Healthmarkets, Mega Life, UICI, Mid-West, Cornerstone America, Alert! Company changed it's name so people can't do their research! Ripoff Austin Texas

NOTE: Readers beware of mis-information by people that don't do ALL the research or give you ALL the facts. If it comes to people hammering individuals and not sticking to the point "the companies", they try to discredit the people making rebuttals or comments thus causing the reader to get away from the real issue.

I put these same comments, below, on another report, if you have time, check out the other reports, "ALL" of them, and you will see what I mean about people that wont stick to the point.

The following information was optained from TDI web site.

Here are a few definitions of acronyms used:

TDI - Texas Department of Insurance
NAIC - National Association of Insurance Commissioners
FEIN - Federal TaxID/Employer Indentification Number

(The member number is to the right of the acronym)

Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee - Active
TDI - 5906 NAIC - 66087 FEIN 620724538
(Yes, they have paid penalties, look under company history, and yes one was from Colorado for 75K on 11-21-2002.

The Mega Life and Health Ins Company - Active
TDI - 49010 NAIC - 97055 FEIN 592213662
(They have also paid penalties in Colorado, 78K on 02-10-2003.

Chesapeake Life Insurance Company - Active
TDI - 15730 NAIC 61832 FEIN - 520676509
(They paid a penality of 25K on 02-08-2002 in the state of Maryland)

I went ahead and looked up a couple of others so the readers can see this isn't unusual among insurance companies.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Inc. - Cancelled

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, A Division of Health Care Services Corp. - Active
TDI - 94686 NAIC - 70670 FEIN 361236610
(They paid a penalty of 1.5 million on 09-06-2001 in Texas)

Humana Insurance Company - Active
TDI - 93526 NAIC - 73288 FEIN - 391263473
(They paid a penalty of 1.25 million on 09-06-2001

On the NAIC web site it states the following, when you look up the name of a company:
Please be aware that an insurance company may have different subsidiaries with different names. Please check your policy for the correct name.

With that in mind I decided to go to the HealthMarkets (former UICI)site just for fun. Here is what I found under HealthMarkets Fact Sheet:

HealthMarkets conducts business through the following wholly owned insurance company subsidiaries:

The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company

Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee (Just for Tom in Dallas, lisenced in Texas with TDI and NAIC)

The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company

These companies are active members of TDI and NAIC. Anyone can lookup their company history on the Texas site along with every other insurance company doing business in Texas and around the country.

Just give people the facts and let them do their due diligence and make up their own mind, without slandering of another person or using usless profane or hostile language. Yes, there are problems with every insurance company out there, no one company is without paying penalties. If anyone knows of a multi-million dollar insurance company that has been in business for over 5 years and is doing business in at least 40 states and hasn't paid penalties please tell me and I'll investigate them and provide the facts.

It may not be known to people that are reading this that John (if he is an insurance agent) is committing what is known as defamation in the insurance world. It is very unprofessional and biased bashing of a company. He stated an "opinion and an opinion only". Whether he is an agent or not, to say that the purpose of a name change is to "avoid people being able to research them," is blind and absurd. He is judging the motive of a company.

The bottom line fact is that they did not change the name to hide from their past etc as John aledged. The fact is that they changed the name to make it a readily recognized name in the "health insurance" industry. They are hiding nothing. Does anyone really think that a company could actually believe that changing its name would keep people from finding out about them? C'mon.

So, John, here is my challenge. If you are an agent and also are confident in what you are saying, make your name, address etc available to the people at rip-off Report and allow the insurance commissioner to evaluate your comments. Good luck. One other thing,
Mega has not settled MANY LAWSUITS. I can name well known companies who have.

Pat
Cabot, AR
U.S.A.

Looks like "Mike" is at it again! Look at the previous ripoff report and you'll see an EXACT CUT & PASTE response from my article. You see, this "MIKE" is most probably affiliated with "CORNERSTONE" or what ever they call themsleves this week. I also believe that "MIKE" is actually "TODD KLEIN" at "Cornerstone". Read the thread in the previous ripoff report and you'll see that "MIKE" got shot down by me and others who read my complaint. Hey "MIKE" maybe I'll come by the office and we an discuss this out in the parking lot! You claim that you were in the service. I actually was, so this will be me against you and you will LOSE. No contest!

The name change has "zero" to do with keeping people from doing the research.Iv'e been with Cornerstone 4 years and personally never ever once seen any ripoff. I have at least 400 clients and never had any claim problems that were not regular billing type mistakes.

Also, Cornerstone hasn't had any name change in years.

My opinion is that it's irresponsible to report false claims. It really affects so many peoples lives.

Anyone who backs up this company is borderline bipolar. They chase the dollar, thats about it....

Do those of you reading this realize that Morgan is committing a crime as an insurance agent? To say that all agents from a company are chasing money is against the law in EVERY STATE! That, my friends is called defamation of character. It can be toward an agent or a company.

In several other replies, agents tell other agents how they can make so much more money with other companies besides Mega. If that is the case, it would stand to reason that other agents (using that logic) would be chasing dollars. I know agents who do and they are from about every company out there.

I have many friends (and myself) from several companies who work to help people. I made much more per sale when I owned my own agency was not a captive agent with Mega. I could sell for over 100 companies, So don't tell me everyone is chasing only the money if they work for Mega. Morgan, why don't you send these blogs to the insurance departments out there. I think they would love to deal with your defamation etc.

Pat
Cabot, AR

"Does anyone really think that a company could actually believe that changing its name would keep people from finding out about them? C'mon."

Ever hear of Quixtar? Maybe you know them by their previous title of "Amway." It's widely accepted that Amway changed its name due to the bad reputation that it had. Whether it effectively prevents people from finding out about their past is beside the point. The issue is the motive, not the result.

I don't know enough about the companies involved in this report to say whether or not the reporter's comments are accurate, but the rebuttalists are throwing around some logical fallacies along with some very loose interpretations of the law.

Defamation is a complex legal concept, and is NOT a crime under any circumstances (to make it a criminal infraction would be a violation of the First Amendment). Beyond that, a suggestion that a company changed its name to hide from its past COULD be defamation, but believe me, this is far from a cut and dry case.

And stating that a for-profit company is "chasing the dollar" is FAR from defamation. Anybody with any legal or business training recognizes that the primary purpose of a for-profit corporation is to make money. True statements are never defamatory.

Now, these statements could be illegally anti-competitive if they were made by agents from competing companies. But they are probably not defamation.

I would like to just suggest that people read a "from the horses mouth" perspective. On the PBS program NOW, there was a coverage of this issue. On their site, they have a response (in PDF) from an key figure in HealthMarkets.

I suggest reading this before continuing to read rebuttals or comments under this heading.

Cheers!!

http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/050506_response.html

Below is a response I recieved from Careerbuilder.com Below has 2 e-mail addresses. Now why would a company have 2 e-mail addresses unless they are trying to hide from consumers while slowly transitioning to the one no one knows about. Thanks to this report, I feel good that I am going to call them back and cancel my appointment with them.

Below is what I recieved.

We are seeking to fill the position of "Sales Representative", in the Modesto office. After reviewing your resume online, I see that you contain some of the necessary qualifications to be a candidate for a position with us. The next step in this process will be to conduct interviews this week at our office in Modesto. I would like to schedule an interview with you this coming week on Monday, April 16th at 11AM.

The purpose of our interview will be to get into more specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, products, etc. I am looking forward to meeting you in person.

Please respond back by calling Sarah at (209)777-3437. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Shamron Briggs
Cornerstone
cornerstonehealth.com
healthmarkets.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE / SALES MANAGER DESCRIPTION:
*Immediate Weekly Income Potential
*Call on prospects who have requested to see you
*Professional and ongoing Training
*Prestigious Products and Services
*Personal Sales and Leadership Development
*Advancement Opportunities (Management)
*Company Sponsored Stock Ownership Program
*Bonus Programs and Trips
*Annual first year average is between $60,000 - $100,000

Cornerstone is an integral part of Healthmarkets, a financial services organization with many diverse and dynamic business interests. Sales have grown to more than $350 million annually and continue to rise at a rapid pace.

I and my colleagues worked with HealthMarkets last year as a service vendor so, let me preface this by saying this is MY OPINION from personal observation.
The corporate name has, indeed, evolved over the years; however, in essence, HealthMarkets is NOT the same company.

In 2006, UICI (a public company) was purchased by a group of private equity investors, including the Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. Significant changes in senior management occurred to satisfy the investment team and, under new leadership, the firm operates under a completely new business model---as a new company.

It's current leaders are not responsible for the sins of the past.
Unfortunately, every now and then, they do encounter misinformed souls who have not done enough research into the curren organization and/or are unable or unwilling to accept that businesses change, often for the best.

HealthMarkets' new leadership has worked feverishly to prove their commitment to excellence, with particular dedication to outstanding customer services and agent relationships/services.

Furthermore, HealthMarkets has aggressively demonstrated intolerance for improper and unethical business dealings. To avoid suspicion, if something smells even remotely fishy or appears blemished in any way, they won't touch it.

These leaders refuse to let the past repeat itself, as they have expertly re-created the organization into a more competitive, highly reputable health insurance product company, poised for its next phase of growth....unrecognizeable from the past...a NEW COMPANY.

Crawl out from under your rock! This is the company of acronyms for crying out loud: UGA, UICI, NASE, AFS, MEGA, etc.

You mention Goldman, Sachs...they just got bailed out by Uncle Sam! Give me a break!

Up until recently, the job ads for UGA didn't even mention WHAT they were selling. Read this from attorney pages com:

"The Better Business Bureau, a private non-profit organization which provides businesses and consumers with information on complaints filed against companies, has given Mega Life Insurance Company (Mega) its lowest possible rating.
Why the low rating?

Mega and its parent company, HealthMarkets, Inc., have been the source of controversy for many years with 36 states currently investigating their practices. In addition to these investigations, the companies have faced penalties in Texas, California, Delaware, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Arizona, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Connecticut and Delaware. The latest issue in Indiana seems to be just more of the same. According to Fort Wayne Indiana's Frost Illustrated Newspaper:

Mega Life and Health Insurance Company/HealthMarkets Inc. has had 187 complaints filed against them in Indiana. Complaints concern selling practices, credit and billing disputes, refund practices and service issues. Complainants allege sales people misrepresented coverage, did not pay claims in a timely manner, and did not stop debit of premiums after policies were canceled and that refunds were not made in a timely manner. The company has the BBB's lowest rating.

The source of the controversy

Mega's sales agents have been accused of aggressive sales tactics and misleading consumers on what their policies actually cover. In case after case, consumers have complained that claims for even the most basic services, such as lab tests, doctor visits and prescriptions have been denied by the companies – even though sales representatives told them otherwise.

That's what happened to a California couple in their late 60's. According to an article in Business Week, the retired couple purchased health insurance through Mega at over $400 per month. They were told that they would have $1 million in coverage. However, when both became seriously ill and racked up over $200,000 in medical bills, Mega only paid a fraction of it and also accused the couple of lying on their application – something the couple adamantly denies. Unfortunately, many other policyholders have reported being in the same situation as this couple after purchasing insurance from Mega.

Insurance companies that don't treat their policyholders with good faith and deal with them fairly may have acted in bad faith. Consumers who purchased insurance from Mega, and then had valid claims denied, are entitled to receive those benefits. If you are one of those consumers, contact an attorney who understands insurance matters."

Received today (which is what brought me to this report, of course). I'm not sure I understand all of the above, but the email shows an unquestionable link between these two companies I may have otherwise overlooked. Thank you, ripoffreport.com.

This is what *I* use this site for, saving time finding the "ripoff". No soapbox, no preaching. Just find the ripoff, sidestep, and get back to life:

I will remove "personally identifiable references", as I am just trying to inform here and thank the other users who have done so on this site, not create a problem.
______________

Please note: the Job being offered is for "HealthMarkets Representatives", specifically, but the email address ... well, that's cornerstoneamerica.
______________

Hello,

My name is AXXXX CXXXX, with RXX AXXXXXXXXX - DXXXXXX DXXXXXXXX.

We are expanding in Florida, and have reviewed your resume. Based on your experience, you may be a good fit. We would like to meet for an interview to see if we have a match. We are looking for someone with a solid work ethic who is serious about a career, and not just looking for a job.

We are currently conducting interviews for an Account Sales Representative position available in the following geographic areas: Greater Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Brevard, Volusia, Indian River and Palm Beach counties.

RML & Associates has independent offices across Florida and serves as an integral part of Health Markets family of companies, a subsidiary of the Blackstone Group where National sales have grown to more than $360 million annually and continue to rise at a rapid pace. We market a complete benefits portfolio of products and services geared to help our target market of small business owners, independent contractors, self-employed individuals and families. We provide full training and weekly qualified leads.

What we are looking for is the right individual who can turn the leads into sales!

Your resume speaks highly of your abilities and we would like to meet with you to see if we share the same goals.
There are advancement opportunities as well, since we only promote from within.

Please respond to this email and let me know if you would like to schedule this interview.

We have an availability to interview on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00am at our Orlando office or Thursday, April 16th at 10:00am in the Melbourne office.

The interviews will be held at-

Melbourne
Health Markets Representatives
IXXXXXX Plaza

XXXX N WXXXXXX Road Suite 4XX
Melbourne, FL XXXXX
321-XXX-XXXX

Orlando
HealthMarkets Representatives
MXXXXXXXXXX Plaza
XXXX XXXX Blvd Suite 7XX
Orlando, FL XXXXX
407-XXX-XXXX

To Apply for this position Click on this link: (((Redacted)))XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Please advise if you would like to interview by replying to: cornerstoneamerica@XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Websites- www.wikipedia.org/wiki/HealthMarkets

www.healthmarkets.com

Regards,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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