 12 month period before that particualar plan is closed off. Once that plan closes, no can ever enter that same exact plan again. Not to mention that you are usually confined to a small group based on your zip code or region. So when you take a plan with xyz, you may have 6,000 more people that signed up for the same plan during the enrollment period. So what happens when these people starting getting sick, having heart attacks and major surgeries? The rates of even the healthy people are increased. And they continue to increase each year. Ever have this happen? The fact that NASE is an association (group), we have over 500,000 members. Now Mega is the only health insurance provider we offer because we want to keep all of our business and it's large members with one company so that we can get great discounts on the health insurance. This is no different than Wal-mart using it's massive sized to get a great group rate for all of it's employees.

Now here's something else I bet you didn't know; With 99% of all the other individual helath plans out there, they pay benefits based on Usual Customer and 'Reasonable' charges. The reasonable part of that phrase, is the biggest word in the insurance industry that can wipe you out. I was at a customers home last night and they had a policy with a certain company and they were paying $270 a month with a $5,100 family deductible with 100% coverage after that. My program that I offered to them was a $7,500 deductible PPO program per person with an additional $4,500 total out of pocket maximum, for $312 per month. Now which program do you think you would rather have? That other plan they had with a lower deductible, 100% coverage after and cheaper monthly, or my program with a total out of pocket exposure of $12,000? It's not a trick question initially. Heck, I would rahter have their plan than mine, if i DIDN'T understand insurance!

Here is the biggest thing:
When a company includes the words 'reasonable' in terms of how they pay, that means that they have the right to dertermine how much of the hospital bill is considered reasonable under the benefit plan. The National average of how much a company using this payment method cosiders reasonable, is 63%. So although you may have a plan that 'claims' they are going to pay 100% after your out of pocket maximum is met, that doesn't mean that is all YOU will pay. So if this client would have kept their old plan, and had a $100,000 hospital bill, they would have been responsible for the first $5,100 of the bill which would reduce the bill to $94,900. Now this company actually had to have in writing but hidden in legal jargon that they cover in the 60th percentile for reasonable charges. This is code for 60%, a little less than the national average. So 60% of $94,900 is $56,940 which they consider 'Reasonable' charges. So what happens to the other $37,960 that was not covered? Oh, YOU are held responsible and you better hope the hospital gives you a break and reduces that 50%! And if you pull that miracle off, that is still a grand total of $24,080 total out of pocket that you paid. Imagine if the bill was higher!

Our plan says in writing, we cover for Usual and Customery charges. We don't use the word 'Reasonable'. So what this means is if you had a total hospital of $750,000 with our program, you would pay your $7,500 deductible and your total out of pocket of $4,500 which comes to a grand total of $12,000 and that's it! We cover absolutley 100% after you pay these amounts, no questions asked!

Also, it showed in their policy in writing, that the insurance company can raise their rate at any time as long as they provide a 30 day written notice. They also said they can raise the rates based on the claims ratio in the schedule of benefits which means, "the more you use your insurance, the more we will increase your premium".

My policy says in writting "You cannot be individually picked out for a rate increase".

So in the end, you know why my client signed up with me, for a higher premium with a higher deductible. Because we protect our people! We are not designed to cover every little sniffle or cover 100% of all your testing and doctors visits. We are designed to help keep you from losing every thing you own if you had a serious catastrophic event. We are Dream Keepers!

However, if you want to pay a little more premium for these things, we can offer doctor's visits for $20 co-pays, $10 for generic medication (automatically included with any health plan. We can help you with the big testing such as MRI's and Cat Scans with a deductible of $500. We have the best indemnity products in the country for the money which includes: Accident, Critical Illness, Income Protection, Life Insurance and Income for each day that you are hospitalized. And we also offer Dental and Vison which most companies don't offer anymore.

So in conclusion (finally) I am very proud to be a NASE field represtative and a licensed agent for the Mega Life & Health insurance company. I truly take time with each client to explain in full detail, everything I explained in this letter and exactly how each of our benefit options work. Then I let them decide what is important to them in their plan. So we may not be the 'cheapist' insurance company in the country, but we darn sure are the best! Chao'

Negative Comments about Mega Life and Health

I am and have been an active agent for Mega Life and Health in Alaska for ten years. I am also insured through them. I personally had large medical expenses two years ago, and chose to travel to Washington state for treatment as there is much better medical care available there.

I went to a specialist and my bills were paid promptly and exactly as the certificate of coverage states they would be paid. For people in Alaska it is often necessary to seek treatment outside due to the limited availability of specialist medical providers here. Many people here have limited options to leave to seek treatment elsewhere as their policies pay less to non preferred providers or out of network providers.

As a very productive agent with ten years of service, I have numerous clients and have received many calls from people thanking me and referring the vast majority of new clients. Alaska communities and cities are small compared to outside and news travels very fast, therefore my reputation is very important to me personally and from the aspect of continuing in business. The sheer volume of new clients who call me from referrals of existing clients speaks to me much clearer than many of the repulsive comments I have seen on this site.

There have been two managers in the past ten years and I can only say that they both are high standard and quality persons. It has been an excellent experience working with them over the years. The horror stories and turnover expressed in various comments on this site are not valid as witnessed by me personally.

I have experienced negative competition tactics by agents who represent other companies but my response has always been not to denigrate other carriers or agents. It is unprofessional and unethical. I have found that being honest and upfront with the public produces excellent results. I am the first one to suggest to a potential client that they might be better off going with an alternative if it appears that they would be better served.

I have found that people appreciate this manner of doing business and when added to a high satisfaction percentage rate with the carrier I represent has made my personal experiences as an agent excellent.

Thank you,

Just signed up

I just signed up with Mega earlier today. Thought I would check them out on here, but I'm pretty confused. First of all, the association I bought was Alliance for Affordable Services (never heard of NASE before)... and it was an optional membership. But the strange thing is that I haven't seen ANY of the limitations yall are talking about. In fact I had a choice between 2 major medical (i.e. 5,000,000 max) PPO policies and 2 major medical policies that allowed me to search through thousands of drs, hospitals, and facilities on the internet so I could price compare BEFORE going!

The best part was that all of my dr visits, well exams, chiropractor visits, and upcoming colonoscopy are all covered at 100% with no copays or deductibles!!! AND, it's covered at 100% whether I go in or out of network. I am incredibly happy with Mega, and I really don't understand what everyone is bickering over with plan maxes, usual and customary nonsense, etc. None of that even seems relevant to any of the plans I saw.

P.S. I've owned a small business for over 20 years now and have gone through A LOT of insurance carriers and coverage types. The major medical plan I just signed up with seems to be the best plan I've ever had. So I say give 'em a shot!

To D in Georgia

The question is 100% of what. As I posted above MEGA doesn't pay 100% of the gross bill. MEGA pays 100% of the bill up to the maximum allowable charge, or usual and customary charge. So the gross charge for your colonoscopy may be $2,000 but the usual and customary allowable charge amount may be $800 (actual experience). You are then responsible for the difference. This is why MEGA has no network. The company does not have agreements with medical providers in which the provider is bound to accept what the insurance company pays(Called a hold harmless agreement).

That doesn't mean the provider won't accept what MEGA pays. Find out how much MEGA is going to pay for your colonoscopy and then find a provider who is willing to accept what MEGA pays. A little leg work will go a long way with your MEGA plan.

This is why MEGA gives you shopping tools with your plan so you can get an idea of how expensive the provider is before you make an appointment.

In the Blue Cross indemnity days I would call BC first to see what the allowable charge amount was and then I would call providers until I found one who would take what BC was going to pay. I recommend doing the same thing with your MEGA plan.

Is your plan a consumer driven health plan?

How do you explain this?

attorneypages.com/hot/mega-life-insurance-investigation-hefty-fines.htm

When 37 states come together and find these results, I would be nervous if I were a Mega agent. And anyone looking to buy from you.

Every once and a while current agents try and defend thier company that they force on to thier clients. They try to do it by related personal experiences, but the funny thing is....they never share experiences of thier clients.

I know agents that where taken care of well by Mega when thier policies stated otherwise- but only becuase they were agents that sold for them for a long time. Mega goes over the top for thier loyal producers by making sure they run out of the hospital and scream to the world the Mega paid all thier bills. I've seen it happen several times. One agent had a health choice policy and had over $100K in bills that Mega wasn't supposed to pay - but they did.

Fact is, they don't do grant the same "favors" to your clients who don't make them millions in sales.

Nice choice Georgia!

D. in Atlanta. Nice choice. The Mega plan you applied for is one of their new plans I believe and it is great! I am licensed in Georgia and have seen that plan. In regards to the Usual and Customary- that number isnt deemed by the insurance company. It is determined by an outside source.

Mr. PA is correct to tell you to do your research to make sure a doctor isnt going to charge you $2000 when the average in Atlanta is $800 (I dont know what the average really is). Some doctors charge a ridiculous amount because they want to get the most out of an insurance company... make sure you go to a doctor who is working to help you as a patient, not to only make money off you.

If you dont have a doctor, try to find one in the network. It will keep costs down for the insurance company because they already have contracted rates, which in the long run will keep your rates down.

If you ever have any questions, make sure you contact your agent. He/she knows the exact plan and riders you have so they can make sure you get the correct answer. Have a great day!

The NASE agent's rebuttal is a load of crap (ex-ins agent)

When I first got out of college, I sold health ins and life ins for a couple years. I had general agent's contracts with many different companies, and I looked at selling for NASE, until I recognized what a crap policy it was!

The whole sales pitch that Carlos so elegantly recited has been around at least since the late 80's or early 90's. And while it may appear to be true on paper (and it sounds like a helluva sales pitch), it's totally false because doctors and insurance companies just don't work the way NASE is implying. Their whole sales pitch is a scare tactic.

They essentially say: Buddy, you better give up that cheaper policy with Blue Cross/Blue Shield that gives you better coverage.

Customer says: Gee whiz. Why?

Nase says: Oh, because of the reasonable and customary wording. They'll screw you big time, beacause the docs and hospitals always charge MUCH MORE than the reasonable and customary rates.

Customer says: Oh. I didn't know that. Gee, where do I sign?

The truth is: Nase kinda sorta ~forgets~ that virtually every big-name health plan...Kaiser, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross, Definity, etc...all have contracts with docs and hospitals. The docs and hospitals sign a CONTRACT with the insurer that they will accept $X amt of dollars that the company pays, and that the hospital or doc WILL NOT go after their customer for the balance!

Example: Cigna is your insurer. You have knee surgery. Doc charges $4,000. Hospital charges $6,000. But they are both in Cigna's PPO plan. Cigna only pays $2,800 to the doc, and $4,500 to the hospital. Do you owe the balance? NO. NO. NO. They are CONTRACTED with Cigna, and they agree to accept whatever they pay.

Nase just loves you to believe their scary sales pitch. Don't fall for it.

Will and "Anywhere Maryland"

Thanks God you are an Ex-Agent b/c you were spreading bad information. IF your insurance contract reads "reasonable charges" the insurance company determines what is paid to the provider. If it reads "Usual and Customary" then the prevailing charge in that geographic area is what the insurance company pays. I would rather have doctors and hospitals determining what is paid rather than ANY insurance company. Just b/c an insurance company has a contract w/doctors and hospitals DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL COVER ALL CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH A CLAIM. Please understand what is called "Balance Billing." Here is an article from the Patient Advocate Foundation http://www.patientadvocate.org/index.php?p=439

PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE BOTTOM WHERE IT SAYS THE PATIENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE DIFFERENCE. (also, do your homework before educating others)

Usual, Customary and Reasonable Charges (UCR)

Defined Usual, Customary and Reasonable Charges (UCR) are a calculation by a managed care plan of what it believes is the appropriate fee to pay for a specific health care product or service in the geographic area in which the plan operates.

Neither State nor Federal governments regulate UCR charges. Medicare is one entity that publishes their UCR charges. Providers of care may have different UCR Charges (Actual Charges) from the UCR Charges (Allowable Charges) of the insurance carriers. When an insurance carrier has a UCR Charge (Allowable Charge) that is below that of a provider of care's UCR Charge (Actual Charge), then the patient may be responsible for the difference. This is called Balance Billing.

BIG QUESTIONS About my Status as an AGENT

Any suggestions whoever you are? I know you have been with MEGA for some years ??

I know about the MONSTER Resumes and the group Interview Process. I know about the over-rides.


Do you remember the Home Coming events?


I have been to a few HomeComings as a top producer and -get recognized. Pretty nice stuff.

It appears that at every HomeComing the president - who I respect gives his upgrade speech. Every year I start doubting what I am doing then at HomeComing the hope of helping people comes back. Their principles of helping people are great|!!

This year they are getting rid of (thank God) the 3 deductibles and are moving to a 1 deductible per year. THey are also going to 90% Coinsurance with a 4,000 Max out of Pocket (of covered expenses). It sounds exciting. I like that I can help many people. I do tell them a head of time (if they want a crap plan thats easy to do, if they want an awesome plan- CAREONE PLUS MEGAS best plan we can do that as well and beef it up all the more by adding CRITICAL CARE and Cash Income) You can bless people in the event they have to use it if they have the Care One Plus plan with Ancillaries)

However, I feel that HealthMarkets/UGA/AMG/Mega in connection with NASE whatever we are compliant to say, are simply just trying to catch of to the compettition. They were bought out by Blackstone and have made a lot of positive changes.

Yet, I still doubt in the accuracy of the coverage.

Also, I am frustrated that I have to get in my car every week, have late evenings, and get stood up multiple times in order to make a good income. Yes, I work hard over and over to just make it.

Those of you who are ex-agents. Do other agencies really pay higher? Really? Is it much easier to set appointments over the phone? Do I still have to call and call and call to leave many messages? Do cliets still have to wait 2 - 6 weeks before they get approved? Are the plans really better? If people move to another state can they keep their coverage or do they have to re-apply within the state and hope that they are still insurable??

Where do I go if I leave? Man, I owe the company a lot of money. I found this out last October and am trying to work through it in my own head. I owe much more than lets say 25k. Residual income is tough because so many people do cancel. I do buy up ton of leads to.

Any suggestions- whoever you are?

Actually Mike....

All of the insurance compaies I deal with do not allow balance billing. It's in the Blue Cross policy my clients receive - in writing. If you'd like a copy faxed to you just say the word. Clients are not responsible with paying the difference. The "uc vs ucr" is a scare tactic employed by UGA agents to scare people into buying Mega policies.

And Mike, what would it matter anyway:

ER = $1,000 max benefit
Lab = $2,000 per day max benefit
Doctor visits = $75 max benefit
Prescriptions = $1,000 max benefit
Chemo = $2,000 per day max benefit
Deductibles = per-occurance (unless PPO Plus or Signature - almost never sold)

No outpaitent charges count towards the plan deductible. You have a seperate deductible for lab and ER. All out of pocket expenses involving lab, ER and doctor visits don't count towards the deductible.

These are extremely limited plans. I guess you have to tell the client something to get them to sign.

"But we put people into a large association and give valuable business benefits"

So does everyone else, including Assurant Health, Golden Rule, Celtic, AMS, American Republic, Continental General, etc....All of thoese companies are association coverage JUST LIKE MEGA/NASE and give business benefits while putting people into a huge pool of people thereby speading out the risk. It's called "association group" insurance.

You need to do some research.

Scoop on this company, the criticisms are correct

This is lengthy, but it deserves a read. I am writing because I want sales people and consumers to be educated as to what I feel is the real problem behind MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company; which is its marketing company, UGA. I also want consumers to understand that just as many good sales people as bad sales people are selling both good and bad products. I also want to diminish the idea that only salespeople lie; sometimes the liars are the sales managers, perhaps the marketing company they represent, and sometimes the consumer as well.

The consumer. I worked in the insurance business on the sales side for a year, although I had been in sales for 14 years consecutive years prior. To be certain, there are plenty of consumers out there who also lie, and they are lying about their cancer history, smoking history and the real state of health they are in to try to get around paying higher premiums (we all know people who do this). This hurts everyone and also helps drive the rising cost of health care everywhere. Although I can empathize with the individual who cannot afford 2 blood pressure medications and their diabetes pills, and on top of that a $250/month premium, I also know for a fact that if many of these health care victims lost 30 pounds, they could eliminate most of their monthly medical costs, and help themselves afford a health care plan as well as increased daily life activities and a less painful older age.

With this in mind, the consumer's behavior can make it difficult for a salesperson to really respond to the need of health insurance, and really find the right product for the consumer sitting in front of him or her. Many people want insurance to pay for conditions that they could help manage themselves and many people need insurance for financial protection in the event that something devastating happened. Others simply want the preventative measures (blood tests, etc) to be paid for, and insurance companies offer something for everyone; but, they will not pay for everything.

UGA. I worked for UGA in 2005. Therefore, what I write here is based on my real experience as a selling agent in 2005, in Florida. I am certainly biased, as I feel that UGA is really a marketing company intended to make sales managers a lot of money, and the products and people, (and the art of sales and providing a good product to a good person) fail to deliver. Although every employee (at least in 2005 and prior to 2005) were all "self-employed" and worked in "satellite offices" of some sort, everyone operated under one big umbrella called UGA.

I was lied to during the recruiting sales presentation because I was told I would be self-employed (more on this in a bit). I was used to being self-employed, I was good at it, had worked as a business and market analyst, and a salesperson, and truly believe (and know) that America is driven by small businesses. I also know that small business owners are least likely to go to the doctor when they have a cold (heck, I was self-employed, I know!), but also need similar benefits that large companies have, they need to save money, and they need to be represented in the government. After listening to the sales pitch regarding the NASE/AFS and what they do for the small business, sole-proprietor, and their families, I thought I had found a company where I could really help the little guy customize a plan for him or her, and literally protect their assets with an indemnity plan (which is mostly what they sold in Florida in 2005, I do not know what they are selling now). Most people are not familiar with what an indemnity plan is; they are used to HMOs and PPOs and cannot seem to get their heads around any other plan out there other than "$10 co-pay".

So, here is the problem: you have products that are sold using Mega Life and Health Insurance's name in a market where no one understands any concept other than $10 co-pay, but they all want the best coverage for as little money as possible. Then you have UGA, which is the marketing company who recruits and pays its sales force, and they typically recruit new, young agents who do not understand the selling market when it comes to insurance products. This model works well for UGA because UGA makes their agents sign a contract that binds the agent to the company. In other words, the agent who is working 100% commissions, may only sell Mega Life and Health Insurance products in a market place that does not understand anything other than "$10 co-pay", and typically sells to people who will be less likely to use services (remember, the business owner does not usually go to the doctor, they are usually running their business... right?). As far as the NASE/AFS are concerned; not sure how they really benefit from this association other than more members, which translates to a bigger presence.

The fact is that Mega really does divulge everything about its plans up front in the literature they provide to the sales people... and the sales people are up against it since they only have a small number of products in an environment that is 100% commission, and remember they are captive, and the public also lie. It's a complicated industry, it really is, and I am not condoning a lying salesperson; but, again, I feel that the responsibility needs to be split down the middle... maybe in this case, three or four ways. The truth may be that many people might not qualify for Mega Life and Health Insurance's plans or might not be able to afford them; but, since the agent is captive, he/she may only sell those products to make all his or her income. Ratio seems a bit off with regards to the risks the self-employed agent takes.

If I were to offer some advice, I would tell the newer agent to get their license, and find an office where you can sell many different products from many companies. This seems like the true definition of being self-employed. People need protection (there is a need for insurance, no doubt), and being self-employed means that you take on all the risks; therefore, the rewards should be great. Agents, who are 100% commission from the start with no benefits, pay their own expenses, taxes, etc.; but then also have to call in their numbers every day, show up for a mandatory sales meeting weekly (some offices held paychecks if you did not show up), and you are given the bottom of the pile of leads that you are still paying for if your numbers went down, and cannot take vacations or your numbers will fall… I did not feel self-employed at all. I was also "discouraged" from selling in other more successful sales people's "territories” (managers), and was not given any leads in these areas even though I paid for my leads and my marketing, and the territories were closer to my home and in safer neighborhoods. My sales manager sent me out at least an hour in every direction to poor neighborhoods, and told me to make it work. As a market analyst, my mind could only be so open when I looked at the demographics. This is a captive agent's life.

The most successful people in UGA in 2005 were sales managers, not sales agents. The company seems to want the agent to be successful... and how can anyone blame them. The agents make the managers money. And if the agent leaves the company with bad business on the books (industry terms "not taken"), then the agent must repay the commissions. Of course I am sure most agents do not because I am sure they feel they have been taken for a ride, and I can understand why they would feel that way after my experience. I can only speculate how a driven sales person or entrepreneur could feel. For me it was not that bad because I was purposely not successful. I sold honestly, got lied to by some consumers who would tell me they need insurance for monthly blood transfusions only after I showed up to their door (which was at minimum, a 1 hour drive one way), but I made my way honestly and didn't make as much money. I was ok with that. One thing that was troublesome about my earnings though; my tax returns stated that I made thousands of dollars in earnings that I did not make. Anyone planning on working for UGA – save your commission pay stubs as I am not sure how they computed the extra thousands but there it was on my 1099. I corrected that amount on my tax form and will keep those pay stubs for the next 20 years, just in case. So, perhaps during the recruiting sales pitch they will show you some sort of pay stub or earnings showing you that doing the bare minimum you can make “XYZ”… in hindsight, I feel that perhaps some of those numbers were skewed, as my earnings certainly were.

In closing… I think that Mega Life and Health Insurance Company products will do and will not do what they state they will do and will not do, but in many ways the products are ridiculous and are not providing (obviously, if you read consumer feedback) what the general public want or need. Also, based on all the complaints (and there are a lot!) from consumers, the sales force are not doing their job in explaining the products. Perhaps it's because deep down inside, they know the products are ridiculous and will not satisfy most of their customers. Shame on them, they should be brokers, not captive agents.

Speaking of the idea of a 100% commissioned captive agent is also ridiculous. Prior to being involved with UGA, I could not find any information on what it would be like to work with this company, so here it is: if you have a spouse or a large settlement or alimony payment that can support you for 5 years or so, and you really enjoy being a captive, non-employee with little security and no benefits, and you like taking all the risk of your own success, and you especially have a penchant for being told how to run your business and life everyday, then UGA is the perfect company for you.

Does anyone know anything about World Health Ins?

Have been reading your feedback, would like to know about other health insurance that you would recommend.

Thanks,

employee or independent contractor

I invite any rep from Mega Life, NASE or their clones to go to the web site of the internal revenue service and check out the IRS's rules defining employees versus independent contractors. IRS uses 20 guidelines to determine whether one is an employee or an independent contractor. Go there and read them yourself.

Mega Life, NASE and their clones are in violation of that IRS regulation. For one, if you are an independent contractor, YOU determine your working conditions. As an independent contractor in the insurance business, you are also free to sell any product authorized in your state that you are licensed to sell, even competing products. If you are in independent contractor, you cannot be required to attend weekly meetings and no one can withhold (or hold back) any properly earned commission. That is a violation of federal and state wage and hour laws.

Organizations like Mega Life, NASE and their clones operate in that manner because most of the employees (yes, they are employees - not independent contractors) are ignorant of their rights in the workplace and afraid to question the managers.

I had a close relative who was a retired attorney for the IRS and that is where I learned all this. I used to work for a clone of NASE and Mega Life about ten years ago and I filled out the form from the IRS on whether I was really an independent contractor and received a private letter ruling from the IRS that I was in fact an employee as defined by the IRS. That only affected myself, but if I had the time; I could have asked the IRS to enforce it on a nationwide basis.

So what does that mean for Mega Life, NASE and their clones? If their reps are classified by the IRS as employees, then they would have to withhold state and federal income taxes, remit them promptly to the IRS, pay the employer's matching social security tax, cover their reps under worker's compensation, pay unemployment compensation taxes and fully comply with all other regulations involving employer - employee relationships. Also NASE, Mega Life and their clones could be faced with massive back taxes, fines and penalties that could put them out of business.

After all it was the IRS that put Al Capone in prison for tax evasion. Knowledge is a very powerful force and someone knowlegable about the IRS definition of an independent contractor would be a very dangerous person for NASE and Mega Life.

Oh, by the way...

The point that the insurance is only as good as the agent selling it is a good reason to stay away from Mega. Mega agents are not 5x smarter than the person looking to purchase insurance, when it comes to insurance. Most agents are getting into Mega without any training other than the quick class mandated by the state. Also, agents are trained to gloss over parts and emphasize what will happen if you get hurt or sick without this insurance. Want to not get ripped off? Simple. Your fist step is to stay away from Mega.

Thats Security!

As posted earlier, it states that Mega plans have $2000/ day of testing- thats it?!? That sure beats my $2000 a YEAR my BCBS plan had. Oh wait, I didnt find out I had only $2000 a year of OUTPATIENT TREATMENT until BCBS authorized my $3600 of treatment, then decided that $2000 was all they would pay! That's security!

For any of the EX reps posting on here, there is no need to keep bashing Mega. Just because you could not handle being either independent with no time clock or work in the insurance industry doesnt justisfy blaming it on Mega or your leaders. Look in the mirror! If you are slinging insurance now as a broker, I would recommend that any potential clients beware! Brokers will have you apply for one plan and then 6-12 months later have a different plan be "better for you"- oh wait, better for their pocket book since they will get paid again from another company. Who's best interest are they looking out for?!? That's security!

John in Iowa- pay attention: we dont mention health insurance agents in some of the job posting to keep insurance slingers away like yourself. You obviously have not seen a new Mega product because you keep reverting back to the older ones- the plans we dont offer anymore! Oh yeah, birthday cards and christmas cards, of course, but you need to be a little more creative now a days. People see right through those. They just know that after that birthday card you are going to call them and say "Hey, your 34 now, lets switch you to another company because they will have better coverage and rates for you" Cha Ching!

M in Irvine, CA. We all know that your claim about the $180,000 bill and Mega paid $3-4,000 is BS. It wouldn't happen with any new or recent insurance plan. Stop telling lies- you probably tell enought to your clients!

Amy in Orlando- wow! How long have you been in the insurance industry for? Yeah, its been less than a year. I dont think that makes you an expert, so you might want to get a little more knowledge under your belt before you start advising people in other states (especially where you arent licensed) what to do. That is illegal, and I would be careful. I have seen people get in trouble for that.

To the rest of you readers, I hope your neck isnt hurt too bad by now after reading all these. It really is a waste of time. Disgruntled former employees never have a good word to say. Truth of the matter is they couldn't make an HONEST living helping out people with health insurance and dont want to take the blame. Its okay- we are all human!

Mega Agents - Why do you stick around there?

Great Post Above!!

I remember when I was REQUIRED to make my managers "post card" parties where we would all sit around and fill out postcards as a group. My manager would cut off our leads and basically disown us as an agent if we missed them.

Mega agents - why do you put up with that crap? If you don't know already, life outside of UGA is so much better.

You should fire your micromanager, low commissions, captive status, junk non-major med products, belly-to-belly sales and get into the real world of selling health insurance.

Why are you afraid? Is it loyalty to your manager or division pres? Are you comfortable making the money you are making? Is your heart set on making that next big trip? Do you love the product you are selling.

If so, there are plenty of great managers that you can create a new loyalty with. You will make more money than you are making now. The trips and incentives are just as big, if not better. I know you can't possibly love your products. And here's the kicker - you are not a captive employee. No longer a UGA droid blindly doing whatever you are told.

Get some defiance against your manager. I promise you they are ultimately looking out for themselves- not you. They get an over-ride on you, so sure they are going to nice to you when you work your ass off to produce $15K AV this week. Do yourself a favor and look around at other products and how their plans work. I suggest looking at UHC/Golden Rule to start. No need to overwhelm yourself with too many. Look at the Co-Pay Select, Plan 100, Saver plans and HSA's.
If you need to know how to leave - check out my post above.

United American Products are being sold by MEGA / NASE agents?

I am considering selling for United American only to find out that MEGA / NASE agents are selling there products also. In your opnion is United American just another front for MEGA / NASE type products and services? Thanks for all of your input it really does help. I am just looking for a good health insurance company to work for.

Thanks
Rhapsody

UA & MEGA

UA is a midgrade carrier the fits a niche market of individuals who are suffering from many conditions that fully underwritten carriers will not accept. Diabetes, bad backs and knees, recent tumors and cancers, arthritis, etc. There are still a number of declinable conditions, but UA is far more lenient.

We personally don't sell a ton of it because that's not the kind of business we are seeking after. However, we run into it all of the time.

Mega agents entire philosophy has always been - "something is better than nothing" - so United American is a perfect fit for them.

But Get This Mega Agents! I can offer my agents the exact same United American contracting that you have -selling the EXACT same policies. BUT pay them almost 15% higher commissions - and its annualized! What does that tell you about your AMAZING UGA/Cornerstone?? it tells me that you are getting ripped off that they are taking most of your commissions. Remember- you have to give up 3 levels of commissions to your uplines that work so hard for you and teach you how to sell in all the wrong ways.

Could that extra 15% (180% advance) help you buy your own leads and put your own money into shares with a company that actually has a good name? I think so. The same thing goes for your underwritten Mega policies and your minimal commissions. Do the math. It doesn't make sense to be there. You are paying too high a price with very little in return!

By the way, ever heard of Chesapeake Life? There are available to non-captives to sell as well. You don't even want to know how much more you would make if you were a FREE AGENT.

I was a potential Mega customer

I have to say that reading this "Rip-off" report and subsequent postings have enlightened me. I was approached by a Mega agent last week, listened to the pitch and signed on the dotted line. I am a member of NFIB and spoke to many other NFIB members about this issue. All I can say is that there must be a lot of truth to these complaints about Mega as I heard nothing favorable from any of my NFIB contacts.

I'd have never known the complexity of the task that I had taken on were it not for this forum. I have elected to have my agent not process my policy (within 2 business days of signing that dotted line) based on what I have learned here and on other forums.

I found that Mega typically rates in the top 3 companies regarding complaints made to most of the state Commissioners of Insurance offices websites that I visited.

I have decided that a matter of this importance needs to be fully investigated before signing up for a policy. Reading the banter back and forth on this topic has me concerned whether or not I have the background necessary to make a good educated decision. Can I really trust what any Insurance agent tells me? Can someone lead me to a information resource that is reliable?

So, off I go to continue my education in the land of health insurance. I only hope that I can find a suitable program. Thank you to ALL of the contributors. You may have saved my butt!!

I hope you cancelled your policy

I sure hope you have cancelled your policy. I was recently "laid off" by the company because I did not agree with the ethics and inhumane way of treating the employees. They treat us life slaves. This is junk insurance. Tell everyone you know that this company is a HUGE scam. get out now before you make the rich richer.

Major Medical Out of Network?

Ken,
Agents are going to tell you what you want to hear as Dallas just said. Dallas, you independent agents do the same thing if not worse. I talk to plenty of people who are NEVER told what would happen if their child had to have cancer, burn, or other high dollar specialized treatment.

Most people want to have complete freedom to choose any doctor, hospital etc anywhere. These kinds of specialized treatments are almost NEVER in main networks. A major medical policy is not the answer in and of itself.

Adding special riders to our plans can give the same coverage as a major medical plan. The base plan is not major medical and THAT ALONE is why they can't be called major medical plans. Our newest plans have equal or better chemo benefits in network with any company. Our out of network coverage KILLS our big competition.

Clients beware of the misinformation from agents including Mega's. But also be aware of misinformation about our products describing some previous plans, and isolated incidents that can be shown with any company.

I have a woman who has been with one of the most well known companies for years picking up Mega's insurance when she retires. Why, because she deals with the headaches, cussing out etc of irate clients who find themselves outside their network and have huge bills that would be a small portion with us in the same scenario. I am extremely thorough and compliant in my presentations, and yet I still have people accuse me of not telling them something. Understand one thing, the beauty of the options and choices Mega offers is turned into a curse by clients not understanding what they are buying.

But I have never seen a more in depth teaching on how insurance works, the dangers, gaps etc and how to close them. After this, if a client feels misrepresented, I have to say at least we try. If someone has had a different experience it is either because the agent was not typical or the client made the agent skip stuff. I will leave a home if I can't go over all I feel is essential.

I know of no other company that spends as much time educating clients. The main issue as to complaints is almost always that the agent is told "we can only afford this much" and some benefit is declined by the client even though THOROUGHLY explained by the agent. Not having this thorough presentation is the exception and not the rule. I hear clients say "you never told me about that" etc and I do so in all my presentations.

Find some happy clients of Mega who have been traveling, found themselves out of network and were blown away by how little they paid out their pockets. Then (in all fairness) talk with some people who have had out of network experiences with every major company and listen to their spewing. They have found their way to several boards on the net.

Every company has their issues. 75% of people who filed medical bancruptcy HAD HEALTH INSURANCE. 75% of the insurance market is not held by Mega. Think about that for a while and look hard at any other company as well. Ask the wonderful independent agents of this world to explain the gaps in their policies. Good luck, because you will look high and low to find one that will. They love to hammer ours though.

major medical sold by a non captive agent

Ken, I'm happy you did your due dilligence, and avoided this company. I truely hope others benefit from this as well. In answering your question look for an independent insurance broker...explain to him the kind of coverage you want and tell him you would like him to give you a detailed presentation on his top three recommendations. Make certain you are looking at "major medical" policies only, and read the brochures fully before you make the final decision. If you do not understand the language in the brochure call the company to get clarification, don't ask the agent(he will often say what he thinks you want to hear). Many are very honest, but this method eliminates the chance they may not be telling you the whole truth.


Understand there is no perfect policy, but also understand there are many scams and pretenders. Make sure you see in writing the words "major medical" that alone will eliminate most of the crap because limited hospital-surgical policies (like Mega) cannot legally use "Major Medical" terminology in their description of the plan so it won't be there in writing. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget best. Good shopping, and remember what you read (in a company brochure) is what is fact,not necessarily what the agent says.

Pat - you still don't get it

Pat, a client can easily go BK just on the $1,500 drug cap alone. Aside from that they get get slammed with ER charges with that $1,000 cap.

Pat, I was one of Mega's top producers in the country for years. That was until my clients started calling with horrible stories which forced me to take a look at what I was selling - most of which was Premier PPO.

Premier PPO - as you well know, has a horrible penality for being out of network since the OOP changes to $9,000 and the coinsurance is 50% - that's PLUS the deductible PER OCCURANCE!

You also misread the Harvard article. Yes, 75% went BK and had health insurance for two reasons:

1) They lost coverage due to an inability to pay their premiums and the policy lapsed.

2) Their average bill was $12,000. $10,000 in the US triggers a BK for a lot of people.

So how does an out of network Mega PPO claim with a $2,500 deductible solve that Pat? That client would owe $2,500 PLUS $9,000 = $11,500 and that's per-occurance. Hope they don't need another confinement during that same year.

I've been independent for many years and let me explain something to you:

1) If you're in network most insurance companies don't allow balance billing and that's in writing. That means there's no "UCR" in network.

2) Most insurance companies only allow a MAXIMUM penality for being out of network. That varies but the policies I sell are $1,000 penality. That's it.

3) Every single policy I sell bills clients the in-network rate if they're out of network and it's an emergency.

4) Any client that has a scheduled major procedure will be sent to an in-network facility - like a transplant or major surgery. There's never a time when the client has a scheduled surgery and ends up at an out-of-network facility since the company will only authorize an in-netork facility.

The only time a client will ever be nailed with balanced billing is if they CHOOSE to go out of network and it's not a medical emergecy.

You don't know a single thing about insurance and it's crystal clear you've had no formal training outside of Mega. Your posts and lack of knowledge are actually embarrassing and reminds me of back when I was chugging the Kool Aid.

The problem Pat is you're on the board arguing with former Mega Life managers - like myself - who know in graphic details exactly what's going on. Save your arguments for newbies - not people who's produced millions in premiums for Mega and know the full story.

Pat, stop misinforming your clients...

Pat, are you kidding me? You are the shining example of the MEGA agent--misinforming clients in the guise of educating them. Spewing the garbage your leaders spew at you so you can pretend to make an honest living. Shame on you for continuing to defend MEGA's products without educating yourself.

Let me quote some of your misguided information. "Adding special riders to our plans can give the same coverage as a major medical plan...Our newest plans have equal or better chemo benefits in network...Our out of network coverage KILLS our big competition."

You are clueless, buddy! MEGA has caps on their chemo coverage and just about everything else--even on that glorious Premier PPO that MEGA agents like to brag about. What's so "special" about a thousand bucks a day for chemo? That's how much MEGA's PPO covers in-network in the state of Florida, it's half that out of network. That is not major medical coverage and it doesn't come close to killing your competition.

And then to say, "I know of no other company that spends as much time educating clients." How can you educate your clients about something you obviously know nothing about?

The truth is, you simply don't know anything about any other companies.

The truth is, you don't know what a major medical plan is.

The truth is, you don't know how to educate your clients, you were only taught to deceive them.

The truth is, you hope what we're saying here isn't true.

The truth is, there is trickle of doubt in the back of your mind about MEGA, but you are in too far to admit it.

Why else would you be here?

P.S.--Thank you, John from Des Moines! You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate your entries.

Insurance 101

I have read all of your responses. I am a licensed insurance agent who has switched a number of my clients to reputable insurance companies who are listed on the AM Best and who are in good standing with the Insurance Commissioner in my state. I also look into and review the competition and ask questions. If you have a complaint against an insurance company file a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner in your respective state.

The one thing I figured out about Mega after reviewing these policies for a client is that they say they are a group plan when in all reality they are individually underwritten and issued. So, some people with health issues may or may not get a policy.

Health insurance is simple deductible, co insurance, total out of pocket of usual and customary charges. There may be a Prescription card and doctor office copays. If the plan tells you what the maximum is they will cover or states a value on the services it is not "true health insurance" it is a supplemental plan and should not be taken as health insurance. Remember there is usually a $2,000,000 lifetime maximum on health insurance, but if a company tells you a low figure for each service that is their maximum. Buyer beware.

The other problem I have with MEGA is the number of complaints with the State Insurance Commissioner and the severity of the claims filed against the company as well as its agents. The consumer needs to beware of companies and agents looking for a quick sell. Check those companies out thoroughly before you buy a policy that may or may not be insurance.

NASE and MEGA Life and health are NOT the same company

I am appointed with MEGA Health and Life. NASE is the National Association for Self-Employed. It is a non-profit organization that lobbies for self-employed and provides many benefits for the same. MEGA is partnered with NASE, and is a for-profit insurance company. NASE offers discount plans for doctor visits, dental, vision and labs. It has been confusing about which service is being used. If someone uses NASE when they think they are using their insurance-MEGA, the result would be what happened here. The agent who sold the poicy should have explained more clearly and been available for questions from the client.

Interesting that......

Right before I left the DOI in my state had apparantely received a lot of complaints. All the mangers, including me, got a communication directly from UGA that basically said this (I'll paraphrase since it was years ago):

1) Remind the agents that this is not major medical coverage and it is not to be presented as such.

2) Under no circumstances is the coverage to be presented as "better than" or "equal to" major medical coverage.

3) Agents should not be out to replace major medical policies.

4) Our coverage is not for everyone. Clients who have stated that they want "major medical" or "comprehensive" should not be lead to believe that the Mega Life policies are major medical or comprehensive.

5) Agents cannot represent to the client that other carriers will either cancel their plan or raise their rates based on claims history.

This communication was backed up by a phone meeting we all had behind closed doors which basically said this: "These are limited plans and should be sold as such. The target market is people who currently don't have coverage due to price. Under no circumstances are we to replace coverage when clients have made it clear they want the "same" coverage they currently have indicating they want major medical or a comprehensive plan."

So this is just all BS and smoke. Even at the top of UGA they know the truth which is this:

If the plans were sold strictly by the benefits agents would be lucky to get one sale a month. Instead, the plans are protrayed to be "better" then major medical plans and scare tactics are used to make clients believe that other plans will leave them in financial ruin.

This is why the plan details are not available online and a heavy-handed in-person presentation is needed to "close" the deal quickly before the client has a chance to think about it or research.

This guy Pat is the definition of the problems Mega Life faces - agents representing to clients that limited benefit plans are "better" then major medical plans.

Pat, in my old division you'd be fired for telling clients in a presentation that the plans are better or equal to major medical. I'm surprised you still have a job. You must be in an extremely unethical division with no training or monitoring.

Are you serious M K?

M K Allaire, it looks like you might be a new agent for dear old Mega. Do yourself a favor and read this entire thread and you might find yourself enlightened. Take off your blinders so you can see that NASE is just a front for Mega/Health Markets. The line that "We've selected the best insurance provider" is pure bs. The only reason your asked to sell stand alone memberships is to ward off regulators noticing that NASE does not exist outside of Mega. If you're not a newbie and are a vet in that organization trying to do some damage control, STOP WASTING YOUR TIME.

I am not saying all or even a majority of the sales reps of Mega (UGA/Cornerstone) are bad folks. But the honest to God truth is that the operation to it's core is criminal in nature in that they exploit people's ignorance of how true health insurance works. No matter what Mega or Midwest "plan" you furnish from their nice little brochures, they ALL limit what they will pay and leave the client totally exposed.

Don't waste any keystrokes on the baloney that "those are the old plans. what we have now is much better." Just have a lawyer review the actual insurance contract that arrives for your clients and you will readily see the gaping holes in every single one of their policies. In fact, there are lawyers already doing that who are working on class action lawsiuts against Mega.

So, M K, get out while you can. Don't let the facade crumble around you. Find another carrier to represent that has solid policies that leave your clients with true peace of mind. And if you're one of those that's been around for years and are in management or are just in too deep, good luck to you! Save your soul and join the crusade against these gangsters!

Thank you, thank you John

I was never a manager for UGA/MEGA. I got out pretty quickly. However, the memo John received and the phone conversation that followed it up fills in some of the gaps that I noticed during my short stay. I seriously doubt that memo ever made it to my managers. They talked all day about HOPE, and how something is better than nothing, but then I would get grilled when I couldn't flip a customer from a major med to the ppo ("This plan is accounting for nearly 65% of all policy sales in the US. People LOVE this plan." From my manager).

I was told to tell people the plan was better, and use all the heavy handed garbage we all know about. When I asked questions that I was being asked (how much will it cost me if I get burned and have to go to Boston {I was selling in RI, a few blocks from the Station night club fire that killed 100 people}) , my manager wanted to know why I was allowing the presentation to go in that direction.

Pat, I'll call your bluff. You don't leave a house if you are not allowed to explain everything to a customer. Thats BS. It is certainly not how you were trained, and it is not following in the character of this company. And as far as MEGA having the best training and most product knowledge, when I wanted to know about the HSA, I was told by my manager it covered everything, even though the brochure said differently. So I called the IC in TX, and they read verbatim what the brochure said. When I asked for clarification, they said to ask my manager. It is a smoke and mirrors sham, as we have shown. Thankfully there are people changing their minds about transfering insurance to or working for MEGA.

Step Up John

John all the examples you use with numbers are about the plans you know of. Our newest plans don't work that way. Number two, I have worked for other companies as well. Name the companies that only have a $1,000 penalty for out of network care.

All the companies I have looked at (on my own not with my manager) have no maximum that you pay out of network. If fact, they all say something to the effect of client is responsible for any amount above reasonable. You never address that. There are too many people who have written about this on other boards. I can't name names or they won't print my rebuttle.

Again, give me names of the companies who have a true $1,000 out of network charge. The policies I have replaced clearly have major flaws out of network and I have been appointed with some of them. You are not dealing with a neophyte here either.

Thanx MK

Hey MK - thanks for the good laugh!!

You're kidding, right?

Pat, I've seen the new plans. They are identical to the old plans except slightly enhanced benefits such as wellness and drugs. Beyond that they are simply re-named.

Let's address some things:

*Per period of confinement deductibles leave the client with unimagionable exposure. How do you successfully explain to a client that the deductible resets after release from the hospital? (note: you don't - you hope the client doesn't read that part)

*On the indeminty "go to any hospital" plan the surgical caps are simply far too low to give hit a reasonable rate for the client. Go ahead and work up $1,000 R&B and max the surgical benefits. Can't do it and sell it. That plan also doesn't have a DME benefit. What about one visit per day in confinement? How is in-patient therapy treated? What if you're in the burn unit? What's the ICU cap? You only get the ambulance paid if you're confined?

*On the PPO product the OOP doubles to $9,000 for being out of network. Add that to the deductible and remember it's per period of confinement and it's the worst liability a client can assume in the market place.

Pat, almost every company I sell has a $1,000 penality for being out of network. A client is only "balance billed" if they CHOOSE to go out of network and it's not an emergency.

Let me teach you about health insurance Pat. If you're on vacation in another state and you get ill/have an accident you can be in or out of network and it doesn't matter as long as you needed immediate treatment.

If you don't need immediate treatment - say you have a scheduled back surgery and it's one week away - then NO health insurance company is going to authorize an out-of-network facility.

You are talking about the .01% of people choose to go to an out of network doctor/facility for treatment and know it's out of network for a non-emergency procedure. Yes, then they're balance billed.

Basically, you're using extremely rare cases and painting them as the norm in an attempt to justify what you do and scare clients into purchasing your products.

Listen Pat, save the BS. I ran one of the largest districts in the region for years. There's reasons UGA only targets non-licened reps on boards like Monster and Hotjobs.

And if you want to know whether or not UGA is a deceptive company then search "UGA" on Monster and tell me if you see a single sentence about selling health insurance. Not there is it? Wow...what an honest company, huh?

Pat, you are arguing with one of the former top 20 UGA reps on the country, a former UGA manager and now one of the top independent agents in the country. Again, go blow smoke somewhere else.

So you used to be independent and went to UGA?

1) You no longer own your book of business - UGA does. I own my book of clients.

2) If you take an advance you're paying 12% in interest. I pay nothing and get a full year advance.

3) I get as high at 10% renewals to 7% renewals. Pat, I have 3 million currently on the books as we speak on my renewals are $180,000 a year. That's $15,000 a month in renewal.

4) I actually get renewals - you get policy lapses. As your clients get rate-increased into oblivion, cancel due to premiums or simply want another plan you lose a client. I keep everyone since I can sell all plans in my state. 5 years from I'll have an 8 million dollar book of business and $400,000 in renewals. 5 years from now you'll be in the field trying to sell $10,000 that week to get a check.

5) I never lose a deal. I can sell plans with immediate maternity benefits, no exclusions for pre-ex conditions and plans with no deductibles. You have to fit the square peg in the round hole to get a deal then pray your client doesn't catch it.

6) I send my clients monthly newletters. You do that? No - you hope they lose your number after the sale. You sent you clients Birthday and Christmas cards? Thought not.

You're certainly not the sharpest tack in the box. You're gonna run around for the next 10 years so your division, distric and regional manager can get rich? I work for myself and my clients.

Mega Agents in it For the Money? Ask John the $15,000 per Month Man

John, you have continually ripped on me. But you let all of us know about what is important to you. All I hear from you is how great you were with Mega and now are one of the top agents in the country. By the way, I have a friend who is also one of the top agents in the country BUT: he doesn't tell anyone he is. You are makiing tons more money than any OR most of your clients probably make.

Sounds to me like a VERY REAL disrepancy with the people that say Mega agents are in it for the money. John, you are still not addressing the newest plan. You pull out something other than what I sell. Because none of the scenarios you present apply with the main plan I sell. Now here is the bombshell and I want anyone listening to him to read and hear this loud and clear.

I know about someone who recently had to go through a hellish nightmare with their child and it was a specialized treatment center involved. There was not (contrary to what John said) a willful decision to go out of network for a non emergency.

The reality is that our new policy would have meant probably less than $10,000 out of pocket for them. They had a major insurance companies' group plan from the spouses work. The treatment was given "out of network" wasn't an emergency and fit into a category where sometimes you do "willfully go out of network" and it is not covered.

If fact, not even close to being covered. They are out a ton of money now because reasonable and customary billing and "balanced billing" did apply. If anyone really thinks John the know it all (one of the top agents in USA) is not (as he accused me) blowing smoke: go to Google and type in the words reasonable and customary push the spacebar once and then add a + sign and no space.

After the plus sign type in out of network. So what you will have is: reasonable and customary +out of network. Read for yourself. You will have to look at a lot of pages. Look for ones that are from a university for example. They detail pretty strong how it works out of network.

Don't take my or Mr. best of show's word for it. It always says "won't pay any more than what is determined to be reasonable" or "allowable." It doesn't mention emergencies etc. Go to a cancer, burn unit etc, or as one of our competitor's clients did: get a procedure done for cancer and pay 95% of the bill because they were out of network.

The challenge still remains John: put in writing for all of us what companies have a GUARANTEED $1,000 maximum out of network. FYI: You can also go to the American Medical Association website and their is an article on lawsuits against insurance companies who don't allow enough for many procedures.

It is TOTALLY dealing with out of network billing gaps. Nothing more. My research and info I use has not come from my managers like John and others have accused me of. I have done my own research and continue to.

GOOGLE MEGA LIFE + SCAM

Pat, you like Google searches then Google "mega life" + "scam" and enjoy yourself. Google the PBS special about Mega they did recently.

I'll never convince you, but it's neither here nor there. The attorney general's office in MA just filed a suit against Mega on the 24th for deceptive business practives. Google that. Hey, didn't Mega clean up their act? Yet ANOTHER lawsuit for deception 2 days ago??? I wonder how Blackstone will react to that?

I also see that Blackstone sold the student division to United Healthcare - wasn't profitable enough. Wow....so what if Mega's not profitable enough for Blackstone?

My best guess is you have about 2 to 3 more years and if Mega can't show greatly increased numbers to Blackstone you'll be out of business. My guess is also that Blackstone isn't gonna put up with the incessant lawsuits Mega has incurred in the past - and the lawsuits just keep coming.

Too bad about that student division. I'm sure they tried. All the insurance companies I work for aren't owned by a private company - so I'm pretty safe. How safe do you feel after 4 years of stagnate sales that were so bad that UICI went from a public to a private company? Better not throw away your resume.

And if Mega is so incredibally fantastic why don't they advertise for agents in the broker community? I don't sell over the internet - I meet with every one of my clients. So why is it that I can't represent Mega along with my other companies? You and I both know why.

In fact Pat when I went to quit I still wanted to represent Mega Life. I just also wanted to represent other companies so I had a variety of underwriting guidelines and other benefits like maternity. My division manager said if I wanted to represent other companies I'd have to quit. I said "why would I have to quit just because I want to give someone a solid maternity benefit?"

What good was Mega to me when they declined for anxiety? Put riders on darned near every pre-ex condition? They same time Mega's underwriting is tearing my clients to shreds they're bashing other companies? And if my client is declined or gets a rider they don't want to sign I just have to walk way from the deal? Why can't I try them through another carrier and be of service to my client?

Why can my clients research rates and plan details before I meet with them? Why can my clients apply with no money down and a $20 app fee? All these things make you want to go hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Keep pushing the square peg through the round hole Pat. No single insurance companiy fits everyone's needs - which is why I'm appointed with six.

And the bottom line is this: Your clients was a comprehensive major medical plan. It's your job to talk them out of that. That's how you want to make a living?

Money or not, I'm gone because I want to represent my client - not an insurance company. That means I search for the product and underwriting decision that best fits their needs. You'll never be able to do that with Mega.

Do your homework

I am an independent agent and one of the tougher parts of the business is trying to help someone who has a major health problem that thought would be covered. I have dealt with a person that had cancer and was told that it was not covered (yes they had the cancer rider), a person who's son had fallen into an emptied pool and was told that if he had required more stitches on his head the emergency room visit would have been deemed as medically necessary, and yet another that had an anneurism and bills of approximatly $180,000 of which the insurance company paid roughly $3,000-$4,000. These people all had UICI products and are just a few examples.

I have not experienced this with any other company. A little further up the responses someone mentioned 75% of people who filed BK had health insurance, I believe the true stastistic on this is 75% of all BKs are the result of health related bills. Big difference. The primary reason for this is that these people do not have any form of dissability coverage, something that I heavily urge all of my clients to have a plan for.

Response

Without details it is impossible to know if you understood your coverage or not.
NASE, a separate entity, has elected to use Mega Life as the health insurance underwriter for their group. The separate NASE benefits can be helpful. I do not have Mega insurance as I am a Vietnam vet who (per a law) was or could have been exposed to agent orange...and therefore have veterans coverage...but I do like the NASE benefits -- besides advocacy for small businesses I do have some basic term (10K) as a death benefit, some accidental death benefit (20K) and home office protection from vandalism/fire etc.

I do travel and the emergency airlift travel benefit is nice to have available...Mega insurance plans need to be clearly explained to customers. They are not designed for people who expect insurance to cover everything. I have concern that this web site promotes defamation from unhappy customers/clients who often never clarified what they were buying (I've read through AARP complaints, Primamerica etc and it seems it's the same complaints from the same group of unhappy people who had no idea what they bought...). It looks like this site is set up by attorneys seeking class action lawsuit clients...I do appreciate that they provide for rebuttals.

Using so many names...

I was just contacted by a representative from UGA (actually they left a v/m). I did a quick search out on the Internet and quickly found that they are a division of Mega Life & Health, they also UICI Marketing when they are contacting candidates that post resumes on various sites. I also found that the Attorney General of MA is suing them for deceptive marketing practices and improperly denied claims.

Beware!!!

Are we Defaming Mega - or Exposing them?

I'm not even going to waste time trying to explain to you how Mega and NASE have been in bed together from the very beginning - and that the reason a family pays $600+ /mo for a Mega policy isn't for road side assistance.....

I'm getting tired of seeing post from Mega agents that say this site is just a bunch of disgruntled agents....

If that's the case - then the USA Today is a Disgruntled newspaper:
usatoday.com/money/industries/insurance/2007-09-04-limited-coverage_N.htm?csp=34#uslPageReturn

And the Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2006/10/24/ag_sues_low_cost_health_insurer_on_practices/

Here's another disgruntled article:
http://www.selfemployedweb.com/mega-al.htm

Here's more disgruntled clients and agents:
http://nasesucks.org/

Oh - here's another:
"Mega Insurance Co.'s Broken Promises Leave New Parents Broke"
http://attorneypages.com/hot/mega-life-insurance-broken-promise.htm

And another:
"Delaware Fines MEGA Life Insurance Co. $500,000 for Insurance Violations"
http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/departments/news/101007-Press-MegaLifeHealthFined.shtml

And Another....
http://www.tortdeform.com/archives/2006/11/why_democrats_must_investigate.html

Here's one more:
http://www.pdxtc.com/wpblog/archives/13

So please - Mega agents - take your blinders off for just a few days and read through these articles and forums and find out if we are defaming the company - or if your Manager and Division have deceived you from when you walked into an interview where you knew nothing of the insurance industry until this very moment now. .

California customer - first impressions

I'm in California and my family recently signed up for Maga Life via NASE.

I did not see this thread prior to signing up, but it was good timing because I had not yet reviewed my paperwork in detail until AFTER I read the thread. And thus I was able to be more critical of what I was seeing!

Note that I have wondered while reading this thread whether California has better coverage with Mega due to the many mandates of the State.
[I noticed that there was only one mention of California in this thread (as I recall) and I believe no specific problems were listed.]

So here are some hopefully objective comments about what I have received:

The short story is that I was quite pleased, after having read this thread, that I received two sets of information, both of which seemed fairly detailed and complete.

One package was the "Premire PPO Plan for California" which very nicely laid out the options available. A generic booklet that I could could review to see what all the options are, and mark off which I have chosen.

This booklet also included definitions, exclusions and limitations,and additional questions.

Having worked for a large national company previously I found the booklet to be on par with my previous company and was pleased with what it presented.

The second packet was the actual insurance certificate. This lists a summary of all of the coverage I have chosen and detailed pages for all of the riders. It too included Definitions, termination information, etc.

I was then able to go through the coverage listed on the certificate one piece at a time and mark it in the generic booklet. Everything matched up fine.

Thus, in my own experience with the paperwork and communication of coverage, I feel that a good job was done and I feel that I should be able to know what my coverage will be as the need arises.

With that said, I will be fair and point out that I am not vouching for how 'good' the coverage is for the price I am paying.

What I need to do is to do a detailed comparison of coverage with other companies.

I will say as a very subjective gut feeling from what I see, that this policy, and probably the objective of Mega Life, is to provide basic coverage for 'standard' medical needs.

In fact, the first page of the booklet shows a graph showing "annual frequency of claim size for insureds with inpatient stays" with the findings that the large majority are for 'relatively smaller amounts'. So I take this as support of my idea that they are trying to take care of the majority of people which are people who have smaller claims. [Or something like that!]

The proof will be when we have our first medical need and then I can report back on what happens!

The kicker to all this, and which also adds to another point of this thread is that it was also mentioned to me that I may want to consider selling insurance with Mega Life.

I will point out that having been in Real Estate, that some of what has been mentioned about working for Mega reminds me of that business. The main item would be that you apparently pay a fee to start up. In Real Estate this fee is understandable because you are an independent contractor (as with Mega I believe) and it covers your training, etc. So though it may sound like a big deal that you 'have to pay to work for them', it seems to be a standard practice in Real Estate and thus may be understandable with Mega too.

Summary:
1) Information/Documents received: Detailed and professional.
2) Coverage: Looks decent, but need to do comparisons before passing judgment.
3) Working for them: An initial fee as an Independent contractor is not unusual as long as what it pays for makes sense.
4) This is all based on the specific policy I signed up for and being based in California. This may not be comparable to other states.

Not Taught to Lie

I am a current NASE/Mega agent who found this thread because a friend told me about it and thought I might find it interesting. First off I will be the first to admit that insurance can be very bad. These plans through Mega that allow you to manipulate the coverage really create the opportunity for misrepresentation whether or not the agent was doing this deliberately or not. I fight with people on a daily basis who demand me to strip their coverage down in order to meet a price point. I have NEVER been instructed to pretend or represent that these plans are going to cover everything. The brochures I use in my appointments are pretty easy to read and the coverage limits is in pretty large and clear print.

I would rather lose a sale than be called a liar after the fact. I have never had anyone instruct me that misrepresentation may be worth the advance. All insurance companies in my state are held to the same regulations. I am trained to highlight our exclusions and limitations in the brochure when I sit down with a potential client. These plans are designed for people who can't afford a plan that covers all of everything. I had a plan through an employer that still didn't cover everything that cost 4 times what my Mega plan costs my family and I.

The differences I highlight come down to this. The association provides some discounts on business, medical and personal expenses. They are listed quite clearly. The association provides guaranteed renewability and rate stability comparatively speaking. The insurance offers certain percentages of coverage up to certain amounts and the client can dictate almost all the terms. The client has a lot of control over what goes into the plan and that allows them to only pay for things they feel they need or want.

What the Health Markets plans offer is the ability for the client to evaluate their risk and exposure and transfer it to the parts of the plan they feel they may not be too likely to need. They can shift practically all the deductible to the less likely hospital/surgical scenarios and get faster access to the more likely outpatient needs.

I've often read about the limits on the chemotherapy coverage. I've had a few clients who were going to face amounts that were going to go over the daily maximums. We called a case manager and had those limits waived each and every time. I have not had a single phone call from a client who had their claims denied.

These plans are designed for people who can't afford the Cadillac plans that pay for everything. This is risk MANAGEMENT. Not risk transfer.

Show up to a interview and save the others with the truth

Please do go to a interview show, you will be surrounded by others wanting to improve their lives. Tell them the truth about this company and how it has hurt so many people its a miracle they are still in business. Then call your senator and demand they be shut down ! Its time America said enough of your B.S. and let the management run back under the rock they came out from. I was there but left after seeing the deal first hand. Adios Healthmarkets - its slowly falling apart....

So if everything is so fantastic....

....then Mega wouldn't mind if you got appointments to sell all the other available carriers in your state - still give you leads and stock. After all, why would they worry if they have the best plans at the best rates?

Go ask your manager if you can pick up those appointments. When he says no just ask why. He'll say because UGA provides leads, bonuses and stock. Your reply is "but if they have the best plans and rates why would it matter that I'm able to sell all available companies. Wouldn't almost all of my sales still be Mega?"

Funny, all of my carriers are confident enough that they'll get their fair share that they allow me to sell for anyone and most give me free leads. All of them give me bonuses and trips.

But you go ahead and continue to show up with one company and pound away on that sqare peg to make it fit in the round hole. I'd rather show up with seven carriers and match my client to the proper plan.

The difference between you and me is you have to SELL your plans. My clients simply choose a plan.

Anyway, tell everyone there good luck with the results of that 32 state investigation. The results become public in a month or two.

Problems with health insurance - ubiquitous

From another thread:

I have Blue Cross of CA., health insurance as I live in CA. I also have a vacation home in Wisconsin. On a recent trip to Wisconsin while in that state I fractured my number T9 vertebrae in my back.

Are you overpaying for insurance? Compare quotes from multiple providers and see how much you can save:


Auto Insurance

Home/Renter Insurance

Health Insurance

Life Insurance



I went to the local Urgent Care and saw a doctor. He took ex-rays of this break and recommended I see a surgeon immediately for surgery after the surgeon does an MRI.

So far I can not get approval from Blue Cross of CA for the surgery or MRI because they say that I have to be in CA to be treated. They also said it has to be an emergency. The doctor's office in Wisconsin has told them that it is an emergency yet Blue Cross of CA still denies me treatment and states that I have to be treated in the state of California. This is utterly ridiculous. I have an emergency situation out of state which they are supposed to cover but just flat refuse to do so.

How can a person with a broken bone in the backbone travel to CA for treatment?

Clearing the air

I hope I can clear the air here. I have health problems, have two science degrees, have worked in health care, and currently work for a major P&C company.

The biggest problem with the MEGA/NASE insurance plans is that providers are not bound to accept what MEGA pays. With most major insurance companies the providers in the network are bound to accept what the insurance company pays. This is called a hold harmless agreement.

Since MEGA doesn't have hold harmless agreements the patient will pay the difference between what MEGA pays and what the gross billing is. This can be substantial. Usual and customary charges are typically paid at 40% of the gross billing (by any health insurer.) The term usual and customary itself is a sham since no provider actually charges the UCR to customers off the street. So MEGA may claim to pay 100% after deductible but it is only 100% of the UCR charges and then the patient pays the rest.

The key with traditional PPO and HMO plans are that the patient must stay in network. In network the patient pays the co-pay and deductible and nothing else. However outside of the network the patient will be billed for the difference between what the insurance company pays and the gross charges. This is called balance billing. I have a feeling this is where MEGA is getting its horror case examples from.

So where MEGA has an advantage is if the customer wants maximum choice in who to choose for care and is willing to spend the money for what MEGA doesn't pay. However, I think most people cannot afford the out of pocket costs of health care and are therefore better off with a PPO or HMO plan with a major carrier that has a hold harmless agreement with its providers.

Good Info, may have saved me

I had a meeting this morning with a rep from Mega. He was very nice but did not seem very informed and was using a sales pitch that smacked of Amweigh, almost as if he was going to ask if I too would like to be an "IBO". The Insurance does not sound effective and seems to reflect as a "discounter". The whole plan sounds wish-washy. I a friend who is a physician and he says that MD's only get what was negotiated by the insurer. We are absolutely not responsible for any difference that BC/BS didn't pay. That's why MD's see 4-5 people per hour and you wait forever. This does not even seem like real insurance, but like those "discount affiliate program cards" you see on late night commercials that seem to prey on the poor and immagrants. For the record I am a former Union phoneman, I have always had awsome insurance, 15 bucks at the doc and 10 for rx. I wish I had my old insurance because this is scary stuff.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Currently, I am a self-employed Tile Installer. I was uninsured for about 3 years, and Thank God did not have any accidents. I recently got married, and decided that we needed health coverage.

I recently purchased coverage from mid-west national life insurance company of tenessee; which has the same relationship to the alliance for affordable services
as MEGA has to the National assosiacion for the self-employed. But they are all UICI affiliates.

I believe strongly in the quality of my insurance company. However, it could lead to bancrupcy if im wronge. My agent (who is also the DM) is a very nice ,knowledgeable, and sincere person. His family is covered by mid-west, but he cant be by the (affordable)rates, because he is a diabetic. His blue cross rates went so high he is eventually going to a state-guaranteed coverage...

My questions are these:

1. Is there any other coverage besides these associacions that:


a) offer no individual rate increases(ex.get rerated and rased premiums due to high claims).


b) have no right to terminate coverage once accepted.


c) offer return of premuim benefit.

and my second question is..

2. How can mid-west be a-rated by a.m. best ratings if they are so horrible?


I know, it sounds like I got brainwashed by my agent that i have the most secure coverage, but i
have done research and talked to agents from other companies, and it seems to me that mid-west isnt too bad. I mean, there are no perfect insurance policies.

The reason im writing this is because I want the truth. everyone that I ask seems to have a different opinion, and my familys health certainly isnt a matter of who gives the best sales pitch...

anyone with some real info and advice i would appreciate it....thanks.

Careful Roman

Roman, not everything you were told is correct (as seems to often be the case with UICI).

1. Your rates - will go up, sometimes more than once per year, and often times there will be large jumps in premium per month ($50+). Just because UICI says you cannot be singled out for rate increases due to a medical condition that arises after you are covered does not mean that other companies do. I know plenty of people on BCBS who have had heart bypass surgery and cancer (same person), and while the rates have gone up, they have not been astronomical. Meanwhile, some of my former clients are asking me why the MEGA coverage I sold them earlier in the year is getting sooo expensive. I have nothing I can tell them.

2. Weigh the pros and cons of your policy not being cancelled. In MA and RI (where I am licensed), MEGA plans changed 8 times in the 6 months I was with them. The clients were still covered according to their old plans, but the pressure was on the agents to change those plans to a new plan. When that would happen, many of my apps were rejected.

3. ROP is so stupidly expensive (approx $10 per month per year of age. ie 40 year old is approx $40/month just for ROP.) Also, you have to have the plan until you are 65 to get the money back. The stats passed around the office - under 10% of all plans sold have ROP rider, and the average amount of time a policy stays on the books is under 4 years. You would pay approx 48 months worth of premiums that would guarantee you nothing when you need a new plan.

4. Your final question, about AM Best - read the whole report. AM Best only gives opinions on financial stability of the company, not ethical dealings. The end of that report (which is so conveniently left off all brochures) is the company has a negative future, meaning they expect business to decline for the company. Call your state insurance commissioner, and ask for information about Mid-West or MEGA. They should tell you whether there are any complaints filed against the company, and then give you the AM Best report. Or, just go to the AM website and check it for yourself.

hope this helps

Call a independent broker...

Roman,

I sold MEGA for 3 months and you are victim of the MEGA/Mid-West scare tactics.

MEGA & MW trains their agents to tell people that their "association" gives them the protection of a large group through NASE & AFS's combined membership of over 400,000 members and they are all in one group. Therefore, you cannot be singled out for rate increase or cancellation if you file a large claim or MEGA/Mid-West would put themselves out of business by cancelling their group of over 400K. This is deceptive for several reasons:

1) NO company can single you out for rate increase or cancellation due to large claims--that is FEDERAL LAW. Yes, all insurance companies have rate increases, including Mid-West, but they increase them for all of their clients across the board. You are not going to get increased for filing a claim. Rates go up because the cost of health care goes up. Simple as that. MEGA & MW is no different.

2) If it were true that Mid-West lumps everyone in one enormous group, why does every Mid-West and MEGA client I convert to Major Medical plans have a different group number on their ID cards? Because, just like other companies, MW places their clients in smaller groups based on the product they are sold and geographic factors. You are not lumped into one enormous group of 400K with MEGA or Mid-West. You have no more "protection" with MW than any other insurance company.

3) Other companies also offer benefits through an association that offer similar discounts and benefits as AFS or NASE. The difference is, these other companies don't instruct their agents to sell the association as if it is the be-all, end-all, super-power of protection and primary reason to buy the insurance.

A from RI is right about the Return of Premium rider. They sell that because no one stays on the plans long enough to even take advantage of it, but they sure do take the extra cash out of your pocket. Besides, if you ever file a large claim due to a catastrophic incident, you will wish you had that extra money back to pay the bills from the gaps in coverage you have with MW.

Take a good look at the policy you were sold. I don't know what the coverage is like in Idaho, but here's what to look for:

1) Do you have a per occurance or annual deductible? Reputable companies have annual deductibles.

2) What is your annual out of pocket maximum? Don't just look at your deductible. How much coinsurance do you have to pay? In Florida, on MEGA's PPO plan, the OOP max is $4500 on top of the deductible and that is PER ILLNESS OR INJURY!!! Reputable companies have much lower options for you to choose from and their plans cost much less than MW.

3) What caps do you have on services like Room & Board, chemotherapy, presciptions, outpatient testing, emergency room visits, etc. If you have a daily max of $1000 for chemo or $500 for R&B you are in big trouble. I just met with a lady that had Mid-West who was capped at $400 for R&B. An average room night in an Orlando hospital is $800 per night. That means if she ever went to the hospital, she'd be footing half of her R&B bill in addition to her deductible and co-insurance.

MEGA & Mid-West do not sell Major Medical plans. The caps are how they prevent their own loss--not that of their clients. A reputable company offering Major Medical plans caps the client's loss, not their own. Yes, there is a lifetime max on any policy, usually $2-5 million, but with MEGA, their a la carte approach to insurance leaves too much room for clients to underinsure themselves.

Most people don't have the experience to know that $500 per day of coverage for outpatient testing isn't enough to cover the $4000 MRI. In Florida, the most MEGA will cover for OP testing is $2000 per day. That still doesn't cover an MRI or CAT scan. And most MEGA & MW agents aren't going to point that out to you because if they max out everything on your plan and give you coverage closer to that of a reputable company, you would never be able to afford MW insurance, and they would never make the sale. So they give you the "choice" to pick what you think you need, and that usually results in extreme gaps in the policy.

The Mid-West lady (she's 60) was paying over $450 a month for her sub-standard plan and all of its gaps & caps, and I was able to get her a name-brand product with an annual max OOP of $3K including her deductible(no caps on chemo, R&B, Rx, etc.) and dental coverage for $384.

Open your yellow-pages and start calling independent agencies. Tell them you want to see comparisons for no less than three companies, and then make your decision. Don't take your MEGA agent's word for it. He may be a nice guy, but he is extremely un-educated about real insurance and has no other options to give you. He has to convince you and all his clients that you bought the best plan or he would never get paid.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I SWITCHED

YUP, you guys were right... i went with
(( competators company name redacted by ROR)).

heres why

MW OOP max-100,000 ! xxxx- 4,500.

MW maximum benefit-1 mil xxxx-6mil

mw deductable-per occurance xxxx-per year.

mw chemo-1000 per day xxxx-no limit up to 6mil

Furthermore, with mid-west ccn network, st. Alphonsus was not in ppo, and i would rather go there than st. lukes hospital. So with my xxxx ppo i got st.als.

Anb my mid west price per month for my wife and I was 260. with xxxxx......160.


thanks guys.

Mega Life and Health Insurance constantly increases their premiums

I am currently a customer of Mega life and Health. Every few months I will receive an letter from them stating that my monthly premiums will be increased. In 2008 along, they have increased nearly $40. I am a 25 year old non-smoking male and have never even used this policy. The company is garbage and so was the broker who sold me this policy. After one to many increases I will definitely be cancelling this policy for a company that doesn't try to rip you off every 3 months.

$17 Million Lawsuit

AH - Whats a $17 million dollar dent gonna do to Mega? .....not much more than continue to trash their name and validate all of our claims that Mega/HealthMarkets is a mess.

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2009/09/01/mega_life_settles_for_record_17m/

“The practices of this particular company were really among the most egregious we’ve ever seen,’’ Selig said.

Amen Mr. Selig......After 6 years of dealing with this company, I would have to agree.

NASE and MEGA are good companies

Reading your complaint it is obvious that you did not understand what you were buying. NASE and Mega are two different companies. In order to buy Health Insurance from Mega you MUST be a member of NASE. With NASE membership you get discounts on over 100 different products in addition to offering health insurance through MEGA. Also the plans offered by MEGA are customized to your individual needs. If you were only getting a discount on the tests,you did not have that covered on your insurance plan. Same thing with the doctors visit. If you had doctors visits covered you would have paid $20. Your complaint should be with your agent that you were dealing with not MEGA or NASE.

Healthmarkets on Monster

I just looked up my old DM's ads on Monster (Allentown, PA zip code 18104) for the fun of it. He's placed 4 ads since September 22nd.

The reason is that they rotate through so many people in their district and can't keep people for more than a month. Once these agents get out and start selling, they realize that it is crap and leave!

To anyone who is even considering an interview with UGA: don't bother to waste your time. You will be smooth talked into signing up right away, without an actual interview.

Stop being ripped off

I have read this entire blog and I am really amazed. People are actually surprised that an insurance company has paid less than expected or not at all for particular claims. I have been self employed for over five years and have been with three different insurance companies, including MEGA. Sometimes the insurance company paid just like I expected and sometimes they did not. Its what they do, its how they do business. Each company always paid according to the policy and all the fine print. I just had a discussion with a friend that has group insurance at a very large corporation and believe it or not they are doing all they can to avoid paying a very large claim. They even pre-authorized the service and still don't want to pay the claim.



Here's the bottom line. Your policy is only as good as the agent presenting the information. If he/she is either dishonest or uninformed you will probably feel like the insurance company is not paying its claims. You also have to consider that the average person has no clue about how health insurance works in the private/self-employed market. Only after a few unpaid claims do they learn.



Lets face it, there is a problem with the healthcare industry as a whole. I have seen accounts on here of ridiculous claims. For instance one person said they had a well child visit for over $450. That in and of itself is ridiculous considering the average pediatrician might receive only $150 - $200 reimbursement for that visit. Who is ripping off who here? The average hospital charge increased 24% from $13,900 in 1997 to $17,300 2002. However the average cost for a hospital stay remained the same, approximately $7500. This is according to statistics from the American Hospital Association. With this kind of highway robbery, who can blame the insurance companies for not wanting to pay.



If you want to avoid being ripped off then get educated on how the system works and find an agent who is five times as knowlegable as you and use that agent to help work your way through the maze of charges and reimbursements. Only then will you be satisfied with your health insurance situation.

Advice for All Mega Agents -

You are in a difficult, but typical Mega agent pickle. You thought you were "helping other people" by providing coverage that you were told by your managers was the best....but after time, you realized that you were putting yourself into deeper and deeper debt because the coverage your were offering was not what the clients expected it to be.

Because Mega's leads suck, you probably had to spend most of your own money to get people interested - just so that they would cancel when they started to compare or use their insurance.

You also spent a great deal of money and time driving all over 3 counties and running appointments on other's time schedule instead of yours, which has taken a toll on your family and personal life.

You dumped hard work, time and a whole lot of money into a company that you believed in, and now you owe them over $40,000. You now recognize that your were deceived and you feel this knot in your gut that won't go away.

There are many, many agents in this very spot today. Why are you still there?

Here's the truth: 1) Your managers lied to you from day one and will do whatever they can to hide you from agents like me. If you become enlightened, you will leave. That's why most agents close their eyes and continue to misrepresent their clients.

2) Even with the upgrades, your plans are still inferior than the competition is multiple ways and I can prove it.

3) If you continue to take advances on submittal, you will continue to put yourself into deeper debt and you will suffer once you want to leave.

4) Selling face-to-face is 1800's - we are in the 21st century and we use a cool thing called the internet to sell top major med policies from the comfort of our homes or offices. I personally am on pace to write $900,000 AV this year and I also train a team of over 75 agents spread all over the country. I spend $375 a month on an office, phone plan and internet. I will never run 1 physical appointment and I will retain over 95% of my clients.

5) Every agent that leaves and goes to the right place, doubles their income the first year out. I emphasize "the right place" (there are some bad places out there, so be careful)



6) If our clients what to shop for a different plan, we still keep them because we are not captive. In fact, we even make more money if they chose to leave.

7) We win beautiful trips, cash prizes, free quality leads every week, and national recognition.

8) We don't prospect - our clients call us

Sound too good to be true? It's not. IF YOU WANT OUT - CONTACT ME AT HEALTH AGENTS DIRECT at YAHOO . COM (altogether) I will only work with agents that are serious and ready to leave. I don't have the time to waste with answering 1,000 questions of "on the fence" agents. There are 100 reasons for you to leave and about 2 reasons you can think of to stay.

Good Luck - you can be successful outside of UGA. I promise!!

My Story Continued

Well, I have been out for awhile. Feel free to look at my responses from last year. I became a BROKER and it was well worth it. I was scared at first, but in reality, there is nothing to be scared about. I would NEVER sell those Mega plans again. Not to mention, Mega plans dont EVEN EXIST anymore.

Current MEGA Agent Leaving... Company has gone too far!

I am a current agent for the NASE/MEGA/Health Markets who has been very successful to this point. Recently there have been things that have caused me to look elsewhere due to a lack of integrity by the company.

I have had their prototypical great start winning my quickstart class (a national contest for new agents) and attending their annual event in Dallas they call Reunion. The products are not the best but for what they are serve their purpose. I believe many of the problems are bad agents who do not explain the programs properly. What is my problem then?

I do not agree that people are forced into joining the NASE to gain access to the so called "group" to gain health coverage. Many of the agents spend a good amount of time tearing down under individual health programs because they are not a part of this "group" yet the MEGA plan is still individually underwritten, pre-existing are typically excluded, waivered, or rated up, and they still get annual premium increases, just recently about 12%.

What really upset me was my clients get a 12% rate increase this year and the annual 4 day event for the top agents, about 3,000, called reunion, cost, by some reports from management 11.5 million dollars! Had I known I would not have attended.

My advice, don't just take the agents word for it, do your homework, check with your state insurance department, BBB, etc. As for me... I am starting my own agency, doing things the correct way.

About Those NEW PLANS.....

First off, Congratulation Bob. Very wise decision!

I want to discuss those "new plans" that David write about in the above posting.

He is talking about the newly touted CareONe and CarePlus Plan and as hard as Mega is trying to get it right, they are still missing the boat in comparision to thier competition.

Here are the flaws:
1) Mega- Per Occurance Deductibles and Co-ins up to 3 per 365 days. VS Assurant - Annual Deductilbe and co-insurane stop loss - One per year no matter how much you use your insurance.

2) Mega- $1 million lifetime max per individual accident or illness with $5 million for everything- VS Assurant- $8 million lifetime max all encompassing.

3) Mega- Assisted Surgen- Ded +Co-ins up to 20% of surgens covered expenses. VS Assurant - just ded +co-ins. no max.

4) Mega- Anesthesiologist- Ded+co-ins up to 50% of sergeons covered expenses VS Assurant-ded+co-ins. no max.

5) Mega- Ground Ambulance - Ded+Co UP TO $500 per trip. VS Assurant - Ded+co-ins no max.

6) Inpatient Doc visit - 100% 1 per day. VS Assurant- 100% unlimited.

NOW - here's the interested stuff:
7) Chemotherpy - Ded +co-ins WITH APPROVED COURSE OF TREATMENT: WITHOUT IT - Up to $1,500/day. Hummmmmm...VS Assurant- Ded+Co-ins no approval necessary (other than PPO network)

8) Same thing with Radiation Therpy only limited to $1,250 without approved course of treatment.

9) Mega -OUTPATIENT DIAGONOSTIC SERVICES: Ded+co-Ins PLUS $50 co-pay with $2,000 Max per 24 hour period. VS Assurant- Ded+Coins no copays No Max.

10)Mega- TRANSPLANT PROCEDURES -Ded+coins covered up to $250,000 Max. VS Assurant-Ded+coins NO MAX

11) Mega- RX- CAPPED A $1,500/year. VS Assurant- NO CAPS -just co-pays each time.

12) The doc vist preventive care rider is kinda messed up. Agents present it all wrong. It escalades into building up to a specific amount into fund- but its over a years time. Each quarter the funds add a little higher. VS Assurant - unlimited Doc sick visits from day one with a Co-pay of $35 - $750 per person/yr Wellness coverage.

13) Price - Mega is the same, if not higher than Assurant.

SOOO - David. Now you know. Its sad that your competition has to educate you on how your programs work.

Good agents care far too much about thier clients to sell that type of plan when the competition is so much better. So why do they? Because they can't sell anything else. They are CAPTIVE. Forced to sell only Mega Insurnace. They are NOT true consultants. They are leading people into the insurance that THEY want them to buy, not what thier cleints want to buy.

Beware of agents like Dave who don't give you the full truth.

MEGA does NOT sell MAJOR MEDICAL!!!

David, you have had the wool pulled over your eyes! These 'new' plans are NOT major medical. When they were unveiled last fall, when I was still with MEGA, we were told by our district manager that these are not major medical plans! Do your customers a favor and stop lying to them. You already sell garbage, so please don't compound the issue by telling them they're getting something they're not!

Jay your leaving Mega to where?

This is good that I am responding to everybody at this stage of the game. I am on the fence finding out "HOW" to get out of the company and where to go from there. Yep, I owe the company a lot of money.

I see all the notes that Brian from Michigan and John from Ohio writes. Any SMART Mega Agent should know what they are saying about Mega is TRUE. But where do you go to get contracted and become your own agency?

If you work with Brain or John they will also get an override on you (at least 10 -15% according to John's Blog above 5/17/07) I am honestly not sure if this is the right way to go??? Even if they get overrides on your business, it sounds like you earn a lot more than what Mega can offer and at the same time shift your clients from one plan to another.

I also learned that Golden Rule right now is the "Best" Last year Assurant was the "Best" next year ???

If I go to work with one of these guys or find something on my own (not sure what agency) I will let all know where to go.

At least everyone can see my developed story in where I am in the month of Feb. 2008. I'll let everyoone know where I am at in the next few months and this time next year. That way you can see my struggle in what I am going through to get out of MEGA. If I find a strong Agency to contract with or if I open my own agency - I will share with others "HOW" to do it.

Good luck to all. You have gotta leave MEGA. Even though I have not quit the company yet, I call them the Exposed company(past history), which is constantly trying to Evolve into something Better in order to Become a Major Medical Provider!!!

How Do I get Out without owing so much money?

Still need help on this one.

I have limited time trying to get out of the company because I need to keep setting up appointments in order to sell for the purpose of paying off my 40K debt with the company!!

Please help me, who do I get appointed with?? If I do move forward and other companies advance me 12 months in advance, what happens if they too cancel their policy? Will I have to pay back. I never want to be this stuck again in the future.

Most Important Thing Current Agents Should Know!

This is something I get asked over and over again and the company does not put any effort into explaining this to the agents. I am not sure if what they are doing is 100% legal but you can check on that.

When you write new business you are "advanced" your commissions upon submission. (this is why agents end up owning so much money and can never leave) When you start they tell you your first years 1099 will actually show less income then you actually recieved due to the fact you are not taxed on advances, only your actual earnings. This portion is the truth but they never explain why. What they leave out, in most cases, is that your advance is considered a loan from the company and like all loans you pay interest on it. While it is less then 1% take a look at the bigger picture. There are about 4500 agents nationally, with millions in advances paid out weekly, even at a small %, how much money is the company making off of these loans?

Interesting... Ask questions! Don't trust anyone... remember your mangers do make money off of your production... make sure they have your best interest in mind.

looks like the fighting died down

I read the whole list of responses and looks like the fighting has finally ended. I was employed by BCBS and was laid off because of their dealings with the United Healthcare fines. I also think too that the bickering going on here was more of a misunderstanding of how companies sell their individual products. I am going to look into getting a interview with Mega/Heathmarkets because you always complain about the ones that take away the most of your business.

new plans marketed by MEGA

All of the negatives listed here are referring to the old limited scdeduled benefit plans offered through NASE. I am a represantitive through the Alliance for Affordable Services and we just contracted with Mega's new major medical plans. These plans took a 180 degree turn from the old plans which did not pay out very well, as you can clearly read.

New plans are major medical plans that offer everything from your typical PPO style plan to the new consumer driven health plans that provide price transparency BEFORE you go in for medical care. Instead of maxes on how much Mega will pay, there is a deductible and co-insurance max of 4000, before the plan picks up at 100%.

Even better is the new coverage for dr visits, well exams, chiropractor, allergy injections, immunization shots, and diagnostic services. These services are now covered at 100% with no copay or deductible requirements.

All I'm saying is that Mega may not have the BEST track record (what insurance company does?), but NOW they certainly have some of the most competitive insurance plans available in the market to individuals.

Walking away

I would like to thank everyone that has posted their comments about MEGA LIFE & HEALTH. I work for a small company that does not offer health insurance. I was planning on possibly switching from my current BC/BS to MEGA.

I have read each and every entry in this long list and have learned a lot.

I will stay with BC/BS and educate everyone I work with about MEGA so that they don't make mistakes either.

I have printed out all the important entries and will hand them out.

Thanks for saving me from a disaster.

--- No longer a future customer of MEGA,
Bob

it's sad to see

"unsure" in CA is trapped in between two different worlds. He is stuck at Mega and can't leave because of his $50K debt. Yet, he has to keep his family alive- which means he needs to continue taking advances - which means he will continue incurring more debt.

The other world of insurance is just a neat idea right now. You know you need to be here, and so it messes up your Mega production numbers. If you do get the guts to leave, you have no idea which option is the best. Because you have been lied to by Mega, you think everyone is a liar now..... The more people to talk to, the more confused you become. It's evident in the words you use in your post about one carrier now better than the others.

Everyone knows that you can't have 1 carrier. You need 4-5 top carriers becuase yes, they change. What you don't realize now is that you need help to learn how to sell 10-12 apps/week in less than 40 work hours. THAT HELP COST YOUR MANAGERS TIME AND MONEY TO GIVE YOU!!!! So of course, they are going to get an over-ride on you - no matter where you go. (The over-ride you mentioned of 10-15% is not true. It's more like 3-5%).. I find it humurous that you mention this as a hot point - yet your District Manager, Division Manager and Regional Manager all get over-rides on your current production. With us, there is only one manger.

You could contract direct -which you will not get any help and you will only sell 3-4 policies a week and work 60 hours.

Good luck unsure - hope you don't stay "unsure", confused and trapped too long, as you will probably end up either divorced or out of the busienss selling tools at home depot.

Sounds like same sales tactics used by American Republic Insurance Company

Man. I guess all these health insurance companies are the same. MEGA sales tactics and training (if you can call it that) sounds EXACTLY like what happens under American Republic Insurance Company (ARIC).

You are called in for an "interview" then show up suprised to see at least 5-10 other sheep in the room and learn that your "interview" is actually a presentation whereby the sales manager dangles the carrot in front of your eyes misleading you with salaries after your first year with residuals that follow.

Then they entice by signing you up for a license cert class whereby you pay $250 and then take the cheesy exam They defer all your questions until after their "Training" which is two days brain washing and then send you out into the field without knowing your product and expect you to brain wash poor innocent souls.

You are trained (brain washed) not to overwhelm your client with detailed info and just sell them the basic product and put as much pressure on them so that you don;t leave their home withou their premium check in hand, etc, yadda yadda yadda....

MEGA, American Republic, in essence all the same.

What a miserable life. What a scam. What stupid game. Predators. Thats all they are. I am so happy I did not fall for all that cr@p!

I'm a present agent with MEGA and believe this is the best health insurance in the country.

I have done my research, and lets look around:
4 to 1 bigger than any insurance company in country in the individual family and small group marketplace.

The fastest company to pay claims.
Insurance accepted in all 50 states.
Only company that is slashing prices while everyone else is going up.

Have more products coming out that will kick the daylights out of our competition's behind. and on and on. Mega is a great company. I think it is Jealousy and a few bad agents that has caused these complaints. If the agent explained the product right, the customer will not have a problem. Also lazy brokers who just want to sit and make sales instead of going to see the customer is part of the problem. Even if i don't stay with this company, they are doing a great job. I'm looking around, and the future is BRIGHT.

MEGA + MID-WEST = U FILE BANKRUPTCY! TRUTH TOLD! ..this pathetic excuse for health insurance

I am a former agent and it's great to see all of these great postings bashing this pathetic excuse for health insurance. Folks, for the record, I am a very successful broker. My career began with UICI (Mega-BS/Mid-West National Crap of TN) It took about 6 mos to really see how terrible this stuff was. I did what every current Mega/Mid-West agent should do...SEEK OUT KNOWLEDGE! Yes, you brainwashed little morons! Stop asking your DSL or your RSL about insurance. Pick up your phone book and call an INDEPENDENT AGENT. One thing you'll find that I'll guarantee; you'll NEVER find an Independent selling this crap. Well, I really got the goods on these scammers and promptly resigned. WOW! What a weight off my shoulders that was! No more, trying to explain all of the god damn limitations.

You know what I love to hear these days??? When I talk to prospects that have talked to a Mega/Midwest agent they say: "they won't single me out for a rate increase or a cancellation!" What a play on words!!! No other policy can will do this either folks!! How bout this one..."you can go to any doctor or any hospital" Yeah right, sure you can but will they pay? HELL NO!!! I love snagging people away from this crappy insurance, it's sooooo easy!! I just refer them to ripoffreport.com or a million other places that speak the truth!

Well that will do it for now. All you former agents be sure to post your 2cents! We need to let the public know just how bad this stuff is. It's your duty!!!

To anyone considering buying MEGA LIFE OR MID-WEST NATIONAL LIFE INS CO OF TN -please pick up your phone book and contact a local independent agent. There's a seal indicating this. Don't give these motherf*#$ers a second of your time!

What??? Four to one larger

Four to one larger than any other company in the individual market? I checked with the NAIC - National Association of Insurance Commissioners and this is what I got from premium dollar amounts collected in 2005.

Assurant Health: 1.4 bill
Mega Life: 1.3 bill
Golden Rule. 1.2 bill

Not only are they not 4 to 1 bigger, but Assurant is the largest individual company in the country, and they're also association coverage just like Mega. Also, both Assurant and Golden Rule dropped their rates.

Mega is not in all 50 states and all insurance companies must pay claims in within 30 days.

Just saying that Mega is in all 50 states and they're 4 to 1 larger than other individual companies means you're 100% completely clueless.

Mega Screw Up

for about $600 a month, Mega pays its claims like this. My mother developed cancer and here is a summary:





Charges/ Amt Paid
6/22/2004 $39.00 $0
6/22/2004 $44.00 $0
8/30/2004 $45.00 $0
8/30/2004 $139.00 $78.00
9/2/2004 $147.00 $50.00
9/8/2004 $7.00 $0
9/17/2004 $71.00 $0
9/17/2004 $39.00 $0
9/17/2004 $44.00 $0
10/1/2004 $39.00 $0
9/2/2004 $172.00 $79.92
10/1/2004 $44.00 $0
10/1/2004 $71.00 $50.00
11/22/2004 $71.00 $0
8/30/2004 $139.00 $0
8/30/2004 $45.00 $0
12/2/2004 $1316.00 $368.64
12/8/2004 $105.00 $0
12/8/2004 $44.00 $0
12/8/2004 $39.00 $0
12/7/2004 $2308.51 $0
12/10/2004 $115.00 $0
12/10/2004 $90.00 $45.69
1/6/2005 $84.00 $0
12/10/2004 $519.00 $87.86
1/5/2005 $154.00 $50.00
1/8/2005 $139.00 $0
1/11/2005 $185.00 $0
12/7/2004 $614.00 $0
12/29/2004 $132.00 $32.00
1/7/2005 $285.00 $0
1/6/2005 $110.00 $0
1/10/2005 $84.00 $0
1/7/2005 $84.00 $0
1/6/2005 $1168.00 $0
1/7/2005 $2629.00 $0
1/7/2005 $2219.00 $0
1/13/2005 $873.00 $0
1/11/2005 $110.00 $0
1/12/2005 $550.00 $0
1/19/2005 $2029.00 $0
1/14/2005 $410.00 $0
1/11/2005 $410.00 $0
1/24/2005 $43.00 $9.00
12/29/2004 $64.00 $37.74
1/18/2005 $882.00 $0
1/20/2005 $3986.00 $0
1/13/2005 $725.00 $0
1/17/2005 $410.00 $0
1/8/2005 $410.00 $0
1/10/2005 $882.00 $0
1/12/2005 $410.00 $328.00
1/8/2005 $33.00 $0
1/24/2005 $56.00 $41.00
1/6/2005 $625.00 $0
1/12/2005 $190.00 $0
1/5/2005 $1120.00 $0
1/12/2005 $28.00 $0
1/5/2005 $25143.02 $0
2/13/2005 $168.00 $0
1/18/2005 $882.00 $0
1/19/2005 $2029.00 $0
1/20/2005 $3986.00 $0
1/8/2005 $410.00 $0
1/10/2005 $882.00 $0
1/11/2005 $410.00 $0
1/12/2005 $410.00 $0
1/13/2005 $725.00 $0
1/14/2005 $410.00 $0
1/17/2005 $410.00 $0
12/10/2004 $4105.29 $0
1/11/2005 $28.00 $0
1/24/2005 $5516.00 $0
1/7/2005 $6138.00 $0
1/7/2005 $5442.00 $0
1/25/2005 $1640.00 $0
1/31/2005 $1440.00 $0
2/2/2005 $882.00 $0
2/4/2005 $99.00 $99.00
1/24/2005 $40.00 $0
1/31/2005 $2814.45 $0
1/19/2005 $2387.50 $0
1/24/2005 $2419.00 $0
2/4/2005 $584.95 $484.95
2/13/2005 $34.00 $0
2/13/2005 $33.00 $0
2/13/2005 $43.00 $0
2/15/2005 $56.00 $0
2/16/2005 $67.00 $0
2/16/2005 $14.00 $0
2/19/2005 $124.00 $0
2/15/2005 $110.00 $0
2/16/2005 $20.00 $0
2/18/2005 $45.00 $0
2/19/2005 $24.00 $0
2/21/2005 $40.00 $0
2/13/2005 $32.00 $0
2/13/2005 $234.00 $0
2/22/2005 $20.00 $0
2/23/2005 $10.00 $0
2/19/2005 $248.00 $0
2/18/2005 $284.00 $0
2/4/2005 $24.00 $24.00
2/4/2005 $410.00 $0
2/24/2005 $20.00 $0
2/26/2005 $45.00 $0
2/26/2005 $14.00 $0
2/16/2005 $32.00 $0
2/13/2005 $25936.85 $5605.85
2/16/2005 $82.00 $0
2/17/2005 $198.45 $101.45
2/14/2005 $20.00 $0
2/14/2005 $20.00 $0
2/15/2005 $20.00 $0
2/16/2005 $10.00 $0
1/7/2005 $966.00 $0
12/29/2004 $749.08 $565.66
2/28/2005 $381.00 $0
2/28/2005 $150.00 $0
2/28/2005 $100.00 $0
2/20/2005 $32.00 $0
3/2/2005 $75.00 $0
2/23/2005 $248.68 $200.68
2/21/2005 $259.18 $50.18
2/13/2005 $25931.00 $0
2/28/2005 $28.00 $0
2/28/2005 $49.00 $0
3/12/2005 $168.00 $0
3/11/2005 $84.00 $0
2/28/2005 $625.00 $0
2/26/2005 $32.00 $0
3/1/2005 $347.00 $0
3/1/2005 $83.00 $0
3/4/2005 $28.00 $0
3/3/2005 $26.00 $0
3/16/2005 $75.00 $0
3/14/2005 $511.00 $0
3/16/2005 $633.00 $0
3/3/2005 $28.00 $0
3/5/2005 $56.00 $0
2/22/2005 $32.00 $0
2/18/2005 $45.00 $0
2/19/2005 $10.00 $0
2/15/2005 $56.00 $0
2/16/2005 $35.00 $0
2/26/2005 $24.00 $0
2/27/2005 $10.00 $0
2/22/2005 $20.00 $0
2/23/2005 $10.00 $0
2/13/2005 $28.00 $0
2/14/2005 $33.00 $0
3/10/2005 $28.00 $0
2/14/2005 $20.00 $0
2/14/2005 $10.00 $0
2/24/2005 $20.00 $0
2/26/2005 $35.00 $0
2/20/2005 $24.00 $0
2/22/2005 $35.00 $0
2/15/2005 $20.00 $0
2/16/2005 $10.00 $0
2/16/2005 $51.00 $0
2/17/2005 $10.00 $0
2/13/2005 $34.00 $0
2/13/2005 $15.00 $0
3/8/2005 $28.00 $0
3/16/2005 $56.00 $0
3/23/2005 $28.00 $0
3/14/2005 $200.00 $0
2/19/2005 $700.00 $304.00
3/18/2005 $28.00 $0
3/17/2005 $28.00 $0
2/4/2005 $410.00 $328.77
2/23/2005 $10.00 $0
2/22/2005 $20.00 $0
2/21/2005 $40.00 $0
2/19/2005 $24.00 $0
2/18/2005 $45.00 $0
2/2/2005 $882.00 $0
2/27/2005 $1055.85 $250.85
2/27/2005 $0 $0
3/14/2005 $215.00 $0
3/7/2005 $28.00 $0
3/19/2005 $55.00 $0
3/22/2005 $360.00 $0
3/15/2005 $28.00 $0
3/5/2005 $240.00 $0
3/7/2005 $360.00 $0
3/9/2005 $28.00 $0
3/20/2005 $84.00 $0
2/28/2005 $492.00 $0
3/1/2005 $480.00 $0
3/10/2005 $480.00 $0
3/18/2005 $175.00 $0
3/21/2005 $28.00 $0
3/20/2005 $28.00 $0
3/19/2005 $28.00 $0
2/4/2005 $584.95 $0
3/25/2005 $28.00 $0
3/13/2005 $56.00 $0
3/11/2005 $28.00 $0
3/22/2005 $28.00 $0
2/13/2005 $25931.00 $0
2/28/2005 $21.00 $0
3/24/2005 $28.00 $0
2/28/2005 $144432.39 $34987.00
2/13/2005 $25931.00 $0
2/19/2005 $700.00 $0
3/24/2005 $28.00 $0
12/7/2004 $2308.51 $1001.05
12/10/2004 $4105.57 $1134.22
12/10/2004 $115.00 $0
12/7/2004 $614.00 $0
1/5/2005 $1120.00 $740.96
1/6/2005 $84.05 $50.05
1/24/2005 $5926.00 $1251.31
1/7/2005 $11170.00 $1251.31
1/25/2005 $2260.00 $1809.89
2/1/2005 $1702.00 $1363.02
1/6/2005 $110.00 $0
1/7/2005 $84.05 $50.05
1/7/2005 $285.00 $0
1/6/2005 $1168.26 $250.26
1/7/2005 $4848.00 $0
1/6/2005 $625.00 $0
3/13/2005 $42.00 $0
2/28/2005 $144432.39 $0
2/13/2005 $25931.00 $0
2/19/2005 $124.37 $100.37
2/16/2005 $82.79 $50.79
2/13/2005 $234.79 $50.79
2/13/2005 $33.00 $0
2/20/2005 $32.00 $0
2/19/2005 $248.37 $100.37
2/16/2005 $20.00 $0
2/18/2005 $45.00 $0
2/19/2005 $24.00 $0
2/21/2005 $40.00 $0
2/13/2005 $168.00 $0
3/11/2005 $28.00 $0
3/13/2005 $56.00 $0
3/10/2005 $480.73 $200.73
3/18/2005 $175.37 $100.37
3/7/2005 $360.55 $150.55
3/1/2005 $480.73 $200.73
3/5/2005 $240.37 $100.37
2/28/2005 $493.36 $371.76
3/7/2005 $28.00 $0
3/9/2005 $28.00 $0
3/8/2005 $28.00 $0
3/14/2005 $511.00 $0
3/3/2005 $26.00 $0
3/1/2005 $347.00 $0
2/28/2005 $625.00 $0
3/11/2005 $84.18 $50.18
3/12/2005 $168.37 $100.37
2/28/2005 $49.00 $0
3/2/2005 $75.00 $0
2/28/2005 $100.00 $0
2/28/2005 $150.00 $0
2/28/2005 $382.12 $305.92
3/10/2005 $28.00 $0
3/5/2005 $56.00 $0
3/3/2005 $28.00 $0
3/4/2005 $28.00 $0
3/1/2005 $83.00 $0
2/28/2005 $28.00 $0
2/26/2005 $32.00 $0
3/24/2005 $28.00 $0
3/22/2005 $28.00 $0
3/13/2005 $56.00 $0
3/19/2005 $28.00 $0
3/20/2005 $28.00 $0
3/21/2005 $28.00 $0
3/15/2005 $28.00 $0
3/22/2005 $360.55 $150.55
3/20/2005 $84.18 $50.18
3/19/2005 $55.18 $50.18
3/14/2005 $215.00 $0
3/17/2005 $28.00 $0
3/18/2005 $28.00 $0
3/14/2005 $200.00 $0
3/23/2005 $28.00 $0
3/16/2005 $634.80 $492.20
3/16/2005 $75.00 $0
2/19/2005 $304.00 $0
1/8/2005 $410.00 $0
1/10/2005 $882.00 $0
1/11/2005 $410.00 $0
1/13/2005 $725.00 $0
1/14/2005 $410.00 $0
1/17/2005 $410.00 $0
1/18/2005 $882.00 $0
1/19/2005 $2029.00 $0
1/20/2005 $3986.00 $0
1/19/2005 $2029.00 $1250.00
1/18/2005 $882.00 $705.60
1/13/2005 $725.00 $580.00
1/11/2005 $410.00 $328.00
1/8/2005 $410.00 $328.00
1/10/2005 $882.00 $705.60
1/17/2005 $410.00 $328.00
1/20/2005 $3986.00 $1250.00
1/14/2005 $410.00 $328.00


The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company
PO Box 982009
North Richland Hills, Tx 76182

Mark Zayti Trained My Managers!!!

R from Rochester,

I find it interesting that Mark Zayti also trained my MEGA managers in Orlando who came from Michigan and they couldn't say enough great things about about what a great "salesman" he was. The word "shyster" applies to them as well so evidently he Mr. Zayti is an excellent mentor. If you check out my entries from July, you may find an interesting parallel to how you were trained. Small world isn't it?

Blue Cross Blue Shield For Me Please

Let's start back in December of 2005 when my 5 year old daughter went to the doctor for her wellness visit and school shots. Paid $459.00 out of pocket (I admit my fault since I misplaced her identification card). Filed claim for reimbursement and received a check payable to my daughter for $100.00. When I called to verify benefits and have the check made out to me so I could cash it and I was told that was all her wellness visit covered and had always covered. That was the first part of February and here it is March 16 and I still have no check. Called and now it is a problem to issue check to me because I am not on the policy. Let's see I pay $200/mo for 12 months $2,400.00 and only see $100.00 back for taking her to have a check up. Pretty amazing to me. Even though I have a co-pay I still get billed by the doctor's office for the part that MEGA won't cover. I then canceled the policy on March 6 and go figure they still drafted the next month from my account yesterday. Now I am being told that they won't send me a refund until April 9 because my bank can reverse the draft. Whatever! I would not recommend this company to anyone. My agent to blame maybe so.

BUYERS BEWARE....5 FACTS YOU MUST READ BEFORE PURCHASING MEGA INSURANCE

This will take about 7-10 minutes to read. I thought Mega agents were smarter than to keep saying these things in the field, but apparently it is still commonly occuring all over the country. I was taught to say these things over 4 years ago: These are facts you MUST KNOW!!!


FACT # 1: Mega Life & Health and its affiliated companies are not "group" insurance plans. Even though a Mega agent may speak heavily about this, it is important to understand that THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL, UNDERWRITTEN HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY, just like all other companies you can purchase from if you are getting insurance just for you or your family. Simply because they are placing you in an association (NASE or AFS), does not mean that you are now part of a group plan. It means you are part of an association plan, and there is a difference.

Selling on this concept gives the buyer the impression that they are going to be part of a similar group plan like GM, Sony, or Home Depot insurance. NO!! You are not part of a group like that. You are simply being enrolled into an association, not a true group plan. You do not want a true group when you are buying on your own..... Almost all individual insurance companies use the association concept for 'pooling' purposes, nonetheless, they are still individual, underwritten health plans not intended for serving more than one family on the same plan. True group plans like GM do not have underwriting to deny you if you have diabetes, you must be an employee, and you cannot hand pick the type of coverage you want. If you get fired or quit, you lose your coverage.

United Health Care (underwritten by Golden Rule) serves more than 26 million customers. They use and association call F.A.C.T (Federation of American Consumers and Travelers). Assurant Health, World Insurance and several others also use associations to enroll individuals and single families for personal insurance plans.

If an agent is selling you on this, ask him or her these questions ...

1) "If Mega is a group plan, then I can't be denied coverage based on health, right?"

2) "So, if Mega is a group, then what is Humana, Golden Rule, Assurant, Unicare, Blue Cross and Aetna?" ...(if the agents answers "they are individual plans, and it's you against the insurance company" - then ask, "what makes them an Individual plan?" ...if the agent answers "they don't have a large group like the NASE to be part of......well, now you know that the agent is either aware, but choosing to lie to you, or they are unaware. So make your choice- do you place your hard earned money into the hands of an agent that is either a liar, or misinformed about the marketplace?

3) "How much is your association?"

- F.A.C.T with Golden Rule is $3/month. That's all I need to say. Remember, you need Health Insurance! Most Mega agents will talk about their silly, expensive association 70% of the time, and the actual health plan/cost 10% of the time. (the other 20% is trying to get you to like them and build trust in them personally with a whole bunch of bull crap)

One other thing, they have been touting heavily that their sales force won some stupid Stevie award....which basically means squat to you. By the end of reading this post, you will realize that they are winning awards by manipulating and lying to their customers.
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FACT # 2:

If you tell a Mega agent that you are looking at Golden Rule and trying to compare, you will typically hear something like this:

"Well, Mr./Mrs. Client - that plan is great until you get sick and you really need it"

Be sure to ask the agent to elaborate on that statement. They will most likely proceed to try and explain to you that other companies outside of Mega will single you out for rate increases or cancel you after you place a big, new claim. THIS IS FALSE!! As a matter of fact, this is against state regulations for agents to say this, or imply it and they could lose their license if you, and others, report them to your state OFIS office.

HIPPA Federal Law (also known as the Kennedy-Kassebaum Act of 1996) prohibits any insurance carrier from cancelling you due to placing new claims. All insurance companies, including Mega, have the right to investigate claims. If you omitted information on your application, then they can rescind your policy and deny all claims. But if you have a NEW CLAIM, then you cannot be denied coverage. It is a ridiculous assumption that an insurance company will single you out for the very thing you are paying monthly for. That's like purchasing life insurance for 10 years, dying and the insurance company denying your beneficiary the face amount because of a claim...you died!

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FACT # 3 - You will get RATE INCREASES with all health insurance companies. MEGA LIFE has rate increases after the first year too. Mega agents will try and sell you on the idea that you will get big rate increases after your first year with any other company but theirs (go figure). That's a lie. No one can predict exactly what will happen, and Mega has a history of having similar rate increases to their competition. # 4 below will help you understand that it is much smarter to take a risk with a company that may give you a 10% rate increase, then to take a risk with Mega-having them cover you with their style of coverage for a potential 5% rate increase.

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FACT # 4 - Mega Coverage & Price Cannot Compete against the rest of the market.

Mega agents will talk the least about their coverage and most agents will not leave their lengthily brochure and policy info behind with you, even when you commit to buying. Their outline of coverage is confusing. HEALTH INSURANCE IS NOT CONFUSING! Most other plans that you can buy are simple and easy to understand. I can personally break it ALL down for you on ONE PAGE. Mega agents will omit the dirty secrets about their plans, like yearly caps on RX and 'per occurrence' deductibles, along with the lifetime personal incident caps of $1 million, organ transplant caps, chemo regulations and much more. Their first dollar benefits are complicated and you have to be on the plan for lengthy periods to get a benefit from them.

Top Major Medical Plans that we sell are One Deductible for the Calendar Year, not per occurrence. No caps on RX and no special Chemotherapy regulations. First dollar co-pay benefits are immediate for doc visits, well checks, immunizations, and RX.

Last- the price for a plan that could leave your family with multiple incidents out of pocket in excess of $25K….. is much more expensive than the plans we sell.
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FACT # 5 - Mega has a very bad reputation. They are constantly being sued and find themselves under multi-state investigations for the fraudulent agent practices I have noted above. Their complaint ratio as a whole, is literally off the charts (seriously, there is a chart on NAIC.org website and Mega's complaint ratio goes off of it). Scroll up to my post above “Are we defaming Mega, or Exposing them?” if you would like some references.
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REVIEW: Mega agents are Captive. This means they will be kicked out of Mega if they get appointed to sell a different company. If they tell you that they represent another company, like Blue Cross, they are lying to your face.

Even though many agents are aware that their plans are inferior to the market in price and coverage, they chose to stay and put their license at risk everyday by telling you many of the lies above. Why? Because they believe that they will become millionaires one day in their stock sharing program. Because they aspire to become a manager one day. Because they feel a greater obligation to their marketing company, UGA, than to their clients that they should be serving.

They have been told over and over not to look at their competition's plans and pricing- leaving them clueless to serving you best with the right options which will custom fit your personal needs. And sadly, they are not aware that they could succeed outside of there and actually sleep easy at night.

IF YOU RECENTLY BOUGHT A PLAN, call the agent and tell them to rip but the check. If you have recently been approved and you are paying for the plan- By God, GET OUT!!!!

If you are thinking about buying and have an agent coming to your house, then ask these questions above. Tell them you are comparing with Golden Rule and Blue Cross and you would like their advice on what they think.....

If you are interested in pursuing the agent for any of these lies above, you can contact your state Office of Financial and Insurance Services (Google OFIS). They have a place on their site to report an agent.

health agents direct at yahoo will get me if you need new insurance. I will pass you on to one of my top sales guys in your state to contact you and treat you right.

Bashing MEGA agents

To all of you MEGA agents who think you are doing a service to your clients, well you're screwing them left, right and center! The only reason you think your product is fantastic is because you came into the insurance sales business totally green and were easily manipulated by unscroupulous division managers who are no better than snake oil salesmen.

Once you get out into the real world and sell real policies to people from more than one company, you'll see that you've been had by a corrupt, decietful system. I was in the same situation and thank God 'a little bird' told me to Google MEGA + scam. I was saved the grief of clients cancelling their crap policies and having high interest 'advances' instead of real commission checks from the company I sold for!

I hear horror stories from people all the time about how MEGA doesn't pay for any significant amount when the claim is filed! I have no problem switching these people into BC/BS plans with low yearly out-of-pockets maximums ... not this 'per occurrance' crap. Wake up people, you sell junk and your district, division and regional managers are getting fat off of your overrides by feeding you lies!

Mega life plan works great for me

It seems to me that every report that i read on here has one thing in common. All of the people complaining are either customers who didn't understand what they bought, or agents who were terminated (most likely due to complaints)

Mega has a plan for any type of budget so obviously if you buy a dirt cheap plan the coverage is not going to be what you expect. I have been with Mega for a year now and like it just fine. The association benefits have actually helped save me money and I pay nothing when I go to the doctor.

I elected not to get an ER benefit so I know that If I go to the ER I am going to have to pay towards my deductible. In turn, my rate was lower so that was ok with me. Generic drugs are a $15 copay and if I needed a better drug plan for name brand drugs I have that option also. I did not want it so my rate was lower. I looked at the fully loaded Mega plan that my agent brought and It was still about the same price as an non-association company's best policy but would have gave me a ton of more coverage. It had life insurance and disability on it also.

I am from Charlotte NC and my agent was very thorough with me and I understand exactly how the plan works. The CareOne plan that I am on is very flexible and my agent explained every option that I had so that I could pick what I needed. My rates are lower than the competition since I am in an association and they will not go up if I were to make a serious claim like most other non-association type companies.

People you need to understand what you are buying and make sure you have an agent that you like and one that knows what he/she is talking about. The plans are not set in stone type plans. My agent did a great job of explaining to me how each plan option works and I have been happy with the coverage I got for the money.

I am happy with the choice that I made so quit complaining about the company because you did not understand what you bought. It was your fault. If the agent lied to you then report him to the dept of insurance. He also left the brochure with me and I read it, theres a suggestion.

MID-WEST MEGA LIFE SCAM SCAM SCAM FRAUD FRAUD FRAUD

POTENTIAL HEALTH INSURANCE BUYERS: RUN RUN RUN, DON'T BUY THIS CRAP. IT WILL BANKRUPT YOU!! THE REBUTTALS POSTED HERE BY CURRENT AGENTS IS ONLY EVIDENCE OF THEIR BRAINWASHING. THESE DOUCHEBAGS WERE RECURITED RIGHT OFF THE STREET, BRAINWASHED, THEN THEY CALLED YOU! THE FUNNY PART IS ASKING ONE OF THESE AGENTS TO LOOK AROUND AT THE CHEERLEADING SESSION OF A MEETING THEY HAVE ONCE A WEEK. THEIR "COLLEAGUES" ARE NOT EXPERIENCED, THEY'VE ONLY SOLD MEGA/MID-WEST. THEY DON'T KNOW A GOD DAMN THING ABOUT INSURANCE. THESE GUYS SUCKS MONKEY NUTS. GET A NICE GOLDEN RULE, ASSURANT HEALTH, AETNA, SOMETHING OTHER THAN THIS BS. THIS COMPANY KNOWS HOW TO BEND THE RULES, HAVE NO ETHICAL STANDARDS WHATSOEVER, LIE AND CHEAT, IF I HAD A AGENT CLOSE TO ME NOW I'D KICK HIM IN THE NUTS TILL HE PUKED.

"Mother's claim" from Blain - Fort Smith, Arkansas

I pasted "Blain - Fort Smith, Arkansas"'s data for his mother's medical bills into EXCEL, then I used EXCEL to parse his data into three separate columns to get the totals for the 9 months of medical bills Blain had listed:

The totals are as follows:

Gross Claims MEGA Paid % MEGA Paid
$597,944.79 $61,591.97 10.30%


MEGA Shortfall
$536,352.82

Doesn't this result make that $3600/year premium look like a bargain?

Former Agent who has a conscience

I am a former agent in Pa. who left after 30 days. The office is run by slime who teaches new agents how to avoid informing clients about useful information that helps them make the best decision for themselves. They give you a quick training on program highlights, and then out you go.

You call leads all day in the hopes of finding some desparate soul who will not ask too many questions. The dumber, the better. I have a conscience and gave it up in 30 days. Luckily I did not hurt anyone because I did not sell to anyone. My conscience would not allow me to. They have a ridiculous turnover, and they just hope out of 100 new agents , one will succeed.

I hope anyone who falls into their recruiting trap has enough to go with their gut. I went against my better jusdgement and signed up. I wondered how they could offer a job to each person in the room. A couple of people seemed so clueless that I would not offe them a job at Mcdonalds, let alone helping people with something a simportant as Health Insurance. They tell you what you want to hear. They are dispicable souls in that Pa. office, bith the Branch manager, and the District manager.

I would be interested in knowing how many agents sign up anf then leave in a calendar year? Is it all of us, or is it them. They tell you " you failed, not us." How do they sleep at night??

Boy, I am eating my own words!

I have to confess, I posted on here within the last two years when I WAS a District Manager for Mega defending the company. At that time, I thought Mega was the know all end all and "thought" I knew the truth about the company. It may have taken me 5 years to open my eyes, but I am sure glad I did.

If there is anyone out there who is having difficulties with leaving because of debt or any other reason, dont worry we have all been through it. I can sit here and tell you the reasons why I finally left, but most of it has all been said. All you need to know is go out and do your research and find out about other agencies and insurance companies in your area. Everyone is going to have a manager who makes money off you, but at least you are selling a good product with a trusted insurance company, and you are completely free to run your own business. Once you are free from call ins, trainings, and meetings, you will be a much happier person- not to mention you should be making the full 20%+ commission on the products you sell and not around 10% minus taken rate that Mega gives you.

Final thought: If you are even questioning if you should be a rep for Mega or not, follow your gut and start looking around. It never hurts to be the educated one making the decision instead of "having your blinders on" and just ASSuming your managers know what they are talking about.

Thanx for the good laugh Mr. Agent in NC....

Regarding the Post Above from "Mmmmmgood in NC" -



Everyone, please take notice of the 4th paragraph down..... THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!! THAT'S THE BULL CRAP THAT IS DRILLED INTO THEIR HEADS ALL DAY LONG BY THEIR MANAGERS!!! !

Hey genius, why are you on the Rip Off Report if you had a wonderful experience with Mega and your Agent??? You just proved my point about you guys being a bunch of liars. No client that just purchased a Mega Policy would EVER write a post like that...

BTW, you can't buy up on your RX plan....in fact, your drugs are caps/year along with just about everything else.

I noticed how you wrote that you compared a fully loaded Mega plan against a 'non-association plan', and your mega price and plan was better.....so who did you....I mean, your agent, compare that one to??? Aflac??

There are only a few Non-Association Individual plans on the market, so which one was it that you compared against?

I also noticed how you mention nothing of your price per month, or what your deductible and co-ins, and OOP is??? Yet, how many times did you say "association?"

Mega agents know very, very little about the company and programs they sell.

Don't worry, you're probably brand new...and your managers are forcing this down your throat, we'll forgive you... Hopefully your clients will too when they realize the mess you put them into after it's too late.

Like the agent above, you will inevitably laugh at yourself for attempting to make such a ridiculous post.

Just realize who's giving you the information

What Mega agents need to understand is all of their information is coming from obviously biased sources. Unless their managers makes overrides the entire operation crashes and burns so it's not like any Mega manager is gonna say "Oh Yeah, all these other carriers are fantastic and pay more."

For any Mega agent reading this just realize some facts:

*Almost all carriers pay 20% commission to start, then you go to 25% with some carriers.

*Independent agents sell online. This means no gas, no getting stood up and you greatly expand your territory.

*Anytime you're presenting one company you turn into a salesperson. When you present the products of many companies you're in the role of an adviser and don't have to hard-close.

*If you're a Mega agent and not doing well don't let anyone tell you "maybe this isn't for you." It's for you. The only thing not for you is Mega/UGA.

So it's up to you. You either drive around your state all day on appointments or do side-by-side plan comparisons with your clients online. If you're happy with Mega then fine - stay.

But if anyone's looking for help there's an association I found set up to help. The Independent health insurance agent association can help anyone. Go to ihiaa dot com.

JOHN WHO? DES MOINES IOWA }

JOHN,

Are you the agent that was fired from Mega for ethics violations and insurance fraud? or was it John from Miami?

You stated that you are a agent for the State of Iowa, are you the same John that is currently being investigated for the same problem above? (By the way, the Amy from Orlando, wasn't she fired for the same thing?) Perhaps the public record info is incorrect with the State.

If you respond(or any other agent) please state the following:

1)You state license number and full name
2)You address to contact

Since I am considering buying insurance (BY THE WAY,every major insurance company, including the ones you endorse are on this RIPOFF.COM site, are also being investigated). Also how does a site like RIPOFF.COM make money and paid their employees?

If you (or any other agent) is license! And sincere about giving me insurance advice about any company then it's appreciated. If you do not reply because you fear you may lose your license for your comments(since most states make it a violation to make comments against other companies) THEN ALL YOU COMMENTS PAST,PRESENT OR FUTURE ARE BASELESS AND USELESS!!! SO PUT UP OR SHUT UP.

I await your response on this....since I intend to buy insurance within the next three weeks and I have completed my research on all these comments about insurance companies, which again I state that everyone major company is on this web site, in fact,every major retail company is on this site!!! Which tells me that no company is PERFECT!!! Including RIPOFF.COM!!

I await your response...

hey john from miami beach

i am currently an agent for mega and i would like to contact you because i have had a bad feeling for quite some time about these guys and i want to look around and work somewhere that i can feel better about. i know there is no perfect company. also i have a mega plan for myself and i don't feel good about it at all. i got into the health insurance industry by signing up with their agent and then i was looking to change careers. so at the time i knew nothing about insurance. i was always on group plans and didn't know what to look for. well i've been doing this for about 6 months and the more i've learned the more i've found it harder to want to sell for mega. anyway the reason i singled you out is that i live in miami.

NASE - does nothing for small business

I have some experience in dealing with this company. I have been in sales for a few years now and was looking for a new opportunity with a different company. I responded to an ad on monster for a sales position with the NASE. Went to a group interview (which was my first inclination something was wrong) and had some guy pitch us on how he used to sell TV's & VCR's at Sears before he was presented with the Opportunity of a lifetime.

The way he sold how NASE reps helped small businesses really had me interested, I sat through the whole interview and was actually optimistic about the opportunity. A few days later I had a second interview with a team leader. She was very nice and explained all the ins & outs of the business to me.

I really was interested at this point, talked to whole thing over with my wife and the only thing that held me back was that I have a 10 month old daughter and I was a little worried about leaving my current job with a salary guarantee plus commissions going to a straight commission only job. After much discussion and thought, I decided not to pursue the position.

I did however; recommend a few of my friends & even my wife, who are in business for themselves to the team leader that I met with as possible people that would be interested in insurance.

One of my best friends signed up right away…I am sad to say. He was ripped off. I do have to say that MEGA did call him and go over his policy with him, and it was not what he thought it was. He is paying almost $300 a month for pretty much a discount program. Needless to say, he is canceling, and going with Blue Cross.

The NASE says it represents small businesses by lobbing for them discounts, blah blah…I have done some research and have found nothing that they have done for small businesses as far as lobbing goes. Maybe the $35 membership for the discounts is something worthwhile…but from my small dealings with this company, I would say to stay clear of the health non-insurance.

I have been to the Primerica recruiting seminar also…and the old verbage “If it's to good to be true, it probably is…” fits here.

Mark Zayti

Anyone know of a Divisional Sales Manager in the state of Michigan known as Mark Zayti?

Mark Zayti is nothing but a SHYSTER! He is a liar, misleading, and very good at twisting words and situations. In all actuality, he can be thought of as the "salesman from hell" in every way imaginable. Stay clear of him, the NASE, the MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, and any inclination of "so called" benefits offered by this Association.

It's all crap and when claim time arises, you are guaranteed to have MANY, MANY problems.

As an ex- agent with the company, I was employed by the NASE for approximately 8 years.

After I left, I became an independent and lead a much more happier, prosperous life...and best of all, I can actually sleep much better at night. I moved ALL of my NASE clients to better policies and in turn, saved them much grief and aggravation.

BUYER BEWARE!

Generalizations = Ignorance

I'm disgusted. The comments made toward Mega agents here are no better than lumping any other ethnic, social, or religious group together and demoralizing the whole. Criticize the plans, or the way claims were paid out, fine. Once you cross the line to say that all the agents are crooks, uneducated, heavy-handed, off-the-street, forced, duped, etc., then you've missed the mark. Furthermore, you've exposed your ignorance and lack of respect for human beings. There are plenty of Mega agents who are proud of what they do, how they represent the company, and are secure with what the plans are. PLEASE STOP THE PERSONAL ATTACKS. (Brian I would expect more from you.)

There are dishonest Mega agents, there are dishonest brokers. There are people who have loved or hated their Mega policy, same as with any company. No one can deny this.

Lastly, an idea. Since it appeares that all of the indepented agents and brokers out there know so much, maybe each state's Department of Insurance should replace their employees with a panel of brokers. Evidently the DOI's accross the nation are not as educated as the typical ex-mega broker, nor are they as concerned for their citizens. Otherwise, Mega wouldn't have been authorized to do business in nearly every state. What do ya'll think?

Somehow I think that if there was an insurance product that was truly harmful to the policy holder, those with no incentive to do otherwise would stop it before it started. That's what DOI's do.

Hi Confused

Dear Confused,

I know of the agent you met with recently. She is respectable, very nice, and really does have your best interest in mind. She was the number one agent in the state of AZ last year. She is just not aware, however, of the MEGA product. It is NOT MAJOR MEDICAL. You can simply call Mega and ask them directly and they will say the truth - It is not Major medical. Call the number on the back of your CareOne broshure that she should of left behind.

As far as the "Alliance" goes, the dental is good and the cash payout is good. But you have to remember to call them in the event you are hospitalized. Will you really use all of those discounts? It is 40 bucks a month. I do not know if you want to buy the product or the agent - she is young and nice, but will you use the products??

What about Alliance for Affordable Services?

I met with a MEGA agent this afternoon and, after hearing her presentation, decided to research the company and subsequently found this site. After reading every post (man, that took awhile!) I've been prety much spooked away from the insurance, but I was wondering if the Alliance for Affordable Services aspect was worthwhile. Are the benefits genuine? Can it be purchased without the insurance, and, if so, what is the actual annual cost? Any help would be appreciated . . . Thanks!

I Know who you met with Confused

Hi "confused"

I know the agent you met with. She is a nice young lady and she is the only agent working in Kingman. I would tell you to only get the "Alliance" if you know what you are buying and if you will actually use the products they offer. The dental is good and the cash pay out is ok if you are hospitalized (just do not forget to call them and let them know or they will not pay you.

The agent that you met with is respectable, kind, and is an AMAZING producer for the company. She is not aware of Mega's history nor about the limited plans.
You can buy the person you sat in front of, but the product really is "NOT MAJOR MEDICAL"

Do not get their Health Insurance even though the person you met with is an amazing individual.

Hi Brian

Brian, your a great recruiter and I appreciate you using me as an example. However, I do not receive your attack about my marriage or future. It is sad that you would mention that. It reveals who you are.

A lot of things that you say are true from a Health Insurance point of view, but you and your predictions of future events have no basis because you do not know me.

I may be unsure at the moment, but I take time in making big decisions - I believe it is using wisdom.

definitely decided to look for health insurance elsewhere

Hey Unsure --

Thanks for the input on Alliance. I'm not sure how many of the benefits I would actually use, and almost $500 a year is a chunk of money. I've definitely decided to look for health insurance elsewhere (through an independent agent in the hopes of getting some real comparisons). The Mega agent I met with was very nice, as you mentioned, but at this point I just don't feel comfortable with the company. In any event, thanks again and I wish you the best in sorting out your own situation. Good Luck!

What?

'Unsure' - Why would you take offense on a board where you hide your name and location and no one knows who you are? I use you as a generality. This board is to give advice to all others reading, not a personal dialogue just for you and I. Crying about me saying you might end up divorced because you don't take advice of people who are qualified to give it - is a little immature.

I'll say it again.... starting your own agency and getting contracted direct to the carriers straight out of Mega in my opinion is the worst idea ever. I have seen many, many agents suffer from doing that. You shouldn't think you are now on top of the world because you sold a bunch of lies in order for someone to buy your policies. (you = mega agents, so don't take offense 'unsure') When you make $5-7K+/week in less than 30 hours like we do, then you have this business down.

You are over-complicating things. Getting out of there is not as hard as you are making it.

Look around you!!

I am an ex-agent of the Mega Health and Life Company...all of the reports I have read here are very true, and it boggles my mind how many agents post rebuttles to try to defend this company...I know it is hard to look in the mirror and accept that you have been duped...but look around you...Why is everyone in your office a "newbie" why are the big producers in your office only one or two years in the business...Why are your managers trying to hire as many new agents as they can every week??? Its because they know that when the ones they have figure it out they will need replacements...Its all a sham they lock you up in a room and teach you that the legit company's will cancel you if you have claims, or will increase your rates to drive you out, or they only pay reasonable and customary charges...and that MEGA is the consumer's answer to all those problems. I noticed one rebuttle that said you could taylor the plan to your needs and add doctor's co-pays, Labs ect....With Mega this is true but what gets paid after the co-pays??? Not reasonable and customary but MEGA'S price... I believe today it is $75 for an office visit after a $20 co-pay and it is limited to once or twice per quarter the cost of adding this benefit to your plan is more per year than you could ever hope to get back out of it...and it is that way with all of the optional riders...the Ambulatory care rider only pays up to $2000 per day after a $500 or $1000 deductible...the ER rider only up to $1000 after a $250 deductible...Have an accident go to the ER for a couple cat scans, an MRI and some stiches...total bill of over $10,000...MEGA pays a maximuim of $3000 for these services and you pay the rest....OH and your base plan deductible hasn't even been touched yet so when you have to go back to have a let's say ACL surgery you pay your $2500 deductible then 30% to $4500 more for a total of $7000 more...oh and if anything else happens to you in that calander year...you have to do it all over again...because the deductibles are "per occurence"...Its an awful plan and all agents eventually figure it out...usually by lots and lots of phone calls from unhappy clients...If you don't believe just stay around for 2 years or more by then the calls will come...I hope by writing this I save a few of you agents that pain... there is nothing worse then being responsible for putting people who put their trust in you in a finacially devasting position. Anyone in your office (other then a manager) that has been around for more than 2 years knows what they are doing and should be ashamed of themselves...any one below two years I hope I have helped you to question what you are doing...there are plenty of legitimate carriers out there that will pay you more for selling their products, and they will truely protect your clients. If you are still not convinced ask yourself one question Why must you be a captive agent?? None of the other carriers require this...It is because MEGA knows that if you were comparing their products with true major-medical plans in the marketplace that you would never write any of their product...they want to control what you learn about health insurance and keep you in the dark about the truth...they only want you to know their truth...that is why they hire only agents new to the industry...they don't recruit experienced agents...look around you!!! Type other major-med carriers into the search on this web site...why aren't there pages of bad reports on them???? There is a reason!!!

Wow..it is all true isn't it?

I have to say that what I have read on here...and as you know is quite a bit, is all pretty much word for word true. Last friday I had an agent from NASE/MEGA come to the house to try and CON me into a policy. After reading this report, and TOO many others like it, there were things she would say that were exactly what has been written on here.

Amazing the amount of time she spent on explaining NASE, and lack of time she talked about the actual insurance. Then when I would pose a question to her about the insurance, off she went about MEGA winning all these sales awards, and my favorite. MEGA is the #1 rated Insurance company in the world. She topped that off with some whipped cream, saying that both Presidents Bush and Clinton stated in their inauguration speeches that if ALL health insurance companies operated like MEGA, then we wouldn't be in a health care crisis. Note to self, were we in a health care crisis during Clintons speech? The other one that got me was the..."we are the only permanent insurance in the world".

Well anyways, she had no reasonable answers to the questions I was throwing at her, even though I knew more about her policy then she did. It also made me laugh that the poor lady had to pitch the presentation off of a typed out sheet. I then asked her how long she had been with the company, and she said for 3 or 4 months. Funny when I looked her up on the insurance commisioners page she had only been appointed for 10 days. They certainly throw them to the sharks early at MEGA don't they?

The whole time she was there I had a file in front of me with over 100 negative reports on NASE/MEGA from the last five years. It was so sad of a presentation, that I didn't even have to open up the file and put it to her. I just feel bad for the unsuspecting person that does actually get fooled by them. For her sake too, as she was a very nice lady, I hope she figures out the junk that they have her saying to people is just that...JUNK.

Jim - Center Valley

I challenge you to compare the junk plans you sell to your main competitor/nemesis, Highmark BS and see that your plans have more holes in them than swiss cheese! As has been stated before:

1. You are GREEN to the insurance business as I was at one time; and with no prior knowledge of the health insurance business, you have no idea that what you are selling is garbage.

2. You are fed lies on a daily basis by your division and district managers who live off of your overrides.

3. Your customers are the real victims here because you have no idea what you are selling because of the above said lies fed to you.

4. Get out and sell real major medical policies.

I feel good every time someone calls me and wants to ditch the MEGA policy they have because it doesn't pay for anything!

Just go to Monster and see how many ads your division manager has placed. you know, 'A Salesperson's Dream.' All he does is recruit, recruit and recruit. Look around and see how many new faces are there on a monthly basis. They turn over so quickly because the 'green' agents soon realize that they are given useless leads and the policies are junk. The ones who are there for any long period of time just have no morals.

Red flags should've gone up in your mind when your division managers' first words were about the all-expense paid trips and yearly 'Reunion' before anything about what it was that you were going to sell! Get out there and sell some real policies before the ones you've already sold go off the books and you have to pay back all those advances aka loans @ 12% interest!

Top Mega Agents Rare Breed

I too finished in the top of my quick start class. I am still with the company and unlike the other gentleman, I had my own agency BEFORE I went to Mega Life and Health. It is very hard work and very few make it. I grant you that. However, it is not because of ANYTHING the company does. It is a result of many new agents not doing what it takes to become successful. Yes, they do hire a lot of people. Yes, very few stay long term. But, it is not the fault of the company. The same can be said for many very recognized insurance companies that very few make it in their company. It takes hard, dedicated, disciplined work. It also takes a passion and full understanding of just how damaging balanced billing can be. It results from a reasonable or allowable amount that the insurance company sets being much less than the actual bill. Go to the American Medical Association website and read about how insurance companies are being sued over balanced billing. Why is it that 3/4 of the people who have to file bankruptcy for medical reasons had health insurance to start? Talk to the thousands of Americans who went through a major bankruptcy because they HAD TO FOR LIFE SAVING REASONS---go out of network for treatment. They hit the reasonable and allowable monster head on and lost everything the owned. It faces good people every single day. Insurance is not designed to cover every nickle and dime. Most people by it to protect themselves from life's worst health tragedies. That is known as ASSET PROTECTION. One last thing. Look at the character seen in the replies of the agents who are bashing Mega. I don't hear the sincere agents who are doing well today using cussing etc to make their point. We don't have to. We believe in what we do and it doesn't make us ignorant or blind.

Heidi......

I don't write for Conceco or Bankers. I listed all the companies I write for. I also don't sell coverage where the deductible has to be met three times per year. And what's up with that "MAC" - maximum allowable charge? Hmmmm....sounds like the Mega clients need to do a lot of homework before seeing a doctor!

Now, get back to calling those leads. Your district manager, division manager and regional manager are all counting on those overrides!

Balanced billing

I am holding a PPO brochure and it says, and I quote, "in addition, if you go out-of-network, you will also be responsible for any 'balance billing' - in other words, the difference between what the providers bill and the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield allowed amount."

The MAC you mentioned with Mega has nothing to do with it's Premier PPO plan which is what we sell in Arkansas. If companies don't use UCR to their advantage, then explain the lawsuits on the AMA website regarding this area.

Also, do a search for hospitals etc on the Net that print on their website that you would be responsible for any amount above and beyond the UCR charge. I found several. Read the USA Today, Money and other ads that reveal the horrors behind balance billing and then tell me that it doesn't happen.

Another thought, talk to the people that we do who have lost everything they had because of major gaps in an insurance policy. Lastly, PPO plans do not do away with balance billing. They open the door to it. Yes, if you stay in network, it does. That is not and has never been the issue with those of us agents who hear the horror stories of people who had insurance and still lost it all. What our competitors do is convince people they will never have to worry about GOING OUTSIDE THEIR NETWORK. Then what happens? They go outside the network for WHATEVER REASON and meet the monster of UCR-balance billing head on. Just do the research. You have to go no farther than some Google searches. If anyone would like more info on UCR-balance billing and they are open to the FULL TRUTH, I will make it available.

Balance billing

Did you ever really pay attention in health insuance class 101. Balance billing is not done by any companies and Blue Cross puts it right in thier policies. Every insurance company has out of net work charges even MEGA thats why HSA's are becoming very popular. If mega dose not do balance billing then why do they put caps on almost everthing that is covered totally opposite of all the other companies.

Oh yeah one more thing if mega does not do balance billing why on the major medical plans that they do have, why do they have the MAC which for all you agents that never worked with the N.A.S.E. the mac means maximum allowable charge. Which mega is the only one's that know what that maximum is, the agents have no idea what the maximum is neither do their clients.

So before anyone says anything about balance billing check your state laws. this is not done any more. Any policy thats has a network has prenegotiated rates that are already been work out with the providers and payments are exepted at these prenegotiated rates. Thats why ppo networks where created to do away with BALANCE BILLING.

Most of The Things Here You Read Are True... But Stop And Think

To all current, past, and perspective Mega agents: Sadly most of what you read here is true. I too was a Mega agent and left because there were things going on I did not agree with and wanted to do the right thing for my clients.

Are there better opportunities elsewhere? Yes. Is the stock program real depends how you look at it. (Conversation for another day) Please, however, be weary of what some people are posting, specifically, what they are saying. We all took classes to get licensed, and we all know bad mouthing another insurance company, true or not, is not legal or ethical.

So why would you want to go work for someone who is a repeat offender of this on this site?

This same person, who has many of the preceding posts, has even gone so far as to directly email current Mega agents with the same things he posts here. He might already know this, and if not you are being forewarned, the powers that be at Blackstone, (they own Healthmarkets) protect their investments closely and legal action is in the works.

Agents, take time to look and see what else is out there, there are a lot of opportunities, ask questions, do research, and don't trust unethical people.
Have a great day.

Competition Bashing is Not Very Professional

I have been somewhat amused for the past hour reading general complaints (which appear to be from Blue Cross Blue Shield agents or brokers, as opposed to real customers with legitimate complaints) with rebuttals submitted in defense of Mega by Mega Insurance Agents.

After reading all the Mega bashing posts, I decided to see what kind of complaints are being posted about Blue Cross Blue Shield and, also, to see the amount of rebuttals posted in their defense from their agents.

There were NONE. Maybe it's because if enough attention is paid here, no one will even think to look elsewhere for complaints on BCBS.

The complaints on the BCBS search appeared to be from bonafide unhappy customers with detailed descriptions of what happened to them. These were the type of complaints I had expected to find with the Mega search, but didn't.

In fact, I didn't see one general complaint on BCBS that appeared to be posted by an agent from some other company. I guess Mega agents would rather not waste their time bad mouthing the competition, which, in my opinion, is professional behavior.

Licensed insurance agents can be fined large sums of money for bashing the competition, not to mention losing their licenses to do business in the insurance industry.

I guess I'm glad that I'm not easily swayed one way or the other by what is posted, good or bad. It appears that the Mega agents really do want to help explain how the plans work, are apologetic for consumers who have dealt with less than ethical agents (they are in every company), and do believe in what they have to offer.

Just from what I've read on this website on both Mega and BCBS makes me more inclined to try a Mega plan any day. I like the way the agents responded. Very professional.

Are you kidding me?

So your answer to the health care crisis and not having your client go into bk is Premiur PPO with:

1) Per-occurance deductibles
2) Out of network is a $9,000 out of pocket max plus whatever deductible you have.
3) $1,000 ER limit
4) $2,000 lab and therapy limit
5) $1,250 per day chemo benefit with NO CAP - client always pays 20% of the charges.

ER visits must be deemed a medical emergency to be paid. Who gets to decide if it's a medical emergency? Oh Mega. Doctor visits must be deemed medically necessary to be paid. Who decides if it's medically necessary? Oh Mega again.

Physical Therapy? Cannot recieve it unless hospital confined but didn't receive therapy while confined. Ambulance? No benefit unless hospital confined.

Lab testing - not covered by doctor office visits, ER, outpatient facilities, etc.

Should I go on or do you know that I was million dollar seller for Mega? I'm now independent and wouldn't sell a Mega plan for all the money in the world. You just have to be educated.

OK - I'm going to assume you are referring to me......

So, how does saying "true" things about a company constitute being unethical? Please explain that one..... If I say that Mega has the highest complaint ratio in the industry, am I being unethical? If I discuss their ratings, or their coverage limitations, or their recent lawsuits, am I unethical?

Blackstone cannot sue someone for recruiting agents whose names and emails are publicaly displayed invited people to email them. They have tried, they have nothing to go on. All agents we email are found on National databases, just like all the rest of the agents we talk to, outside of Mega. But it does speak of Mega when they try and sue you because you attempt to recruit them......
If they do try and sue us again, we are ready. Mega loves to tie agents up in courts. They don't care if they lose, they just want to tie some recruiter up with attorney's fees and court cost for a year with some ridiculous suit that makes no sense and has no ground. That's their little trick.

I know I'm being a little defensive here, but many, many agent's lives have changed from the assistance I and my managers have given them. I have spent countless hours helping agents that I have never made one dime off. They thank me almost everyday for "showing them the light"

I invite all to read my past post and ask yourself how unethical I am. Judge for yourself. Don't just take Jay's word for it. I'm not afraid to say what needs to be said and expose Mega for who they really are - ideas of attorneys and suits don't scare me like they do him. I don't hide what I know under sealed lips out of fear.

He's absolutely right.

Laura - If I could save just one individual from purchasing a Mega policy, I would feel so much better about my complete waste of time as a mega agent the last 5 months. Please, please do detailed research and make sure you compare every single part of the medical plans before you make your decision.


John from Des Moines is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT about Mega Life. Their agents are very poorly informed, and although it may seem like they are taking time to explain the policy, I guarantee you they are either directly misleading you, or they are too uneducated to know that their policy is tremendously inferior in many, many areas. There are so many short comings to even their best policies, and their limitation on cancer (chemo/radiation) is vastly short of the coverage you will need when confronted with that illness. Chemo is anywhere from 8-18k a day, and some treatments are as agressive as every day for a couple weeks.

Do the math - mega pays around $1500/day, and if the chemo drugs are running 10k a day, that is over 100k shortage in coverage for a 2 week cycle. And that is only the first round of treatment. Mega tells you that you can go in or out of network and that you'll never need to worry b/c you'll always know that there is a max out of pocket. They insist that they cover the big things very well, like Cancer. They say "dont you want to go to the best hospital if you or your spouse were ever to get cancer?". But it's all a lie, b/c if you get cancer with their policy you're screwed no matter where you go. 99% of the agents don't realize they are lying b/c they are clueless about health care costs, and how their policies really pay - but you can't blame them b/c they are only repeating what they were taught word for word. There is a reason that Mega gets bashed by former agents, and there is absolutely a reason they get bashed by so many customers.

Pay attention to these warnings - they are not agents from other companies trying to mislead you. They are mostly just people who feel sick to their stomach about all the unfortunate individuals they they put in mega plans, and they are trying to make up for it by warning others. As for me, I am no longer in the insurance business at all, and pretty soon I'll close the book on Mega life for good. I'm just trying to help a few individuals before I do. Good Luck.

Yes I was... for good reason...

This is nothing personal, I just think agents need to look into everything that is out there. I also think if you plan to continue to do business in the state of Illinois you should get a copy of the state insurance code and you will see that my reading of the law is correct. Also, it is not MEGA who is looking into you.. Blackstone is another animal. I am glad to hear you will fight them, I think someone needs to.

One other point, you send emails with information and a number, you post about the great opportunity you company has, yet you never give the name of the company or where we can get more information prior to contacting you.

Is there anything you are hiding? Why do I have to send you my information first to get information on your company? Mega took this approach and we know how well that worked out for some people.

Agents, just do your homework...

Not enough.

Laura,

Let me just say that all the ex Mega agents who just read your rebuttal either put both hands over their face and shook their head, or they giggled and then shook their head.

It's ironic that you are in the state of Washington. There is a specific reason why you are only able to get that one major medical plan in that state - a very important one. I strongly suggest you contact the insurance commissioner and get as much information as possible with regards to Mega Life. If you take the time to read through ALL of the many complaints about Mega on this site (alot of them are under other search categories too, not just this one), you'll also find plenty of information about Mega's operation in the state of Washington. I believe there are some very nice links to other publications as well, newspaper articles, magazine articles, etc...

You'll find that Mega was forced (after a cease and desist order) to stop selling all other policies, and to only offer a major medical plan. Now, that being said - maybe they were forced to offer a plan that doesn't have the gaping holes that all of their other policies do. Maybe an agent who recently practiced in Washington can pop in here with some facts? But I will tell you this - ALL of the policies that I had at my disposal (about 8), had the same inefficient coverage b/c they all had the same "riders" to their policies. The chemo/radiation was slightly different on a couple plans, but it was basically as I stated, and no matter what plan you have, you are going to be screwed with cancer. This is pretty much consistent in all states that mega operates in, with slight variations here and there.

A couple other things that you need to consider. Your comment about looking for a better plan to cover you if you had cancer, is an uneducated comment. Even the active Mega agents scrambling around on this site trying to put out all the fires will tell you that once you get cancer - you'll never be able to get another insurance carrier to cover you in the individual market. You're stuck with what you've got at that point, so it's not like you can go with a Mega policy b/c of one of it's advantages, like - I don't know - the "wonderful association benefits" (ex mega agents laugh again - I couldn't think of any part of a mega policy that is actually better! i suppose the transplant benefits could be, but I'm waiting for someone to show me where the holes are in that too), and then switch to another insurance policy to have your cancer treatments covered. You're screwed at that point. Plus, the chemo/radiation coverage is only one (albeit major) deficiency of their plans. There are ALOT of deficiencies.

The other thing is, why on earth do you care if tons of customers and ex agents are doing their part to help protect consumers from insurance companies. The fact that Mega is getting bashed all over the place, and not just for claim paying (there's plenty of those threads), or customer service, should TELL YOU SOMETHING!!! I mean - hell, if I'm on ripoffreport looking up a company, I want to hear about everything that people have experienced. It has nothing to do with being unprofessional. Granted, I'm sure there are plenty of agents/company reps who are on here putting out fires, trying to steal business, and misguiding people. But come on. There's common themes amongst many of these threads and one of them is Mega's agents (people with no experience and who are often desperate for work) mislead customers about the coverage they are getting. The customers complain when they find out after it's too late that their coverage was not what they thought, and the ex agents get on here and TRY to turn the light bulb on for individuals before they make a crucial mistake. I'd say that's pretty damn important and useful information.

You are Right, I am Wrong...Does This Make You Happy

OK. I don't know why I am going here, but I am. Ex-Mega agents may be laughing and putting their hands over their eyes and, well, so be it. That's their perrogative.

The fact of the matter is, I'm sorry they think I'm stupid, but that's what most lobbyist will try to project against the competiton. I am not the competition and I am not for Mega Health and Life...I am for fairness. I understand that some plans that Mega offers may not be the best for a lot of people, but may be for others.

I want to hear about companies that are ripping off consumers, also..I am a consumer!!! I don't want to be ripped off. I just want people to post legitimate complaints!!! I'm done here. You don't get my drift; therefore, nevermind. Sorry I even entertained this forum.

I thought I could get some answers... NOT!!! Good luck all on your health insurance endeavors.

Resonse to Laura

So Laura, you're looking for a independent unbiased review the health insurance company complaints? It exists. Go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website and run a national complaint search. This is what you'll find:

2005 national complaint ratios:

Mega Life: 6.63
Assurant Health: 1.90
Golden Rule: 1.20
Continental General: .67
Humana: .28

Mega not only has the highest complaint ratio in the nation for individual health companies, but it's 5 times higher then anyone else!

Now if you don't like this feel free to contact the NAIC and complain. This is the same organization that launched a 25 state investigation following Washington State issuing a cease and desist.

Laura - can you please explain to the class why Mega Life has the highest national complaint ratio?

I Did Some Research

The negative comments being made sound legitimate on certain types of plans being sold throughout the country. I, myself, wouldn't care to purchase a plan like the one you are describing, if it pays the way you say it does.

However, I did some research and discovered that Mega sells all different kinds of plans that cater to different kinds of needs and they are different in every State. To generalize to the public that Mega is not a reputable company because you don't like the features of one plan they offer, in my opinion, is not very fair.

For instance, in my State of Washington, they don't offer the type of plan you are describing. It was explained to me as a Major Medical plan with a calendar year deductible that I could decide on, based on what I could afford to pay in the way of premiums per month. They have certain co-pays for hospitalizations, doctor visits (they said "unlimited" doctor visits per year), testing, ER, etc., but from what I can see with all the other Company's offerings, everyone has co-pays. There are other features that appealed to me, such as, up to $1 Million dollar transplants paid at 100% after deductible, but that's not the point I'm trying to make here.

If I had Cancer and I knew I was going to need that type of coverage, I probably wouldn't decide to go with a plan that you describe, as it definitely could cost me a lot out of pocket, if you are correct with your figures on the maximums it pays daily for treatments. I would have to decline that type of policy as it wouldn't meet my needs. However, at that point, I would probably ask to see what other types of plans they have, and if I didn't like them either, I would say "thanks, but no thanks" and keep looking. It's my right to decide on the type of plan that would save me the most money on health care costs based on my specific needs in a policy.

If all the features of the plan are stated up-front by the salesperson/agent, and you don't like what you are hearing, send them on their way and don't buy. At least it sounds like they aren't hiding the details of what they are trying to sell.

I guess my point is, all companies have different product offerings and not every plan is going to appeal to all people. That's why we have choices.

I think the main complaints being posted against any insurance company should be the one's regarding "Customer Service" or how timely was your claim paid, or what kind of hassles and time wasted did you have to go through to get your concerns handled to your satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and so on. Or, was something so hidden in the fine print of your policy that what you thought you were buying turned out to be just the opposite? Those are the types of complaints I am interested in against insurance companies.

I don't buy based on what I'm told, but on what's in the contract. I read every detail and if I don't understand something, I ask for my questions to be answered in writing.

Don't bad mouth a company just because you don't like a specific plan or the agent presenting it. Agents are suppose to be ethical and truly believe in the products they are promoting. There are good agents and bad agents and the bad ones need to find a new profession as they don't serve anyone's best interests; the company or the client.

Thanks

I saw an advertisement for Mega Health and wanted to check them out.
The tv ad had no web address and the web site had no hard facts or information.
Thanks for the great site again and for saving me the representative BS.
Bob

The grass is GREENER on the other side of the fence

I left Mega last year for a number of reason. But the biggest reason is that I felt un-ethical about what I was selling.

I am now an independant agent and have ZERO issues with the companies I am selling. (Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross).

Yes I am not getting big advance checks, BUT I also don't owe any company anything if a policy falls off to soon!

I don't have to worry about taken rates, etc. Or competing against agents who have deep pockets for marketing to win contests and bonuses. I either hit the number of policies needed or I don't. No questions.

Being able to talk to underwriting BEFORE selling a policy to someone has helped me keep more business on the books.

I don't have to waste gas driving somewhere to get a "no" or "I'll think about it". I do get those answers, but since the companies I rep all want the applications done on-line, the most I am spending is on my phone and internet bill. Hell of a lot cheaper then gas now a days.

Mega teaches people here in Texas that you are required by law to see the customer in person and every insurance plan must have an association with it.

If it was the law, why are all the major players (and I mean, real insurance companies) wanting everything done on-line? And for associations? BS. Some plans have them, some don't. BUT it is NOT a state law.

IF you like living in a deficit to a company that is heading downhill fast, God bless you.

By the way, why did Troy McQuage step down? Was UGA falling that bad?

There are too many ex-agents complaining -there must be truth here

Jim,
There are too many ex agents complaining about the same things. How could it possibly be that all these ex agents have an ax to grind without some merit. I am a reasonable person and agree that there are angry vindictive people in the world who will write unfounded negative comments, but there are too many people saying the same things.

My main beef is that the NASE is just a cover to sell this ( my opinion) crap insurance. I was specifically told to make up an answer by my district manager since he didn't know all the answers after four years. He said most people won't even ask complicated questions and I was being too much of an insurance agent.

The Branch manager said all the time that people who try to be insurance agents will not succeed, just sell the NASE benefits in a 30 minute presentation of NASE and let the insurance be three minutes and sign them up.

Heaven forbid an agent should suggest they do not have enough product information to sell this stuff after three days of training. Two days of NASE and four hours of insurance, and four hours of paperwork.He flew through the insurance product training as if I would be selling cutlery or something insignificant.

Can you tell me why they run the ad on monster " salespersons dream job" like every week? There is unprecedneted turnover at UGA, that is why. It is a recruiting trap for people to sell a few policies and then realize what they have done and leave. How many people are hired and leave in a calendar year?? You know what I am talking about. Every person that attends an interview is offered a job. EVERYONE !!!!

As I said Jim there are too many ex agents complaining about the same stuff for there not to be some validity. They belittle people at their weekly meetings if you don't sell, and chastize you for asking product questions. You know what I mean !!!

If we are failing at our next job too, then we must be failures at all we attempt, so then why would UGA hire us in the first place?? Because we are disposable agents.

As I said, the managers have no conscience, they basically lie during their well reheared pesentation and lure people. The branch manager at my office is without a doubt, one of the slimiest people I have ever met, next to my district manager that is. Sorry, but the truth hurts.

Recruiters of MEGA Agents often just as pathetic and unethical as MEGA itself

I know a lot of MEGA agents browse this site. They could be true believers drinking the Kool-Aid, and they could be desperately looking for the exit door. Both of these groups are often plagued by recruiters because it doesn't take much of a crowbar to pry many licensed agents out of MEGA. Most of the newbies have been on the fence since Day 1.

I'm no defender of MEGA by any stretch, but there is a particular health agent recruiter out there who is trying to deceive and cheat MEGA agents in order to recruit them. This week, a highly deceptive and fraudulent email has been tearing through the country alleging that HealthMarkets (MEGA's parent company) has "new, lower ratings" by A.M. Best. A link is provided in this email that leads one to believe MEGA's rating has been lowered from A- (Excellent) to BBB- (Good) - a precipitous drop by any measurement.

What the author of the email utterly fails to divulge is that the A.M. Best rating he cites is specifically for HealthMarkets' holding company, which has a separate listing. In fact, the issuer credit rating of BBB- for HealthMarkets' holding company has been BBB- since at least May 25, 2007. One is led to believe that HealthMarkets itself has suddenly been "lowered" to BBB-, but in fact HealthMarkets, MEGA and all other associated companies have retained their A.M. Best "A-" rating, which has also been in force at least since May 25, 2007.

There are plenty of opportunities out there in the insurance world for conscientious, hardworking producers. No reputable manager or agency would ever need to stoop to such tactics to recruit new agents for their sales force. MEGA agents, beware of anyone who has to resort to false allegations to bring you out of your situation. Although you are likely in desperate straits, resist the impulse to cling to the first thing you see floating. It may very well be a shark.

I Replied to that Email - and now I'm out

Wow, there are a lot of nervous, skeptical agents out there huh? Mega kinda makes you that way I guess. I looked at the email as an invite to sell better rated carriers, because I have been feeling like Mega is going downhill. I think the email was intended to get agents to look, because I deleted all the emails that looked normal and invited a change. My managers told me to. I think there are many agents that need to be pushed into change, because it's easy to look the other way for so long, that I grows too late in the hour to think its even possible.

I conversed back and forth with the agent with many questions, and he gave me straight answers and actually impressed me with his knowledge. We eventully spoke at length, and I am now extremely excited about this new opportunity to sell on my own. He said the reason he is careful with giving out his name is because Mega will take any agent that tries to recruit theirs, and try and taint them in the eyes of the agents so they don't ever look again. He said that that the confidentiality goes both ways and that I wouldn't want him telling other Mega agents that I am looking to leave...which makes sense.

All I have to say is THANK YOU! Who cares how I was pulled out, I am now FREE!!

I think the majority of the agents that are out, probably forget to thank the guy who emailed them that invite to change their life......because had they not received it, they would probably still be there. I know I would be.

Well said

Thank you Chuck for your insight. I believe that is why Blackstone Group, (they own healthmarkets) is considering going after this person. There are many opportunities out there. Take some time and see what is a good fit for you. Try and avoid negative people, this week they bash mega, next week it will be someone else, the cycle will never end.

This is a great industry, you can do a lot of good for people.

need advice

unfortunately, i currently work with this scumbag of a company. i would like to become truly independent and offer plans from multiple companies; how best to go about this? also, how best to deal with my due company? it is well over $10k and i don't have near the funds to pay it off (interest on your commission -- wow).

totally agree with the general tenor of the anti-mega comments in this thread. mega's policies are hapless in every regard, as we all know, and could NEVER be sold without the front that is NASE/AAS. the managers and agents i have encountered during my short tenure with the company have by in large been the most unscrupulous, backhanded, and ignorant crowd i have EVER come across.

some lovable facts about MEGA:

1) NASE/AAS/AFS have NO connection to the health insurance. the memberships don't provide a discount (they aren't even required in some states) in terms of the premium or guarantee better coverage or any of that crap. THEY ARE A FRONT for INADEQUATE COVERAGE!

2) MEGA's careone suite is better than the previous plans, true; but this amounts to saying that Dick Cheney is better than the devil. The plans STILL HAVE: max mega will pay for the ER (500-1500 post Ded.), max MEGA will pay for RX (only $1500/yr!), max MEGA will pay for preventative (which is outrageously priced), sub-par dental coverage, high max-out-of-pockets (if you even have one, and don't forget up to 3, yes 3 deductibles per year), screening's only covered AFTER deductive (absurd), and of course some outrageously priced ancillary products (income protection/theft(ha), critical care, term life (prices=haha), etc. could go on and on.

the short of it is this. MEGA offers a piss poor catastrophic suite that is moderately cheaper/the same price as much better coverage. only ignorant consumers even consider going with MEGA.

for anyone who has left MEGA and gone independent successfully already please advise me. thank you.

Healthmarkets isn't going "after" anyone

Mega Life or Healthmarkets can't go after anyone for recruiting agents. Mega agent's are not employees - they're independent contractors (ie: self-employes) which means Mega cannot assert any control over them. Yes, they might attempt to scare someone recruiting agents but that's about all it is - a scare tactic.

That would be a great court case: "Yes your honor, they sent our independent contractors emails."

Aside from that, how can Mega agents be recruited? If UGA has the best deal (best products, commissions, overall package) then they wouldn't care at all. In fact, independent agents are sent mailers all the time from various agencies trying to get them to sell their products. I didn't realize that was illegal.

So I really don't see what Mega's concerned about. Happy agents are gonna stay, unhappy agent are gonna leave anyway. UGA wants unhappy agents to stay? Wow..that's gotta make for some great atmosphere in the meetings.

What UGA doesn't want their agents to know is:

1) Most health insurance sales are being made online and as time goes by almost all sales will be online

2) Agents can get 20% contracts with advances from day one

3) There's no need to drive all over your state, waste gas, get stood up, get told "I'd like to think about it" when most agents around the country and signing their clients up from home

4) Agents can show, compare and sell all major medical products in their state instead of putting on a dog and pony show in the home

If agents are worried about a support network when they leave just look into organizations like the Independent Health Insurance Agent Association (IHIAA.) They're set up to help and there are a lot of ways for agents to get out of Mega and become successful.

I Think You Might Be Confused...

Blackstone, they own Mega, is not going after anyone for recruiting. If you would take time to read evreything you would see this. They are going after people for breaking insurance laws for defaming them, true or not. (The law does not care) This was simply put out there as a heads up to people posting on this site that send information directly to current mega agents. Blackstone is a multi-billion dollar private equity firm that will not care about the little guy.

As was stated in earlier posts, people will challenge them, and I think this is good, it needs to be done, I just don't think one person alone will have the resources available to do this.

Again, agent be careful and watch out for other agents who try to recruit you but do it via negative attacks and scare tactics.

Negative posts are not the problem

Agents/ex-agent who post are not Mega's problem. It's the insane amount of new articles and insurance department that are after Mega.

You think the ROR reports are Mega's concern over Maine's action against them? If you read the Maine report you'll see Mega has a lot of growing up to do before they can play with the big boys.

If Maine's not enough read up on the Mass. attorney general lawsuit and if that's not enough look at the Delaware $500,000 recent fine. Read the PBS article on them.

This company operates outside the regulations and gets caught all the time. Read up on the Washington State cease and desist a few years back and a pattern will start to emerge for you.

And even if all that can't open your eyes hit the NAIC.org site and run complaint searches on various carriers. Mega has the nation's highest complaint ratio among individual health carriers.

Couple of Things -

Jay -
1) How long have you been away from Mega and how many agents have you recruited in your past? Are you a Broker independently contracted with carriers, or are you part of an agency with a manager?

2) Please email me the state law that indicates you are defaming if you tell the truth.

3) I will email you my list of Mega agents that will give you testimonials of thier incredible successes with my org.

3) You are pretty heavy about warning agents to do their homework, but you fail to tell us how many apps you are writing per week with your present independent gig.

4) Here is what my opportunity offers, and perhaps even you will want to talk to me: Agents- judge for yourself:

- Weekly 8-12 month advanced commissions on carriers that don't advance that


high anywhere else
- Number one marketing agency in the country for Golden Rule
- Lead programs on all carriers sold - quality leads
- Online selling 100%
- ZERO PROSPECTING SYSTEM
- Training geared to assisting all agents to reach 10 apps/week immediately
- 4 exotic trips/year on our carriers
- High commissions based (varies based on experience)
- Manager opporunity (based on apps, not politics)
- Extrememly low overhead
- huge commissions on critical care/anciallaires

I advise agents to not become independent brokers (like some on this board) because you can get so many more benefits and assistance, and increase your QUANTITY of SALES and QUALITY of LIFE by not fearing organizations like mine. I even offer agents a pre-release if they are unhappy with our performance.

You have a lot to learn-

I believe you are doing a great dis-service to anyone that listens to your advice.

I just realized you have been away from Mega only a few months....you are just a puppy. You are still barely getting a hold of this 'real world' of insurance. That's probably why you didn't anwser my questions. Because you didn't anwser my questino, I am to assume you are selling a few apps a week, and barely scraping by with your overhead. No offense. I'm not defaming you, just taking a guess becuae I see it 100 times a week.

You forget that agents need help to learn how to really sell. Including you. I'm not talking about 1-2 apps a week. A monkey can do that in this industry. I'm talking 10-14 apps a week WHILE maintaining very low overhead, work less than 40 hours and NEVER prospect. That's what I like to call an "ALL STAR AGENT"

Tell me, are you selling 10 apps a week in less than 40 hours with low overhead while never prospecting? Not too many agents are able to say that they are worth $300/hour. Who's gonna teach you how to do that? You think someone at Blue Cross will - or Aetna - or Assurant ??? NEVER!!! maybe you can go to one of those seminars at the holiday inn they put on once a year.

If you wanted to become great a something (i.e. musical instruments, sports, business, etc) are you going to need to pay someone to help you? Of course you are. Did you know that the Self-Help industry is close to $4 billion/year. WHY? If everyone had your attitude, Brian Tracey, T Harv Eker, Bob Proctor, etc would be broke and the millions they influence would be as well....

WE WORK FOR YOU!!! You pay us an over-ride. So we MUST meet your highest expectations or you will find a better mentor to accomplish you desired goal.....

So, agents- do you give up a little pride by so that a real mentor you can make serious money the smart way, or do you broker yourself out to 10 carriers, get paid as earned, buy your own leads, with no competition rankings, no comradery- all alone and hope you survive????

Almost every agent that I have known that left us thinking that they would be more successful operating directly with the company has come back. We don't hold you captive to us and we don't force you into meetings. We can't. You are independent. We simply help you succeed. We have also built many excellent managers who are now mentors to others....and the cycle continues.

There, everyone - now you know your options. Jay went direct because he thinks he will lose money to a manager. I am with a solid organization that is pubically traded and the largest independent marketing org in the country. Non-captive.

Don't go direct. You'll barely break 100K/year. Just make sure you find a soild mentor/coach that will work hard for you! No-one is forcing you into anything.

Why work for someone else....

Agents,

What people do not tell you is you can get direct contracts with all the carriers, get much higher commission splits, get access to all the trips, etc etc etc.

Why work for someone else, make them rich when it is not hard to do it on your own... we are independent reps... correct?

Also, if you want to see a HUGE bump in income write more life... 110% not th 20-25% you see on health.

People work hard to recruit you because they make money off of you, I work for myself... it is great!

Back and forth, back and forth

Okay, I'm going to weigh in again.

This thread seems to have devolved into a ping-pong match between one ex-agent telling us to abandon MEGA and work as an agent (for him), and another ex-agent saying it's better abandon MEGA and sell direct. So here's my unbiased, unfettered opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

First, and importantly, both of these people agree on one thing: Get out of MEGA. Yes, MEGA has improved their product somewhat. Yes, MEGA and Healthmarkets has been recognized by Selling Power magazine for being the best insurance sales organization in the world. I guess their ability to sell such a high volume of an inferior product is worthy of recognition - although it's the same sort of rueful admiration one reserves for a snake oil salesman at a carnival who happens to be very good at finding his marks. That one shouldn't buy or represent MEGA has been well established in this thread.

As far as how one should continue (or salvage) an insurance career started in MEGA, there's really two ways to go, as these ex-agents have described.

One method is to simply apply for appointments with major, reputable carriers and sell direct. You'll need at least one million dollars of E&O (errors and omissions, i.e. malpractice) insurance to get your appointments, which will cost you about $800 to $1000 per year. This option is for people who have a large cash reserve and who have extra to invest in buying plenty of quality leads.

Since you will not be receiving advances on sales, you will not receive income until you start receiving commissions from the insurer. This will take months to gain an appreciable amount for reinvestment and even longer to gain significant profit. Nevertheless, you will not be paying overrides on your policies, so the upside is greater - the business is yours and yours alone.

Is this the wrong way to restart your insurance career? Absolutely not, but it is exactly like starting your own business: you must be financially prepared to invest in your efforts like any other start-up business, otherwise you will fail.

The other way to go is to join a brokerage and exchange part of your take (your commissions, which will go to your manager as an override) for the privilege of receiving advances on your submitted business. You will still need E&O insurance and you will still need to invest in bought leads if you want your book of business to grow at maximum speed. Note that any time you work for someone other than yourself, though, you are influenced by that person's methods, reputation and reliability. If your manager has to resort to exaggeration, insults, defamation and libel in order to recruit you, don't expect that you will be treated any better in turn.

As I've stated before, there are conscientous, reputable, honest managers who work in this industry. Typically they are not the ones who have to scream from the mountaintops: they, like all who do good in this world, have no time or tolerance for arrogance or anger. They are quiet and choose their acquaintances not in cattle-call droves or email bombings, but carefully, on a person's individual strengths and merits.

I wish all who read this wisdom and strength in their endeavors.

Hyprocrites

I think the direction needs to change on this board toward helping policyholders and clients a little more- so I'm gonna post this and be done for a while with this board.

These guys with all the broker advice have never really recruited anyone, let alone a Mega agent, allthough they most likely left because someone sent them and email and recruited them, worked with them and helped them leave, but in the 11th hour, they stabbed them in the back and chose to go down a different path without that person who helped them leave. It's a classic scenario.

They think that by sitting passively on the sidelines and speaking nothing of the problems at Mega when need be, it will get them somewhere with mega agents and earn them grand respect. They fully admit that Mega is a terrible, decietful place - but put down anyone who tries to say it in a recruiting email or blog...... stating that an invitation via mass email is wrong - while the reality is that no one's life will ever change because of their sideline contributions.

All the points about being a broker are true. but most of the mega, cornerstone, midwest agents i have seen that go brokers and get paid as earned go broke within 12 months-

Typical Mega Agent scenario: pushing hard to write 10K av/week consistency in order to make $750-1,000, no real sales trianing on how to sell properly, unknowingly decieving clients when they compare mega to thier competitors and losing sales left and right to competition, manager driving them nuts, manager taking all the cobra leads and giving them the left overs, sick and tired of paying for 80% of the their own leads, driving 500 miles a week with no-shows and burger king for lunch everyday, not selling enough to win any awards or trips, never see their little kids and wife working 65 hours a week at odd times, bringing home a 1099 of $43,000 while paying out $20K in over-head, in debt to Mega by at least $10-15K, late on their mortgage with $700 in credit card bills a month/mostly going to interest, 70% taken rate becuase of underwriting and clients dropping off, and scared, alone, desperate, feeling decieved, wronged and manipulated, wondering why they every chose to spend the time to get licensed and join this whole gig.

Then they get an email. And they think - could this be true? Could I actually make more money and spend time with my familiy???? So they work up the guts to email or call us, and after an hour conversation, they are filling out thier paperwork. 2 weeks later, they make more in 1 week than in a month previously. We have a 95% closing ratio of Mega agents that talk to us. But its not us - its the opportunity.

Sales 101- INVITE. Most mega producers, don't even understand thier own deal, let alone ours, so we must INVITE them to a better opportunity. We rarely talk about the problems there, because agents already know there are problems. Everyone has a different hot point. talking about the problems would take all day. We talk about what we do, and it's over.

If the invitation is too bold, well then doooooon't respond. If you are offended, ask yourself why? Cry if you want - post it if you want, but you will probably do it after you have left- so it worked...... The truth hurts when someone points it out and you don't want to hear it. If you don't know how ethical somone is, ask for testimonials of at least 5 other agents that left to them recently.

MEGA AGENTS - YOU DON'T NEED FLUFF, YOU NEED FACTS! call it whatever you want, if you are on the fence then you need some IN-YOUR-FACE honesty about they real story of your present situation- or else you will not see it necessary to make the changes you and your family need to make!

You need a reputable organization to help you succeed. You need a good mentor to walk you through the entire process. You need to make $300K/year! You need to never lose your book of business and have a product for every need and grow that $300K book untile you wish to retire on it. You don't need to be a broker and go broke-'r' out of fear of people like me. i've never scewed anyone.... I've put my email in previous post. Anyone looking to change thier life, I'm here along with my extrememly qualified mangers. you can't change unless we invite. Spend an hour on the phone with us and make your own decisions.

Good luck to all!!

Signing out -

3 days of training and Stop with the pole signs

I worked there for 3 months (in late 2006) with no insurance back ground. I could not believe they had me selling insurance 3 days into training. I had no idea what I was doing. They recruit as many people as possible (whom pay $250.00 to UICI) run them through 3 days of training then start calling old, old leads. What a scam. No wonder they get a bad rap. Honest people like me want to start a new career and get no training. How could I possibly give someone looking for insurance correct information. Out of the 30 people in my training class, maybe 3 made it a month like I did. Once I realized what was going on I left. I guess the insurance is much better then 2005 but you have to fine an agent who understands it. I also they make you neighborhood look like crap with all the pole signs.

to john from miiami beach

hey john i noticed that i can't leave any contact info but i would like to speak with you because i have sent a resignation letter to mega via e mail and i'm talking to a couple of brokers to go independent. plus i'm planning to switch my coverage. so i don't know how to reach you.

Shop and Compare

I sell health insurance in Colorado. I looked at a Mega Life proposal. Mega is a limited benefit plan. In Colorado, insurance companies are required to provide a description of benefits form in the same format from company to company so you can make easy comparisons. Line 16 deals with ambulance benefits for instance.

I quoted a family. The Mega plan was quoted at about $450/month. The major med HSA I quoted was $465. Here are the comparisons.

Mega Chemotherapy Benefit (additional cost) $7500
Other company included in plan up to $8,000,000

Mega air ambulance benefit (additional cost) $3500
Other company included in plan up to $8,000,000

Mega accident coverage up to $50,000 max $500/day
Other company included in plan up to $8,000,000

Mega family deductible $2,500 per confinement period.
Other company family deductible $2,500 per year

Bottom line. Use the Benefits Description Form to compare benefits. Know what you are buying.

Hard advice to follow

While that may be true in Colorado, it may not be true in every state.

In addition, you are an insurance agent. It's doubtful that consumers would be aware of any form of the type you are referring to. And an unscrupulous company would not inform them of it.

I for one, was never given anything like a list of what they would and wouldn't cover and for how much. Not at all. I'm just glad I realized early on what a scam it was before I had anything major occur.

It's too bad that there are companies that profit off people's ignorance of what the law may or may not require.

Ex Agent of Mega Life/NASE

I worked three months for the company and almost went broke because I could not sell the product it was so bad.

I asked a manager once about the limited benfits and he told me if I noticed, he never mentioned it while giving the presentation. WTF??? Our daughter just had a ACL replaced and the bills total just short of $30,000. Thank goodness we had BC/BS of Iowa or we would be bankrupt.

Always thought it was strange that my commisssion check was a check from my managers personal checking account and they always said don't worry about the taxes for a couple of years as the commissions were advanced not earned. Bet that is fun explaining to the IRS.

I dont know how any agent selling Mega can sleep at night. Stay far, far, away from this company as an agent or client. You can do better.

Mega Life slapped with a HUGE fine....

This article was posted on a local news station where I live. This was also on the Noon report....


Thousands of Mainers Due for Insurance Refund
AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER) -- An insurance company that overcharged Maine policy holders for years has been ordered to pay a $1 million fine to the state, and refund its policy holders $4.6 million, plus interest.




Maine Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman says the Texas-based company, Mega Life, ignored state findings that its rates were excessive.

She says Mega Life continued to overcharge policy holders for four years, from 2003 to 2007.

It's one of the largest fines and restitution agreements ever in Maine. State officials said the settlement involves approximately 9,830 policies.

Mega Life has 30 days to notify the Bureau of Insurance of how it will allocate the restitution to specific policyholders.

Consumers can reach the Bureau of Insurance by calling 1-800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to: Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

You can also go to their website. Just click on the related link.

This is humorous, yet scary

Reading all of these reports about Health Markets and Mega Insurance is very humorous, yet scary. What is so funny about this is that all of these ex-agents (who are, even if they claim that they are not), that could not hack it with our company get disgruntled and decide to cry about how bad everything is in order to justify their failure at our company.

The scary thing is that just about anyone can come on here, write a negative report, and then other people see this garbage and get scared off. I realize that is the point, and this is why people take the time to write this. These are also the same people that are now failing at some other job right now, and who will probably go and bad-mouth that company when they get fired there in a couple of months.

The bottom line is this. It is true, anyone can get the "rotten-apple" agent, who lies to them, and tells them that everything is free, there are no co-pays, no deductibles, and you get a free box of candy mailed to you on the 15th day of each month. But lets face it, this is true for EVERYTHING that you will ever purchase in life.

I can get on my soapbox and tell you how are products are the best and that everyone should be on our plans, but that is not why I am here. I just want everyone to take these reports with a grain of salt, and realize that anyone, repeat - ANYONE, can write these.

Now you could make your decision based on some disgruntled ex-agent's experience, or some less than intelligent individual who did not understand what they were buying, and always expects everything without paying anything. (Let's face it, look around, how many people out there would you trust to give you accurate information on ANYTHING) Or you could go to someplace like AM BEST or you state's department of insurance and get your facts. You know, the people the study insurance companies for a living. Afterall, if all of the horror stories posted here were true, do you really think that Mega would be allowed to sell insurance in any state? The choice is yours, but when I am going to buy my next car I will consult Consumer Reports. When I purchase my next home I will consult the best home inspector and realtor that I can find. I would just be a little hesitant if I were you about the validity of these statements.

Listen up everyone

It's almost humorous to me as I read some of the post from current MEGA/NASE reps. I guess it's because I see how hard you're trying to believe in what you are saying. I am an X-Mega agent. I came into the business fresh, young, blind and ambitious. I won my quickstart class- sold $175,000 AV in 3 months and continued writing at a pretty heavy pace for an additional 6 months. I even remember placing post like the guy above -Chris from Georgia who is obviously clueless. I believed everything that my trainers told me, but turns out- THEY LIED. Turns out, Mega operates by the same insurance guidelines as their competitors... which mean my clients cannot be singled out for cancellation or rate increases based on claims from any carrier!

LOOK at all of the horror stories above.. WHY? Currently, Mega is at an all time high with agent misrepresentation and customer complaints. Look it up with the NAIC reports...Why? Because top level cunning managers at UGA hire unemployed family people to become agents with them, they show them some money, they show them how to mislead their clients into getting the check and their blind agents run around selling with no clue how and they end up placing unsuspecting families into bankruptcy.

It took me about 10 months to figure it out and get out. Today, I am the owner of my own agency and I actually enjoy training and helping agents do it a better way. We carry only the top insurance companies I offer good contracts to my agents -240% 9 and 12 month advances on just about all of my carriers. Commissions paid directly from the insurance companies. We sell quite a bit online - where we truely are CONSULTANTS to our clients as they can review their coverage and compare the best plans. We leave the brochures behind, we let prospects actually think it over for a day or two because buying health insurance is not like buying a used car or a time share - IT'S an important monthly expense and needs to be made wisely. And guess what??? We actually sell policies and a lot of them doing it the ethical way...

We offer full major medical plans that are as simple as this: $500 up to $5,000 1 time annual deductibles- than 100% co-insurance on all Inpatient and Outpatient scenarios. Unlimited doc. office visits with co-pays, 1st dollar wellness coverage, and Unlimited RX with $15 generic co-pay - $30 brand name after $200 annual deductible- PPO Networks and Traditional plans...All plans have associations build into them and the monthly cost are as little as $3.00/month - Believe me when I say it- IT'S JUST THAT EASY! Any agent who is selling what I am will agree with me that they will beat and take away any Mega plan EVERYTIME! We salivate when we get a lead of a Mega client.

Bottom line: Any consumer looking to buy MEGA- there are so many better options! Any agent selling Mega- there are SOO many better options. If you need a hand getting out- I could show you how to double your take home, decrease your expenses, make an excellent earning and actually sleep at night...(all the stock in the world cannot beat that last one)
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

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OR

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MEGA Agents - do a historical study on "CAPTIVITY"

I wrote back in Feb. of 2008 (two months ago). I was in 40K debt from working with MEGA. Now I am about 22K debt with the company. A big thing that helps lower that debt is if you call the company -MEGA Admin. and stop contributing to the DEF stock with renewals. They reversed my contributions going all the way back to Jan. I'm almost out and hoping not to go to court for the rest.

If you are thinking about joining MEGA please consider doing a word study on the "concept" of what it means to be in "captivity". Do a historical study of people who have been in captivity. For those of you who are Bible believers, do a Bible Study on captivity - then make up your mind if you want to work for NASE.

Being a "captive" agent has a connontation of being a slave. People who have been with Mega longer than 5 years convert that to mean "Golden Handcuffs" yet the concept is still there - SLAVE.

You become a slave to the company. Look at me and all the posted comments above. You get financially stuck with their dream for your life and once you become conscience of what you are selling - if you have been there for anytime over 5 years, you have to harden your heart and close your mind off to the reality of what you are selling.

You're right!

You are absolutely right. No consumer should make a buying decision or given much weight to these reports since they could be written by anyone. What it should do is prompt a consumer to do more research.

Type is "mega life scam" and start reading articles.

Better yet, go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website (NAIC) and run complaint reports for health insurance companies that write individual plans. I did and here are the results for 2006:

Humana - .13
Unicare - .16
United American - .56
Continental General - .65
Golden Rule - 1.27
Time Insurance - 1.35
World - 1.46
American Medical Security - 2.13
Celtic - 3.85
Mega Life & Health - 5.1

Mega has the worst compliant ratio of any individual health insurance company in the country - over 5 times the acceptable average. Now....you can argue with these posts all you want, but Mega is the worst based on NAIC reports. Go argue with them.

what is all the fuss

I have a mega plan. I have not had to pay a dime out of my pocket for our doctors visits yet, and have a family of 5. I have had a copay after my deductible on my medications, but I knew that was the way it would be. When I had another plan before this, I was so worried about taking the kids to the doctors, that I made myself sick with the stress. My son broke his ankle, and I got cash from NASE that paid for my out-of pocket under the insurance. It really helped alot since I couldn't work for three days, taking care of him. I thought I broke my toe, and only paid a $50 copay even though the ER person ordered all kinds of x-rays for my foot and ankle.

I did have a copay on my annual testing, but I have a friend that had a Blue Cross Plan that only covered about 20% of testing for his son once everything was said and done.

As long as I knew what I was buying, I'm ok with it since another friend of mine is paying over $1,000 per month for him and his wife, and they hardly ever get sick! They are on a fixed income and it is so sad to see them go through that. I can't imagine what I would pay for that BC plan they have.

Wait and You will See all the FUSS

I am glad you are happy with your plan. I am glad you really understood what you bought. About 99% have No IDEA what they actually bought. If you keep going to those dr. visits - you will run out of coverage - hope you do not have to see a specialist several times.

You might of used your card and paid almost nothing upfront, but just wait and soon you will see what all the Fuss is all about. You should start receiving in the mail many letters from MEGA saying that they are reviewing your claims- this will last for months. You will then call the company and get different answers from different people, especially if you have to keep calling back. Give it time, keep using your card, and then post another note for all to see where you are 15 months from now.

Also, keep in close contact with your agent so you can vent all your future frustration on MEGA to him. Most people who buy the plan never stay in touch with their agent. Your agent most likely will not be around next year.

Hmmm... John you left out the Company you Broker for

How Ironic my Great Aunt in Des Moines Iowa bought a Conseco policy from you. That is your true name John ****?
You conveniently left out the Iowa Insurance Division complaints of Companies you sell for.

Bankers Life & Casualty Company
22
$36,672,828
0.600

Conseco Health Insurance Company
37
$11,853,125
3.122

Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company
21
$6,607,629
3.178

Not to mention that the NAIC complaint list, consists of over 200 carriers. Check it out your very own carrier is on there. Our dear old cherished Hartford has its share of complaints too. I guess that happens!

In fact Insurance alone is enough to complain about let alone any carrier. The fact is and always will be if I don't want to be wiped out financially by a devastating, catastrophic loss I can use Insurance to counter my loss.

Insurance is not for profit for me, it is for profit for the Insurance Company ANY & ALL Insurance Company's including John's.

MEGA RATINGS - AM'S BEST AND S&P......LOWERED!!

WOW, MAYBE WE AREN'T THAT STUPID AND DISGRUNTLED AFTER ALL! MAYBE WHAT WE'VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG IS TRUE?

ANYONE WHO DOES AN OUNCE OF RESEARCH (BELOW) ON THIS COMPANY WILL UNDERSTAND THAT MEGA/HEALTH MARKETS IS JUST PLAIN CACA CRAPPY! HANDS DOWN, THEY CAN'T COMPETE!

AGENTS - WAKE UP! STOP KILLING YOUR PRESENT IN HIGH HOPES TO SECURE YOUR FUTURE!! TIMES HAVE CHANGED THERE AND YOU CAN'T WALK AWAY FROM THE COMPANY IN 10 YEARS WITH A MILLION COOL CASH! NEVER GONNA HAPPEN TO THE STANDARD AGENT WRITING $400k-/AV/YEAR. REGIONAL MANAGER, MAYBE.
YOU ARE SO MUCH BETTER OFF SELLING GOOD PRODUCTS TO DESERVING PEOPLE AND MAKING $100-300k YR WHILE SLEEPING WELL AT NIGHT. I DO IT, MOST OF MY X-MEGA AGENTS DO IT TOO. SO CAN YOU!!!! DON'T BE SCARED.


AM Best Rating:
http://www3.ambest.com/ratings/FullProfile.asp?Bl=0&AMBNum=58107&AltSrc=1&AltNum=&URATINGID=1786931&Ext_User=&Ext_Misc=


AM Best long term outlook - Negative:
http://www3.ambest.com/news/NewsSearch.aspx?Text=HealthMarkets&both=1

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

MEGA LIFE WARNING FOR ALL POTENTIAL REPS

ANYONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING THIS OUTFIT - UGA AND CORNERSTONE:

*You will be asked to pay an upfront fee - normally $200+. WARNING! No legitimate sales position has you pay anything upfront. Do NOT pay them any fee! The only fee you should pay is your licensing and proper state appointment fee.

*You will get a whopping three days of training! WARNING - it takes at least two weeks of training to properly learn the plans, rates and sales process.

*You must sit down with every client which means no matter how far away they are, you're driving there. You will be stood up and told "I'd like to think about it" while your gas bill racks up. Compare this to EVERY other that has online applications!

*You cannot sent clients quotes and plan details upon request. What legitimate company refuses to mail or email clients plan info? UGA will say "because it's too confusing and too many options for client to choose from" BULL!!! It's because if any client actually read the limitations and exclusions they'd NEVER buy!!!

*You are paid the LOWEST commissions in the entire industry!!! Most health insurance companies pay 20% - Golden Rule, World, Assurant, etc...Those companies also pay a FULL YEAR advance!!! That means you turn in 10K AV and get $2,000! Ask UGA how much you'd make if you turn in $10K!

*They LIE and say the average rep make 80K a year! LOL! The average rep quites within a month!!!! Watch the trickery! You only get advanced 5 or 6 months of commission. Even if you sell the upgraded membership you're only getting around $800 if you submit 10K due to the 80% taken rate.

*You MUST hard-close every client and ask for not only a check for the 1st month premium, but also a "fee." Most clients are not prepared to put money down! You must be a BRUTALLY hard closer to get client to pay ANYTHING upfront! NO OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY NEEDS MONEY UPFRONT!

LET'S DO SOME MATH FOR PAY!

10K a week is $800. Say you did that every week and did $500,000. That's only 40K IN YOUR POCKET! Also realize it takes 3 to 4 years for your account to "clear."

Now...tell your manager that you want to speak to someone hired withing the last 6 months who is doing 10K a week every week! NO ONE IS!!!!

*WARNING: MANAGERS WILL SAY THAT MOST PEOPLE AREN'T SUCCESSFUL WITH UGA BECAUSE THEY'RE LAZY AND CAN'T MANAGE THEIR TIME! WRONG! MOST PEOPLE CAN'T MAKE MONEY BECAUSE THEY SELL LIMITED PLANS, OFFER HORRIBLE TRAINING AND FORCE NEW AGENTS TO COLD-CALL B LEADS!

*Next, you will be calling "B leads." These are leads up to 5 years old that have been called over and over and over! It's no different than cold-calling. THE PEOPLE YOU ARE CALLING DO NOT EXPECT YOUR CALL - IT IS COLD-CALLING!

*Check Monster and Hotjobs for "UGA" and see how many 24/7 jobs they have. If their opportunity is so fantastic who do they recruit 24 hours a day!

WARNING: UGA AND CORNERSTONE WILL SAY ANYTHING YOU WANT TO HEAR TO GET YOU TO PAY THE $200+ FEE! IF THEY HIRE 10 REPS A WEEK THAT'S OVER $2,000 A WEEK JUST IN FEES!

*YOU WILL COLD-CALL OLD B LEADS!

*YOU WILL SPEND HUNDREDS IN GAS SHOWING CLIENTS LIMITED PLANS THEY DON'T WANT TO BUY!

*THEY WILL LIE AND SAY THAT EVERYONE WHO'S NO LONGER THAT GOT FIRED! 99.8% OF ALL NEW REPS HIRED DON'T MAKE IT PAST 2 MONTHS! THEY ALL GOT FIRED FOR ETHICAL VIOLATIONS? MOST NEVER WROTE A DEAL!!!

FINAL WARNING: YOU WILL NOT BE SELLING QUALITY MAJOR MEDICAL PLANS. YOU WILL BE SELLING LIMITED BENEFITS PLANS WITH MORE HOLES THEN SWISS CHEESE!

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN CONVINCE A CLIENT TO TAKE A PLAN WHERE THE DEDUCTIBLE NEEDS TO BE MET THREE TIMES PER YEAR MORE POWER TO YA!

Nice....

Michael - after reading all of the post above and you are still interested in getting into a career with these guys, then you deserve them. First hand experience with them will teach you the best.

Unsure - happy to see you are having success. However, you are not a broker. Brokers are completely independent and on their own - direct with the insurance companies, generally getting paid "as earned." My understanding is that you are under a manager (or two) of an organization that pays you advances and offers you leads, trips, etc.....and you in turn offer this to agents below you? Or am I mistaken?

Nothing wrong with it, as it's what I have preached all along. Just don't want ex-mega agents that are leaving to think that they should go be brokers.....as they will surely struggle unless they can go 6+ months without earning a normal paycheck.

Good luck with your continued success!

how long to get my money back?

I bought mega health. On the 4th day I sat down and actually read what I signed up for. I called the sales agent to cancel, he told me to wait until I got the policy in the mail. I thought that was odd, so I called Mega in Oklahoma or Texas to cancel. The call center told me they would be sending me a cancelation latter for me to sign and return to them before I could get my refund. I checked with the department of Insurance and found out that my "independant agent" was licensed to sell Mega ONLY! Now I know why he wouldn't tell me about any other plans I asked about. How long do I have to wait to get my money back?

Len in Scranton

Len,

Did you work out of an office in Allentown? And was your branch manager from the Stroudsburg area? If so, then you are right about him being a slimeball. I just looked on Monster and saw 4 ads for 'A Salesperson's Dream Job' posted.

I don't know how this guy can sleep at night!

Now I see MEGA adverising on TV. I feel bad for anyone that contacts that number. If you live in central PA, contact Highmark BS for a REAL plan that will have you covered.

BEWARE OF THE PAY!

If your planning on take a job with UGA just be very careful about how the pay works:

*You are paid 5 or 6 months "on submit." That means you get paid just by turning in an application. If you need money THAT fast you should not take a 100% commission sales job. This is also a very bad system for encouraging bad business. It doesn't matter if the client takes the policy or not - the agent has the money already.

*Any policy that gets declined, the client doesn't take the offer or the client cancels means the commission goes in a "debt account." You are charged 12% APR on this debt and the advance is also considered debt.

*When you quit you debt account is payable immediately! That means you could owe thousands and thousands of dollars if you decide to leave. If Mega Life puts the money you owe on what's called a Vector Report you will not get appointed by any other insurance company. Insurance companies will not appoint you if you owe money to another insurance company. That means the "pay on submit" can have devastating concequences on your carrer should you choose to leave UGA before you account clears.

*It takes 3 to 4 years for an account to clear. That means you'll be living off a 6 month advance for years!

*UGA has what's called a "taken rate." This is simply the percentage of your business that "goes through" underwriting. For example, if you put in 10 app and 7 go through your taken rate is 70%. That also means you only get 70% of your advance. Heaven forbid you put in 10 deals and 5 go through.

Now your taken rate is 50% and you only get 50% of what you'd normally get advanced. The taken rate is a 3 month average of placed business. One bad month can screw up that average and it can take months to "dig out" and get your average back up.

*You pay is all over the place and basically cannot be calculated unless you have an advanced degree in calculus. It's "this" percentage for one policy and "that" percenage for another. Various additions to any policy are either commissionable or non-commissionable. Ancillary products are all over the map.

*Compare that to how most companies pay: Flat 20% commish based on the total premium: $300 per month X 12 months = $3,600 X 20% = $700. That's it. The pay is regardless of what product you sell. You do $15,000 for the week? You get $3,000. Period. Ask you UGA manager to compare the 20% flat commission based on all AV regardless of the plan sold against what you're getting. Also, when independent you can get from 25% to 35% advanced commission based on production.

*Compare renewals. With UGA many managers make overrides off your renewals which means you get a small slice of the pie. Renewals with most companies are 6% to 10%. Ask you UGA manager what your renewals are.

*You don't get paid by Mega Life. You get paid by your division manager which means you do NOT own your business. That also means you are paid at the will of your manager. In my old office when a manager knew someone was about to quit or if notice was put in by the agent all bonuses and pay were held against the debt balance. Heck, you don't even get paid by UGA. Only bonuses are paid by UGA.

*So you're a UGA manager? Like those overrides? Here's my structure - compare to what you have:

I get 30% advanced commission and hire at 15% to 20% depending on experience. That means my overrides are 10% to 15%. I have no expenses and I can hire agents literally all over the country. Now do you really think you can make more than me when I can have agents from FL to CA to WA to Maine? There are general agents working from home doing $500,000 a week and making $50,000 a week. Do you really think you can make more just getting overrided off Mega business? I get overrides off 4 different companies and my agents can sell any company they want - and I still make an override.

ADVICE TO ANY UGA AGENT PLANNIGN ON QUITTING:

IF YOU'RE PLANNING ON QUITTING DON'T SAY ANYTHING! GET ALL OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS WITH OTHER COMPANIES FIRST!

This company is deceitful

I worked for this company for about 6 months. There were red flags right away but I overlooked them and tried to keep an open mind. It was a mistake. I never worked in insurance before, but had a long history of successful sales in another field. I truly enjoy sales and always felt a "high" when I closed a deal. If you are a true salesman, you know the feeling.
Anyway, each time I sold I policy, I felt odd, not as though I helped someone, but as though I beat them in a contest. I began to read the Ripoffreport.com posts and could identify with each listing. I even responded on behalf of the company (see Jim from Toledo above).
I am here to say it was mistake. This company, at it's core is deceitful and wrong. The policies, are sold under the guise of "something is better than nothing", when it actually isn't. They do not pay claims, they are not cheaper in all instances, and do not care about their customers.

In addition, when I was hired, I asked about charge-backs of advanced commissions. I was told "your backend money accumulates so fast, you will never have to pay anything back. Any stock or business that stays on the books will more than cover it." I was not the only one told this, as I attended recruiting sessions and heard the same words repeated. Now they are calling me, claiming I owe money to the company. Each letter I recieved has a different total, and the person that called had yet another amount. I have no idea where the amounts came from or what they are based on. In addition, when I asked for back-up, they said ok and have not sent any.

To current agents defending the company, why do you think they would not send the back up for the bill?
Would you pay the company if they did not provide it to you?

To the ex-agents, I am lookng for advice, do I have to pay this?



I am not in the insurance business any longer and do not have an axe to grind. I am just looking for advice and sharing my story.

To John in Iowa

John, I appreciate everything you write here. I stumbled upon this site just trying to cover myself as much as possible. Anyway, I am an x-Mega agent. I just came out of insurance school and Cornerstone hired me. In my recruiting session, the DM said that there would be NO chargebacks. I have been around , and the way he explained the pay structure went like this. Well, I nor is anyone else 100% sure about how pay gets distributed, but hey, just keep taking the checks and keep writing business.....who the heck cares, you'll be rich. I asked a number of times that if they were advancing money, why the heck wouldn't there be any charge backs? That doesn't even make a little bit of sence. He said that this is just the way it is. Well, I quit and not long after, I get a threatening letter from Cornerstone, some guy named Dan Carter, and the letter states that if I don't fork over about $1000, they are reporting me and it's going against my credit. Totally opposite of what was started to me in my initial recruiting. I tried calling this guy twice and he hasn't responded to me yet! This is intresting......I recently found oou that in the DM's training handbook, it states that at no time are pay plans reveled. They are to ALWAYS say that they don't even understand them because they are so confusing....just take the $$$$ and keep writing business. Never worry about chargebacks. Any idea on what I can do to head this off??? I was broke when I started with Mega. I was trying to persue a promising career and help people, and the way the recruiting went, it sure sounded good. However, I am still broke and I still have a family to feed. I am quite upset at what was promised to me and what really happened instead. Please, John or someone help and advise me in this matter. Do I have any recourse?

Blackstone Group Acq UICI Press Release

"My" MEGA agent has been prospecting me for over six months with bi-monthly phone calls since our initial sitdown - have to give it to him for tenacity. Finally got around to doing my research as my COBRA is soon to expire and glad to have found all the good info in this site.

Loved reading the comments from ex-Mega agents. With that in mind, I figured you'd all appreciate these excerpts from the '05 press release announcing the Blackstone Group's acquisition of UICI parent to MEGA. I got a good laugh out of if:

"One of the core assets of UICI is our uniquely talented independent agency field force, which now numbers over 4,800 independent agents selling health insurance in 44 states," commented Troy McQuagge, head of UICI's Agency Marketing Group. "We believe that the sales force will be fully supportive of the transaction, and, in recognition of their central role in the Company's past and future success, arrangements will be made to permit our independent agents to continue to invest in UICI and to participate in the Company's growth going forward," McQuagge added.

Chinh Chu, Senior Managing Director of Blackstone, commented: "UICI is a very unique and valuable asset. We are very impressed with UICI's market leadership, attractive industry fundamentals and strong management. We also believe that the Company's sales agents are invaluable and provide UICI with a powerful competitive advantage. We look forward to working with the management team to continue to grow the Company in this next chapter."

Yikes!

BTW, Blackstone is one of the biggest private equity funds in world. So, it is - or maybe isn't - surprising that MEGA hasn't made it onto '60 Minutes' yet.

Did someone say 20.00 dr office visits?

The dreaded 20.00 co-pay for Doctors visits
Thats what they tell you but they dont tell you untill they have your check and are out the door that it is 1 or 2 pending on which one you opt for visits per quarter at 20.00 which they will only pay upto 75.00 for medically necessary services... nor do they tell you that it does not pay for routine exams..When someone asks for a "AGENT" to visit them and explaine what they are buying they depend on the "AGENT" Why because they Agent is supposed to be providing a honest service thats the difference MEGA "Agents"are not AGENTS they are salesmen who will tell you they can show you the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...How about that DEntal insurance where there is a 12 month waiting period with a max of 1000.00 per person per year..Your paying a full year before you have to pay your 50.00 deductible per person then are only getting upto 1000.00 for that year..

Vision Insurance what a joke they pay for an exam then its a discount program thats in a network..Most vision places nowadays give you free exams..What about procedures it pays for non..But its an Insurance right?

There is not a benefit in the NASE booklet you cannot get online and get your self..They say they get big discounts what a crock I myself got online and gotten better deals than with their benefit guide..

Jim -your issue. EX-AGENT CLASS ACTION SUIT

Jim, the same thing happened to me - only the amount was a lot higher. Myself and many other big producing agents that left around the same time all received the "debt letter" from Dan Carter. What did we do? We all filed our own personal testimonies of complaints of WHY UGA/MEGA SET US UP FOR A DEBT!

We told him how we were trained to lie over and over again to our clients in order to just get the check. We itemized the lies one by one with manager names. Why should we be forced to pay back debt from a policy that we deceived our clients into buying due to our trained methods of selling? We took a pay check for our sale- right? What else were we going to do? "Well thanks, but no thanks - I would like to make sure I'm not being deceived about the way I sold those policies, so please don't give me a check for now -"

YOU WERE LIED TO BY YOUR MANAGERS!

Our managers deceived us - and now we have to pay money on top of losing our time and marketing investment money? Those who remained in the industry, are we are supposed to leave our precious clients (that we worked so hard to get) on a terrible coverage plan that we knew nothing about when we sold it? Is there an Ex-Mega agent out there that would leave their clients on a Health Choice or Care One policy? Who in their right mind would do that once you have been enlightened on real insurance plans?

So what did Mr. Carter do? He left most of us alone. They continue today to pursue me - even to the point of suing me for the amount. I am presently in a counter-suit. They never sent another letter out to many agents. I wonder why? Could it be that Mega is scared that we will all together one day ban together and file a class action lawsuit? That's my goal. That's what I'm doing!

Most likely, he will leave you alone if you get nasty. If not, than try and negotiate the amount down. Offer him $300 to call it quits.

I am currently working on a CLASS ACTION SUIT with a high profile lawyer in Texas that has a strong rep. against Mega. Imagine if every single BURNED Ex-Mega agent came together and fought for all of the damages that we have received?

Anyone interested in JOINING ME AGAINST MEGA in this potential AGENT CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT, email me at fightagainstmega at comcast . net

I believe that all of us together can make a difference. Hopefully my email makes it on this board.

Everyone take a chill pill.

Everyone calm down. I've been a Mega agent for quite some time and this is the first time I've ever visited a blog.

I'll keep it short. To sum it all up:

1. About all the different names... chill, like most big companies... It's all about marketing, not scams.

2. Apparently the Blackstone group (one of the largest and most successful equity group) saw something in the this company they were will to pay a high premium for. I guess you could make a case that they are stupid, but I think... not so much!

3. Bad agents? Yep, there is bad apples in every bunch. Good agents? Yep, there are in all the Insurance companies out there. Yes, they are also in my competitors too!

4. Claims... I got a personal policy and so did a family member of mine before I bacame a rep. Honestly, they paid exactly what they were supposed to. You can buy a Cadilac plan or a Geo Metro, but regardless... they will pay according to the contract. Oh, unless you committ fraud.

5. Thinking about quitting working with company? Go ahead! More redistubution money for me!

I can't wait to see the response! Everyone have a great day... I hope we all are successful!

NASE, UGA, UICI, Mid-West National, Healthmarkets & MEGA Life & Health Insurance

Just a word of THANKS to all the kind folks who took the time to reveal the true facts on NASE, UGA, UICI, Mid-West National, Healthmarkets & MEGA Life & Health Insurance!!!

I recently went for a job interview with this company after they responded to my resume posted on Monster.com. When I arrived for my "interview" at their Woodland Hills, CA office – I was led into a meeting room where I was surprised to find a number of other applicants who also just happened to have an interview at the same time as mine!

I soon discovered that the “interview” was actually a “sales presentation” with the specific intent of "selling" us on going to work for UGA (or whatever their real name is they have so many). We were told that in order to be hired (as an independent contractor 1099 on straight commission), we would need to pay a non-refundable "setup fee" of $275!

The bulk of the presentation was on the vast amounts of money we could make and how bad all the other insurance companies were. The presenter showed us stacks of bonus checks, some as high as $30,000.00 that had recently been paid to salespeople over and above their regular commissions. “Just two sales a week, and you too could be making a six figure income”, the presenter said! “And that's just the beginning!"

After the 90 minute presentation we were finally given the opportunity for an individual interview. In my interview the presenter, who I presume to be the branch manager, didn't even look at my resume, work history, or educational background. I continued to feel I was “being sold” versus a normal interview where one is asked to sell themselves. When I said I needed a few days to think things over, the presenter gave me all of two days to make my decision, or I would lose the "opportunity".

My subsequent research on NASE, UGA, MEGA et al., confirms my own intuitive feelings about this company. Based on my research I can only conclude that this firm is not a highly regarded company, or a company that I would want to work for. UGA's prime market is insurance for the self employed. I've learned that there really is no such thing as “special insurance” for the self employed. Insurance is insurance. What UGA is doing is capitalizing on the small business person's frustration with the high cost of "legitimate" health insurance in order to sell their less than comparable policies and programs. I also called two independent insurance brokers in the Los Angeles area asking for their input on UGA and MEGA. Both laughed outloud and gave me an earful with respect to the deceptive nature of MEGA'S policies, the multitude of exclusions, the deceptive nature of their programs, the lack of training of their salespeople, and their record of not paying out on claims, etc., and so on. Remember these were "independent" agents who were not wedded to any particular company.

So THANKS AGAIN to all the posters at Rip-off Report for taking the time to tell your story. YOU HAVE SAVED ME (and hopefully many other people) from making a very bad career move and/or insurance buying decision!

If Mega's so fantastic...

I did not want to leave UGA when I quit. I was tired of walking away from appointments when what I had did not fit what they were looking for. If it's easy for you to tell clients they need to meet three deductibles per year then you're a much better salesman then me.

My client's didn't like hearing that the policies were not major medical. If your clients don't have an issue with that maybe you're not stating outright that they're not major med. That's deceptive. Worst yet would be to bash major med products in order to secure a commish. If that's the case you should not carry an insurance license.

I'd wonder what kind of formal training Mega agents have on competitors products. None would be the answer aside from what their manager has told them....who most likely had an office job at UPS before working for UGA. My manager sure had an awful lot to say about other companies. The way he put it it's a wonder companies like Aetna, Blue Cross, Assurant and World have been around for 100 year.

Anyone can pull up reports of Toyota recalls and say "Look, Toyota sucks." But then again, you pull up Ford, Chrysler recalls too - then pull up reports on Benz and Beemer problems. The bottom line is all car companies have flaws yet in general all make good cars. Same with health insurance companies. All have flaws yet in general all are good.

Mega has a place in a market as does every other insurance company. It would be like saying there's one car everyone should drive and all other cars "suck." At least, that was the attitude at my office: Mega is great, everything else is horrible. Ummm, no it's not.

I wanted to be independent and still represent Mega. I told my manager I would not take any leads or bonuses. I'd just represent Mega along with the other six carriers in my state.

You can guess what his response was. If I got appointed with any other carrier I was terminated. Interesting. The others carriers I represent don't seem to care. I meet with every one of my clients in person so I don't see the issue.

Of course now after being gone I clearly see why Mega won't allow agents to be appointed with other companies, even if they don't want leads, stock or bonuses. Go compare rates and commission without drinking the Kool Aid your manager's giving you.

And by the way, your manager's a great source of info huh; someone who depends on your to sell so they can make overrides. Think what they might be telling you is a tad biased? Do your own research.

The Vicious Cycle of Mega Agents....

When I realized what all the other plans offered, I could care less if Mega was in my portfolio. Even if it was available, I knew that no one would buy it if I showed it side by side to the others. THERE IS A REASON Mega uses a CAPTIVE agent force. If they suddenly made Mega available to sell through MGA channels -but made no changes to price, coverage or commissions, what would happen? Who in world would sell it?

I spend a lot of time talking to Mega agents and I have only run across a few of them that actually knew what they were selling.

Most of the time, I usually have to point out exactly how their insurance works because they have no idea. They almost always say they know, but then when I ask them specific questions about coverage, they start scrambling through their brochures.

Sadly, the average shelf-life of a Mega agent that makes it through their first month is about 7-9 months. It's rare to see lifers that aren't in management.

So you get either newbie's or lifers selling policies in the open market. The newbie's are typically always clueless. They are supposed to be! If they weren't they would leave. Because the division leaders get recruiting bonuses, they hire anyone and everyone that is willing to pay the fees and follow the managers.

So, the greenies probably make up 80% of the UGA field force. They don't mean to place prospects into bad coverage - they are just doing what their managers are telling them and trying desperately to win their quick-start contest. BUT, (and here's the key) once they are enlightened- they either leave and become real agents, or they stay and become managers like Jonny boy (that is, if they posses at least a few ounces of leadership abilities).

The ones that stay (the lifers) are mostly managers starting the vicious cycle all over again. ALL of these agents one year and up understand that they could be representing their clients with better products, but they simply don't care. They get nice over-rides by training newbies to omit all of the ugly details that clients find out only after it's too late.

Agents like John care mostly about their over-rides, stock, re-distribution and their bonus checks. Everything else (like their sub agents, clients, coverage and truthfulness) is background.

What I wish they all realized is that they can still make extremely high amounts of money without hurting clients and lying. Plus, they could actually keep their clients when they eventually want to look at a different company.

Thanks Rip Off Report

I recently lost my cobra coverage and was suckered into Mega. I'm a pretty sharp guy, and the salesman was GOOD! I had a nagging feeling in the back of my mind and decided to check out Rip-off report. I am not going to argue the merits of Mega, however, when any company generates this much anger from its customers and former employees, its a sign to GET OUT! I cancelled my Mega policy and went back to xxxx. xxxxx isnt the best, but at least I know what Im getting

THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Thank you ripoffreport and all who have posted on here. My husband just went to an "interview" in Scottsdale, arizona in search of a better paying career with more stability for our family. He was pumped when he called me on his way home and said this was definately for him and how he was going to make alot of money.

See, my husband is no dummy but when it comes to his family he wants the best. His current job pays about $60K a year. He put his resume online to see what happened. I actually asked him to respond to "UGA" email in regards to a sales position. Needless to say, after he got home and told me all that the job entailed it sounded good but in the back of my mind it sounded too good to be true. My Husban actually has a sales background, but NOT insurance.

Anyways, this guy he interviewed with told my husband to talk it over with "your wife" this weekend and make sure she is "on-board". Within an hour after he got home I jumperd on here(ripoffreport) only to find that indeed, it was "Too good to be true". Thank God we found out now and not 2 months from now when we could have been losing our house.....

I definately smelled a rat and I was right!!!!

JOHN = Bxxx Shxx!!!

REVEAL YOUR NAME AND AGENT NUMBER: You sold a policy to my brother in Iowa, which was a big RIP-OFF!!!

DO YOU REMEMBER MY QUESTIONS BELOW!!!!

JOHN WHO? DES MOINES IOWA }


JOHN,

Are you the agent that was fired from Mega for ethics violations and insurance fraud? or was it John from Miami?

You stated that you are a agent for the State of Iowa, are you the same John that is currently being investigated for the same problem above? (By the way, the Amy from Orlando, wasn't she fired for the same thing?) Perhaps the public record info is incorrect with the State.

If you respond(or any other agent) please state the following:

1)You state license number and full name
2)You address to contact


If you (or any other agent) is license! And sincere about giving me insurance advice about any company then it's appreciated. If you do not reply because you fear you may lose your license for your comments(since most states make it a violation to make comments against other companies) THEN ALL YOU COMMENTS PAST,PRESENT OR FUTURE ARE BASELESS AND USELESS!!! SO PUT UP OR SHUT UP........

........I have completed my research on all these comments about insurance companies, which again I state that everyone major company is on this web site, in fact,every major retail company is on this site!!! Which tells me that no company is PERFECT!!! Including RIPOFF.COM!!

I await your response...

Does this seem fair?

I am considering a Mega Plan and previously I had a Blue Cross of California Plan. My wife gave birth to our son on December 31 and checked out of the hospital on Jan. 2. We had to pay two calendar year deductibles of $5,000 each, how fair is that?

I was fooled as well and now they say I owe $30,000

First, please excuse my writing, English is my second language. I also worked for (Midwest) in California. The management seemed nice. I came from the computer field. At the time, I lost my job and was fighting an ugly battle with my former employer. A very nice woman from Midwest called me and ask if I'd like to come in for an interview for a job to be my own boss. I could not wait to go to the interview.

Well, we all know how those things go, and now I'm not sure if I should be ashamed or grateful for learning my lesson. I paid the money, I knew nothing about insurance except what I was told by the managers. To look back, I was braking so many rules and misrepresenting the product the way I was taught. The first year I did everything my manager told me to do. After awhile I was making good money. Nothing like working in the computer field. But my manager told me, it takes time, and she believes in me and that I could do it. I was making about $3500 a month and I just knew I was going to make so much more as time went on. Well, I bought a very small house at the end of the housing boom. Then, after I was living the American dream. The people started to cancel their policies. In one week 3 people screamed at me saying that the insurance did not work! I was very depressed and did not sell for 3 weeks. My manager came to my house and again told me, how she believed in me, and that I was the only sale person in my ethnic group and that I was bound to be a top producer and that these people must have lied on the application, as to not have their claims paid. Well I did start selling again and this time I made it to number 24 in the company by the end of the year. I went on a very nice trip with the company. Then in January, the policies I sold to my own community started to cancel. I called everyone to get them to reinstate, I was told, the insurance does not work, over and over. I could not sleep, I got ulcers and felt very guilty. Not everyone I sold too could have lied on the application. So I left.

I got a letter stating that I owed $30,000 dollars. I almost fainted. After pulling myself back together I applied for a job as a (&&&) P & C rep. I have been there for 3 years now.

I went to school for P & C, paid for in total by (&&&), I was given a base salary and bonuses, 401k with co. matching, full health and life ins. I have never paid for anything, all our leads come from the company and walk in business is how I make my money. Besides the fact that this is a very good product. I have it, and my mother has it.

I want to say I'm sorry for selling this insurance to everyone I sold too, please forgive me.

Thank you for reading, I hope you find your peace.

Terri T.

To John - Tulsa, OK

I left MEGA a while back and went to a 'legitimate' agency. I am now in the process of acquiring a retiring agent's $$$$$ book. I will be set for life!

Thank you, my EX district manager, for telling me I'm a loser and would never make it in this business!!! I will be sleeping quite contently every night from now on because I sell REAL, QUALITY policies that my customers are VERY happy with and will be able to cross-sell to them and their referrals for years to come!!

At least with MEGA, you get an education on how NOT to sell a policy!

Stephen - you're a liar

It's amazing when Mega agents come on places like this an pose as customers.

A: If you checked in on Dec 31st you would have only had to pay one dectible, even though you didn't check out until the second of Jan. You would have only had to pay another deductible if you would have checked into the hospital for a new event after Jan 1. But nice try.

B: Most Mega plans - Health Choice and Premier PPO have per-occurance deductibles. So what's your point?

Their new "awsome care one plan"

I keep in touch with a mega rep, (management of course) that seems to think that she could BS me with their new care one plan.

I have reviewed the plan and here is a summary of my findings:

#1. No where in the 30+ page brochure is the word "Major Medical" mentioned. How ever on page #21, the fourth line down states, "It is not a replacement for comprehensive health insurance coverage and should not be construed as such."

#2. There is no mention anywhere in the brochure as to a "MAXIMUM OUT OF POCKET" amount. Thus there is no maximum out of pocket number since this is just a "limited benefit plan". I believe there was a misunderstanding or a play of words when the agent told you that your "maximum co-insurance was $4,000". Maximum out of pocket versus maximum co-insurance are not even close to being the same.

#3. Unlike a major medical plan that has only one deductible per person this limited benefit plan has a maximum liability of THREE deductibles for one person! The wording is: "once the deductible has been met three times in one calendar year by ANY or all insured persons". In other words if one person is hospitalized three times in one year for three different illness/accident that person would have to met THREE deductibles.

#4. Instead of using the word "limited benefit", the play on words is "Maximum Allowable Charge" or "MAC". This term is used NINETEEN (19) times in the brochure. Mega with all their lawsuits R E A L L Y wants that term in the brochure possible for future use?

#5. Here are SOME of the limits in this policy which makes it a "limited benefit plan":

























A. The assistant surgeon is "LIMITED" to 20% of what the primary surgeon charges. The normal fee for the assistant surgeon is 50%.



















B. The anesthesiologist is "LIMITED" to 50% of what the primary surgeon charges. There is no anesthesiologist that works for a percentage. The














anesthesiologist works on "UNITS" per surgery figured by how complex the procedure is. Also the surgeon, assistant surgeon, and














the anesthesiologist are all independent contractors at hospitals. I doubt that they even know what each one's fees are.