#1 Employee
AUTHOR: Joe - Delta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 26, 2005
POSTED: Monday, September 26, 2005
I'm sorry you had such a horrible time with NASE (National Association of the Self Employed) . I am a reresentative for both Nase and Mega and it sounds to me like you were sold a NASE health plan, not a MEGA insurance health plan. If you purchase a health plan from NASE, it is a disount plan that pays a percentage, like you stated. Mega Insurance is a full health insurance plan and has a $20 doctor visit co-pay.
I'm also sorry if the agent did not make this clear to you when he/she met with you. Just as in any other field, everyone presents information differently. There was nothing holding you back from asking additional questions to the agent.
Personally, I always look out for the welfare of my customers. Many times I have told individuals/families that our plan is not for them. Although we have discount plans as well as full insurance plans, we can not make everyone happy and fulfill everyones needs.
Instead of attacking the company, you should report the individual agent with who you dealt with to the Insurance Commissioner of your state.
#2 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Will - Aptos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 26, 2005
POSTED: Monday, September 26, 2005
NASE and Mega are so closely-held together that they do not constitute seperate entities. N.A.S.E. (National Association for the Self-Employed) is merely, in my opinion, a vehicle to sell Mega plans.
I was sold a MEGA plan, no matter what Joe implies. I was looking for health insurance, not a "discount plan". It's completely ridiculous to think that a person would give up a regular health insurance plan, paying 60 to 80% of all fees for a discount plan, with the same monthly premium, which is only paying 10 to 15% of all fees.
Just the mere fact that a salesman, not a company rep, responded to this shows, in my opinion, that Mega and Nase are merely trying their best to rip-off small business. If Joe has an actual health-insurance plan lets here the actual numbers. What is the premium? How much do they pay for LAB work Joe, I don't care what the so-called co-pay is, that is a drop in the bucket of what consumers actually pay for health care.
#3 Employee
AUTHOR: Jerry - Morro Bay (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 07, 2005
POSTED: Monday, November 07, 2005
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.
#4 Employee
AUTHOR: Carlos - Plymouth (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 14, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, January 14, 2006
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'
#5 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Will - Aptos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 14, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, January 14, 2006
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.
#6 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: B. - Anytown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
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.
#7 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Mike - Roswell (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 26, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, January 26, 2006
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.
#8 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 28, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, January 28, 2006
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.
#9 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Dallas - Olathe (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 08, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, March 08, 2006
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!!!
#10 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Miami Beach (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 12, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, March 12, 2006
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!
#11 Employee
AUTHOR: Chris - Atl (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 12, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, March 12, 2006
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.
#12 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, March 14, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, March 14, 2006
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.
#13 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Blain - Fort Smith (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 15, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, March 15, 2006
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
#14 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Nichole - Fort Myers (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 16, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, March 16, 2006
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.
#15 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Miami Beach (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 19, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, March 19, 2006
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.
#16 Employee
AUTHOR: John - Miami Springs (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 29, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, March 29, 2006
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.
#17 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Duane - Vancouver (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, March 31, 2006
POSTED: Friday, March 31, 2006
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.
#18 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Miami Springs (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 03, 2006
POSTED: Monday, April 03, 2006
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.
#19 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Mark - Cedar Rapids (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
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.
#20 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Christopher - Colorado Springs (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
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.
#21 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Will - Aptos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
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.
#22 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Brian - Oakland (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 06, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, April 06, 2006
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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#23 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
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.
#24 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Lance - Jackson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
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.
#25 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
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.
#26 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Laura - Graham (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006
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.
#27 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, April 13, 2006
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.
#28 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Leonard - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 14, 2006
POSTED: Friday, April 14, 2006
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.
#29 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
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?
#30 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Laura - Graham (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
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.
#31 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Leonard - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
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.
#32 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Laura - Graham (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, April 15, 2006
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.
#33 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Paul - Castaic (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 03, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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!
#34 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Los Fresnos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 24, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, May 24, 2006
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..
#35 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Stephen - Santa Rosa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 15, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, June 15, 2006
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?
#36 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 19, 2006
POSTED: Monday, June 19, 2006
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?
#37 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - San Fran (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 20, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Laura. You might be ineligible for IFP health insurance please do yourself a favor. Stop wasting your time researching and typing long columns on the internet. What you need to do is get serious about buying insurance. If you don't have insurance, CALL A broker not a agent. Tell them what conditions you have, and what RXs you are taking. They will be able to better asist you than any joker on this entire website.
I am using my ESP when I say you probably will be declined by the the major carriers. I have a sneaking suspision you might be recieving treatment for a possibily serious condition. You certainly are familiar with how much you are spending and what is covered. BC BSh AT, kai, HN will avoid you like the plague. Mega will prey on you.
Mega puts a limit on what they will spend.
Major Ins. carries put limits on what you will spend.
Screw out of network. You are never going to go out of network. What do you think you are going to get a kidney transplant at the Getty Center in Hollywood, like the stars.?
Please call a Broker, tell him what I told you.
I think a broker will tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear.
dp SF
#38 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: David - San Fran (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 20, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, June 20, 2006
you are right on target.
Why would mega agents be at this site?, defending their product?
They know they are frauds?
Here is one reason to not to work there? I sold a IFP plan the other day for Nationwide Health Plans.( a major Medical plan, not indemneny)
$2600 Commision. One plan. It was the bigest in company history. It beats trying to steal a bone from other hungry dogs.
Put me head to head with a Mega agent, and I will deepfry'em, dip'em in mayo, and swallow'em whole.
#39 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Dawn - WOODLAND HILLS (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 01, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, July 01, 2006
I am a health insurance broker. I developed a series of questions to help people decide for themselves whether or not they are looking at the right plan for them.
I have heard from countless people who've had to pay for office visits, ER visits, lab work and even a hip replacement because they THOUGHT they had good coverage - most of the complaints were holders of policies mentioned in this thread (parent company UICI).
If you are uninsurable please know that most states offer Major Risk - in CA it is MRMIP - it is VERY expensive and the coverage is limited to $75K/year - but you can get it and it is legitimate coverage. New websites PPARX - partnership for prescription assistance and rxhelpforca Rx help for Californians are NO COST sites that will help people without insurance try to get help with their medications.
If you can't get the answers to the following questions IN WRITING (from their brochure, not a photocopy or a "letter") DO NOT BUY! If it is wishy washy or vague - DO NOT BUY!
The best way for you to decide which coverage you'd rather have is to have the following questions answered IN WRITING
How much do I have to pay for a $120 doctor visit?
How much do I have to pay for a $200 lab test done at and billed by the doctor?
How much do I have to pay for a $60 generic prescription?
How much of a $2,000 emergency room visit for stitches do I have to pay?
How much of a $54,000 appendix removal surgery do I have to pay?
If I have $200,000 in expenses from cancer or a serious illness in one year, how much of that do I have to pay?
Don't just take the agents word for it... get their brochure and look for the Max out of pocket - that's the max you'll pay in any one calendar year with a participating provider in the network of the insurance company.
Just get a plan. If you're not sure what you want at least go for a high deductible plan. Once you need coverage IT'S TOO LATE.
There are 45 million uninsured americans today. The fact that some are screwing the hospitals out of their money is contributing to the jacking up of the price of health care and health insurance in this country. How many $30,000 hospital bills do you think a hospital can afford to get screwed on before they start increasing their prices to make up for them. Get coverage, even if it seems like you "never use it" - like your car insurance, it will be there when you need it.
Good luck and good health.
#40 Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 11, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Thank you John from Des Moines for sharing your professional expertise. I have been an AFS and MEGA field rep for the past 3 months and should have listened to my gut from the beginning. You have confirmed everything that I knew in my heart but couldn't confirm until recently.
My first clue should have been the initial phone call from the Division manager in which he avoided all of my questions about what I would be selling by resorting to a canned spiel about how AFS uses a strength in numbers concept to provide over 100 benefits to the self-employed, blah, blah, blah. Since I had been self-employed for over 4 years and had just sold my business, I was intrigued by what he said, went for the interview and was hired on the spot.
To be honest, I thought at first that I was being hired to sell memberships for AFS simply because he glossed over the health insurance part during the interview. It was the secretary that clued me in and explained that I would have to get an insurance license, pay a $250 "set-up" fee, etc., etc. Clues number 2 and 3 I guess, but, again, I didn't listen to my gut.
Clues number 4-10 occured over the next few months during our weekly training meetings. In a nutshell, here's how they taught me and my colleagues how to lie and deceive:
Clue 4) Avoid specifics about the policies because that will "confuse" the prospect, and the more you explain what they are getting, the less likely you are to get the check. (I.e. sell to clueless people because smart people will see right through us.)
Clue 5) Do a 1-call close because health insurance is an emotional decision and if you give them time to think about it, you won't get the check. (I.e. don't let them shop around because if they do they will see right through us.)
Clue 6) All of our competitors are "individual" insurance carriers and will increase their client's premiums drastically every year and eventually drop them if they ever file a large claim--i.e. scare the pants off them so you can get the check.
Clue 7) When booking an appointment, don't tell the prospect what insurance company you represent, they are less likely to book an appointment.
Clue 8) If a person has a major pre-existing condition, convince them that NO insurance company will ever give them insurance (I now know this is a lie) so they might as well buy our membership and get a $200 per day hospital confinement benefit because "something is better than nothing."
Clue 9) Don't leave a prospect with any materials about the specific policies if they want to think about it (this goes hand-in-hand with clues #4 & 5)
Clue 10) If you can't get a check for health insurance, convince them that they need a premier "stand-alone" membership to AFS because if we don't sell a certain percentage of stand-alone memberships, the insurance commission may see our association as a front for selling health insurance. (Hmmmmmm, perhaps we are a front for selling health insurance.)
I started having serious doubts a month ago when one of the managers scolded me for losing a sale because I explained that the Health Choice policy paid 80% after the deductible was met and the client wanted something that paid 100%. I was told I should NOT have explained the policy in that much detail--I had forgotten rule number one in training, I guess.
About a week ago I lost a sale because a client preferred a policy through BCBS. The same manager told me that he would have looked that woman right in the eyes and said "BCBS is going to drop you if you ever get a major health condition." I guess I forgot the scare 'em rule. This was the kick in the gut for me to finally realize the kind of company I was working for.
These "sales tactics" are not shoved down your throat at once. It is a gradual process. The irony is that somehow, in between all these deceptive tactics they teach you over months of training, they also convince you to believe in their motto of H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Everyday.
I am not a "moron" as someone previously called MEGA agents. I am an honest, intelligent, moral person who thought they were working for a legitimate company that helped people with affordable health coverage. I did not know any better. I was new to the insurance industry (as was every single person hired into my office over the last 3 months. What clue number is that?) and had no idea that the information they gave me was not true. I did not want to believe that I was working for a company that scams innocent people.
To the current MEGA agents that are trying to justify this company, STOP. Listen to your heart, I know I am not the only one that has been ignoring instincts. Stop thinking about yourself and all of the wealth they are supposedly going to lavish on you through their "generous" stock program (which is probably another ENRON waiting to happen).
I have not officially resigned from MEGA yet. I am debating whether or not I want to make a statement to my managers for training me to be a lier. Perhaps they don't know better--afterall, none of them have any experience outside of MEGA either. I have been pondering the great people I have been working with and whether I should clue them in too. Most of all I have been thinking about my clients and it sickens me to think that I thought I was helping them but may have actually hurt them.
Any suggestions from anyone as to how I should handle me resignation would be appreciated.
#41 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Tampa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 13, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, July 13, 2006
I worked with the company for about 6 months before realizing how big of a scam they are. I went to training at least 2 times a week at the Tampa office before I finally opened my eyes. Actually it was one of my clients that I sat down with for 5 hours and compared 4 different policies from insurance companies. (One of them being that crap they call health choice).
After that I investigated more and more,placed a few phone calls, even consulted with a lawyer. Oh my God! I feel so bad for the other agents in the office scaming people in the area without even realizing it. Since I am no longer with the company and out of the insurance business period, I will make sure to contact all my previous clients and let them know, after I apologize to them, that they should look up a well known company and get coverage that is more suitable to their needs.
Lucy I know you are reading this but what goes around comes around. What you guys are doing overthere is WRONG. It is a big scam and you know it. You are taking advantage of all the agents at the office and it is plain wrong.
#42 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Leonard - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 15, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, July 15, 2006
Hi Amy - I was a rep just like you only a few months back. I realized the same exact things over just about the same time frame. Don't feel bad about falling for this scam, it is extremely well devised, and if you see what they want you to see, you are blind to the truth. Intelligent and independent people like yourself eventually see what they DON'T want you to see, and if you have any concience, you have no choice but to leave.
On your way out, you won't be able to convince anyone about the lies you have uncovered. Most of them are desperate, ignorant, or both. They are usually old and can't find work, or young and stupid, or just ignorant like us with basically no concept of the insurance industry. The second you start to "poison" others, the DM will go into all out damage control mode to make you look very bad. He'll break out every lie in the book, and those desperate souls will sadly believe the DM, until they themselves wake up, or go broke, or hurt someone badly by misrepresenting the policy and it's coverages.
You absolutely need to get out right now. To make a clean break - go to the office and sit down with your DM. Tell them everything you told us, and make them face the ugly truth about themselves (even though they will fight you tooth and nail - it will hurt them inside). And lastly tell them don't even think about trying to collect any premiums back from you, as you have collaborative proof (with other agents) that they trained you to lie, misrepresent, and mislead customers about their insurance products. They will deny it, but they know the truth. You wont hear another word about it from them. Then, they will get right to damage control, and will be forced to eat any of your unearned advances (from cancellations or turned down policies) on their own statement. They could try and come after you, but if you let them know that you are not afraid to fight and expose their racquet, they won't take the chance. Dont feel bad about sticking the DM - they earned it...
Then walk away..and don't look back. Come back to this website once in a while and educate people. It will help to make up for the damage that was caused by the few policies you did sell...
Good Luck
#43 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Amber - Redlands (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 19, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, July 19, 2006
I received an email from a recruiter from UCI and was suspicious because of their offer of an interview and immediate orientation-they had't even met me yet! The appointments they requested seemed odd as well, since one of my two choices was well after normal business hours. The statement that the average person earned $75,000-$100,000 annually was also a red flag. I am glad that I came here and found confirmation before wasting my time and attending this "interview". Any company that wants you to pay them to work for them is bad news. Keep these things in mind while looking for employment next time. Unfortunately, there are a lot of snakes out there.
#44 Employee
AUTHOR: Chris - Atl (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 02, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, August 02, 2006
As i said in my previous responses, most of the people critizing MEGA are lazy brokers who wants to just sit around a desk instead of going to see the client, or ex agents who just couldnt cut it in sales. Give me a break. There is a very good stop loss max on our main selling policy. Complaints are from state to state because we are nationwide, in ga our satisfaction is very high. We are a ever growing company and constantly upgrading our coverage. We actually cut our prices last yr unlike most others out there that raise their premiums.
As a previous lady said, bad mouthing is very unprofessional and most sensible people see through that. We are told not to bad mouth other companies and in fact another company bad mouthing us is the easiest way to replace that company. MEGA has its own marketing staff, no brokers. You guys are JEALOUS because you cant lump MEGA into one of your plans. We have products coming out this yr that will beat you down more than we are doing right now.
I'm a very proud of the company and what its trying to do. Keep up the bad mouthing. You reap a lot more than you sow.
#45 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Debora - Fern Park (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 02, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, August 02, 2006
I've read the negative comments regarding Mega Life and Health and am so glad my family and I have cancelled our policy with Mega and gone with a reputable company.
My experience for the last couple of years with Mega has been that we paid a lot of money for almost no coverage. It sounds good at the start but you soon find out that Mega limits everything. You may pay a small co-pay for a drs visit. But you will receive a bill from the doctor because Mega pays very little on the remainder.
Thank God we left Mega when we did. I would hate to think what would have happened to us financially if we had a serious illness.
Deb-Fern Park, FL
#46 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Leonard - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 03, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 03, 2006
Chris - you are brainwashed bud. I remember you and i know you are a nice guy, but trust me - you are 110% wrong. Most of the posts you are reading here are true. Yeah - there are plenty of uneducated idiots here, but I am not one of them, and I think you know that. Patrick is completely brainwashed as well, and he will never admit the truth. It would be crushing...
Your policies have alot of gaps and limits. They won't pay squat for cancer treatment, yet you go in and start talking about how mega covers the big things like cancer. You're lying to them pal. You don't realize it - but you are lying, and you're going to hurt these people when they need the policy.
Chris - be a broker. It makes no sense to do what you are doing. Sell all the policies, not just one!! You'll get paid more - trust me. You'll have more freedom and you'll really be working for yourself. Open your eyes....get out of mega.
#47 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Dallas - Olathe (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 03, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 03, 2006
Good job Leonard... I believe it is important to keep this thing going and atleast get possible clients and agents thinking before they buy/sell... Seriuosly, no one here is trying to bash a competitor...and no one here is "jealous"...hell Mega Managers will hire anything that has a pulse...any of you who work for them have surely seen that, if it were such a good policy then the company wouldn't require you to be captive to sell it...it would stand on its own like all the other credible companies do...As an agent you have the responsibility to be well informed and offer true protection for your clients...
Don't fall for the load of crap the managers feed you about "usual and customary", "power of the association's numbers" "cancellation", ect. They are using industry buzz words to brain-wash you...MEGA is the very worst when it comes to delivering on the promise...Read the Policy...and read the policies of major medicals in the industry...none of them are perfect...and as an honest agent it is important for you to share the bad as well as the good with your clients... problem is that most MEGA agents do not know the bad about they're product. When was the last time your manager told you to be sure and tell your clients that chemotherapy treatments are capped at $1000 per treatment???, and that most treatments run between 7-10 thousand dollars every two weeks for six or more months...do you think someone fighting for their life VS cancer really needs to find out how crappy this plan is by being presented with a 60-100 thousand dollar bill???
Please...the people in here are sharing their experiences with you to help keep you from making a huge mistake...I encourage anyone whom might have doubts as to the motives of the negative comments here go to other third party sources; as well as question the printed words in your brochures with your managers...don't be lazy its your ass and integrity on the line out there...they will turn their back on you in a heartbeat when claim time comes trust me...don't let them make you into a liar!!
This web site is an open forum...try typing Time Insurance, AMS, Golden Rule, John Alden, Companion, Empire and search... Think there might be a reason none of them have any postings, not to mention several like MEGA...yeah there is a reason...I still can't believe that 60 minutes or some other news magazine has not picked up on this company... Whether you are thinking of buying it or selling it... I hope I have helped you to atleast question it...ultimately everyone has to live with their own decisions!!!
#48 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Tampa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 05, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, August 05, 2006
When I started working with Mega, I made a couple of friends who were nice and honest people just wanting to do the right thing. I have opened my eyes since then and left the business. My friends unfortunately have not. The level of brainwashing that they are subjected to on a daily basis is just amazing.
Chris, You will be back on this site when you open your eyes. I too was here not too long ago defending mega...until I opened my eyes.
Sooner or later you will really hurt someone and I hope you get out of this before it is too late. The mere fact that you were here checking this out is an indication that you are a good person trying to do ther right thing. Listen to your friends or ex co-workers that have left.
Becoming a broker is the right decision. Of course at the office, you are brainwahsed into thinking that they are lazy but it really is not the case. As a broker you still have to work very hard because the hardest part of this job will be to generate enough appointments every week for you to close some of them. As a broker,Closing the sale will be a breeze...instead of a nightmare. Help yourself,do some research, don't just look at this website...there are so many more of them out there. There is no smoke without fire. Yeah sure, ALL insurance companies will have their share of problems, actually, ALL MAJOR companies will have lawsuits and the like against them but the MEGA story is just totally unique and different!
lies:
"we are the only company that let you taylor design the plan to fit your needs and budget."
NO THEY ARE NOT!
Lies:
"With us, you can't be singled out for rate increase or cancellation"
TRUE. But THAT IS THE CASE FOR 99%of MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES.
lies:
"Diabetics are uninsurable and so are people with major pre existing conditions such as heart attacts, so you are better off selling them a "stand alone" which is better than nothing.
MAJOR BS. THERE ARE INSURANCE PLANS FOR DIABETICS AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS.
" we pay usual and customary. The company does not decide what is reasonable"
THE PLANS ARE DESIGNED NOT TO PAY ANYTHING SPECIALLY THE HEALTH CHOICE DISADVANTAGE. THERE IS NO NEED TO DECIDE WHAT IS REASONABLE OR NOT. 100% OF NOTHING IS STILL NOTHING.
#49 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Andy - DeWitt (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
I was practically days away from quitting my current job and going to work for UGA, Healthmarkets, MEGA, whatever they are called. It's a good thing I didn't pay the so called "sign-up fee" either.
I was involved with the group "interview" where they were trying to sell their company. I sat through the presentation and also had the individual interview afterwards. I asked the District Manager straigt up if this was to good to be true. All of the money and trips that they promise you, I have been fooled before and this was looking very shady.
He told me that same stuff about HOPE (Helping Other People Everyday) and they were actually helping small business owners. Not knowing very much about insurance I'm glad that I stumbled onto this site. I actually looked up UGA before the interview and couldn't find any bad responses but when I googled for MEGA it was one of the first pages to come up. (WEIRD) Different names?? Why??
When I updated my information on Monster.com I was contacted again by a script and an e-mail after I was already there for the so-called interview. So they must have an auto-responder set up to try and get as many people as possible. I was actually sent some leads today to try and set some appointments for my general manager because I haven't been to training (sounds like brainwashing) and have not passed the license test.
I would just like to thank all of you that posted your remarks about your experience with this company and preventing me from making a huge mistake. I am a moral person and would have never forgave myself for selling people lies. My mother died of cancer and if our insurance company would have pulled this crap on us we would be still be bankrupt. It looks like I will be staying at my current job until I find something better. I would still like to look into the insurance industry, where is a good place to start??
#50 Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, August 08, 2006
I have been with MEGA for 5 months now. I left my other job because I was constantly babysitting employees. I guess I should have stayed, because now I am running around the state picking up the broken pieces after other agents.
First, if I sell you a rotten fish, and you buy it, I guess it sucks to be you. However, if I sell you a rotten fish, but first pour bleach or lemon juice over itand hide the fact it is rotten, sucks to be me. I tell my clients up front what they wil pay, and instead of giving large ($100,000) claims and what they would pay, I give them reasonable ($5-15,000) claims and what they would pay. I was wondering why my sales weren't as good as I was told they could, should, and better be. I don't know, maybe I was too honest? Divulging too much info about the plans?
It is August 8 today, just yesterday I signed a lady who liked what she saw, and I explained the deductible and everything that was in small print (I guess I have too much of a conscience). I got a call this morning from her, telling me she wanted to cancel, because a friend told her she would be sorry for the purchase (inevitably, it was the 3rd such situation in the past month, and what ultimately led me to this site). Her friend works as a medical biller and sees what types of claims come through and how they are paid.
For someone looking to buy this product, sell this product, or anything in between - Talk to doctors, medical billers, the people who work in the office of your doctors. Go to the state insurance commissioner, and DON'T STOP THERE!
I got sick to my stomach when a friend said he needed a policy for a few months. Thankfully he didn't need to use it, and is now insured with another company. I know all the arguements given by managers, how people thik what they want and don't listen to what they are told. Yeah?? Still don't believe us? Go ahead and go through the initial interviews. Request a quote online, and when a MEGA agent calls you (it will be MEGA, Mid West, Tenn Valley, because no one else has responded to me or my clients when we search), get to know them and go to the weekly "hoopla" meeting. Ask the agents how long they have been there (ask the ones who are not managers - anyone there for about 2 years will get an office to try to expand the company, thus becoming a manager and sucker). Just remember, someone is always being sold.
Where was this site when I searched in February? I would have saved myself a lot of tears and a boatload of money I spent to pursue what I thought was my dream.
#51 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Kelly - Detroit (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 10, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 10, 2006
I was once a MEGA rep. After 8 months I was let go. The reason? I wasn't selling enough insurance policies. I guess it was because I took time to explain to potential customers everything. I had to laugh when I was fired or "let go" as they call it. It's not like MEGA or NASE or anyone else paid me if I didn't make a sale.
#52 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Kelly - Detroit (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 10, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 10, 2006
I was once a MEGA rep. After 8 months I was let go. The reason? I wasn't selling enough insurance policies. I guess it was because I took time to explain to potential customers everything. I had to laugh when I was fired or "let go" as they call it. It's not like MEGA or NASE or anyone else paid me if I didn't make a sale.
#53 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 12, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, August 12, 2006
Chris,
I find it interesting that you claim that you "are told not to bad mouth other companies and in fact another company bad mouthing us is the easiest way to replace that company," when in the previous paragraph you claim that "most of the people critizing MEGA are lazy brokers who wants to just sit around a desk instead of going to see the client, or ex agents who just couldnt cut it in sales." Is that not bad mouthing?
I was NOT a lazy agent when I worked for MEGA and am still not a lazy agent now that I am non-captive and independent. When I was with MEGA I spent 12-20 hours on the phone every week booking appointments and another 20-30 hours seeing them. I think by anyone's standards, that is not laziness.
The reason I was not top in my Quick Start class was because I answered every question my clients asked me with honesty and integrity and helped them compare MEGA with other programs they were looking at. I got chastised from my MEGA leaders for this because I was losing sales. When I started to see what else was out there, I started to get embarassed about what I was offering to people and realized I wanted to be able to give people real choices from reputable companies.
I do not need to bad mouth Mega or Mid-West products in order to convert a client. The proof is in the product. Mega agents snow people into thinking no other company offers their "Mega Difference." Guess what? The "Mega Difference" is a Mega joke. Almost every other major medical company offers the same benefits in their policies and they guarantee their rates for 12-months, too.
But you probably never realized this, Chris, because you have never really compared your products to others, have you? And if you have, you would obviously gloss over the fact that other companies limit the loss a client will face in a given year, while Mega will only stop the loss per incident.
When you say things like "There is a very good stop loss max on our main selling policy," it is obvious you have no idea that your policies really don't have an actual stop loss.
Chris, if I called everyone of your clients up tomorrow, I would only have to ask a few questions and point out a few details to show them the holes in the program you sold them, and I don't have to say one negative thing about your company. No matter how nice you were to them, they will be embarassed that they were so foolish and did not ask the right questions.
What would happen if you take your child to the ER in the middle of the night for an ear infection and racked up a $1000 bill?
Answer--It would be 100% out of pocket because your ER coverage is for accidents only and the smallest deductible Mega offers is $1000 per incident.
What if the child gets sick again in the middle of the night next week, or next month, or in 3 months?
Answer--Out of pocket, out of pocket, out of pocket!
Guess what, Chris? This situation was exactly what was asked of me by my last Mega prospect. She had to take her child to the ER 4 times in one year for various serious illnesses that started in the middle of the night. Obviously, she didn't like my answer.
Guess what my leader suggested I tell this woman when I asked for advice? First, he told me I needed to adjust my sales presentation to avoid getting such crazy questions because I must be doing something wrong.
When I pressed for an actual answer instead of a way to avoid the question, he told me she should have found a 24-hour urgent care clinic to take the child to because then they only would have had a $20 copay.
I am sure parents have nothing better to do than drive around at 3 AM to find an open clinic when there is a hospital right down the street. Incidently, the nearest in-network 24-hour clinic to these folks was a good 30-mile drive. I checked.
So $1000 at a time might be frustrating, but what happens when hopitalization is $10K at a time. But this is unlikely to ever happen right? That's what I was told by my Mega leaders. But isn't that why we need health insurance? To cover the unforseeable?
If MEGA has such impressive products, why are they one of the few companies out there that don't allow a non-captive agent to sell their plans? I'll tell you why. Because an independent agent has hundreds of other plans to compare it to and no savy agent would even waste their money for an appointment to a company with programs they will never sell.
Chris, I have no animosity (or jealousy) for you, only pity. Leonard said you are a nice person, which I am sure you are. I worked with a lot of nice people at Mega just like you. You are not a bad person, just misguided and close-minded. You have to be willing to see the truth in order to accept it.
Good luck with your career, and I hope you never have to deal with a client devastated by what you sold them.
And to all the other Mega Agents out there that are starting to see the light, do not be afraid or embarassed to get out. Your experience at Mega will just make you a better, more well-informed independent agent. So find a new home and start really helping people!!!
#54 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
POSTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
Very, very true, Amy. I have gone back over the info given to me by my manager. The "techniques" I was given were by the top sales leaders in UGA, so I figured they must be something. I was told to direct the conversations and that questions should not come up if I was doing my job correctly. I was also told to offer a return trip to see the client when they received their policy. That way, I could explain what was so confusing to them again. When I brought up the fact that I was told to only set foot in a clients house or business once, because if I had to go back they would be more likely to cancel, I was told that people would not take me up on my offer, it would just reassure them, and if someone did book a follow up when they had their policy, to just be soooo busy that I wouldn't have time for a few weeks (then they would forget about it, because 2 weeks is past the 10 day free look). I quit today,and I feel great, even with not having another job lined up. I just felt too embarassed to continue selling a product that will screw people, whether they know the caps and understand them or not.
#55 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
POSTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
www.mdinsurance.state.md.us/documents/megalife8-12-04.pdf
this link is the review to the MD state insurance commissioner. Go to page 66 for an overview, and you will see the number of violations, JUST IN THE STATE OF MD!! Some claims not paid for over 600 days? more than 1/2 of claims not paid with in 30 days? Come on, people!
#56 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
POSTED: Monday, August 14, 2006
It's great to hear about another Mega Agent coming to their senses. Don't be afraid to go out and find a new agency that will give you the opportunity to work as a non-captive agent. You will feel so much better when you have control over what you sell and how you sell it. You really will be helping people and you won't be afraid to bump into your clients at the grocery store after you sell them a policy. Keep us all posted here with your progress...
#57 Employee
AUTHOR: Freddy - Thousand Oaks (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to post there thoughts here. I am currently in the process of obtaining my Life license in California, mostly because I was like many others who fall prey to these people and think its a wonderful opportunity, almost too good.
After much skepticism and investigation I still decided to go through the "interview" process and paid for my background and set-up fees.
As most of the agents they hire I have no insurance background but I do have some sales experience and small business background so I understand what it takes to succeed in this type of business. That being said I though it strange when we we're bein offered "free, fresh" leads, as well as not being told specifics of the products we would eventually being sold until after we obtained our license and signed our exclusivity with the aforementioned. After being in the required pre-licensing classes I learned these were not general practices as most people paid for leads and many people represented several companies so as to be able to offer a wide array of policies which would best suit the client.
So after finishing my pre-licensing classes and now preparing for my state licensing exam I have again come to my informational source to search out the truth about the company I may be working for. I had no intention of ever selling insurance until I was contacted through careerbuilder.com from these guys, and the thought of helping people get health/life insurance, especially in my state (and btw I don't have health insurance and I know the importance) was a very gratifying thought. And from what I know I and what I've read I can see why nobody would want to sell or ever buy from these people.
I would again like to thank everyone who contributed to this, you have saved me at the least, 3-6 mos. of my life that I will never get back. (Not to mention any grief I may have received to those people had I been unlucky enough to sell policies to. I do believe though that any insurance is better than no insurance, but the sales tactics of half-truths, while not lying, is very deceptive and it hurts real people and no amount of money can ever fix that.) I can now pursue other companies, or talk to another recruiter I know. So I say thanks for your honesty and candor.
#58 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Glad you are no longer going through with this, Freddie. I did lose 6 months of my life (and thousands of dollars, and some sanity) For all the current agents and managers, yes I was able to sell. It wasn't until a week or two after I sold the policy that they would call and cancel, they found new insurance (actually, they found sites like this and were scared spitless). Freddy, you have your licenses. There are plenty of brokers who need licensed agents. Go for it.
#59 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: L - Boston (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 18, 2006
POSTED: Friday, August 18, 2006
I also am a recent victim of this scam! I luckily was able to bail out before my first sale, though I still can't get over how stupid I was to fall for this in the first place.
When I had my first appointment with a potential customer and I was told by my manager what to say and what not to say and basically I was told to fudge the app to get the sale.
Long story but I knew right then this was a bad scene. Not to mention what was told to us during training and what was told by the managers were completely different.
The thing that really burns me up the most about these managers and agents is how they do not feel they are scamming people..come on! They all make up "company names" for themselves, ie: John Doe Insurance Co and their voicemails and interactions with the consumer leads one to believe these are real companies when their licenses do not reflect that.
From what I learned from the licensing exams, being licensed as an individual, yet misrepresenting yourself to the public as a non-existent insurance company is a violation right there.
The other comical thing is they tell you to make cold calls and not say you are with Mega, or NASE or AFS but that you are an "insurance advisor" and never let on until you visit them that the insurance is Mega. The other thing is the tear off sheets that they want you to put in public areas. Who the @#$% would buy health insurance from an individual whose flyer sits near a flyer for a yard sale!
I went on the bbbonline and looked up Mega in Texas, supposedly corporate office and found exactly what I expected, a negative report. Wish I found that months ago!
#60 Employee
AUTHOR: Laura - Gainesville (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, August 18, 2006
POSTED: Friday, August 18, 2006
I appreciate all of the above comments - this has certainly helped me feel that I am not alone in having serious doubts about being a Mega agent. I have been selling for just over 3 months, and have now realized that 1 sale/week does not equal $80K/year. There have been so many red flags, I feel ashamed to have ignored them for this long. I am concerned about leaving because I can't afford to pay back advances. Do any of you have advice about preventing this from happening?
Thanks!
#61 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, August 19, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, August 19, 2006
Laura,
Don't stress about paying back your advances. By contract 95% of your 1st year's commissions will be credited to your debts on account. It took almost a month for me to be processed off of UGA's books, and even then you will have access to watch your debt with them through their website. As long as your policies stick to their books, you won't have an issue. Once you find a new company to start making an honest living with, you will realize that the little debt you incurred with Mega no longer matters. Good luck and keep us posted.
#62 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, August 21, 2006
POSTED: Monday, August 21, 2006
Amy is correct, according to your contract you can have 1 year of premiums applied to your debt, then have the remainder applied to your taxes. However, if the business does not stay on the books, you could be holding a large debt. One of the big reasons I got out is I had 5 policies cancel within 8 days. Some were new apps, some were a few months old. Once the customer started seeing sites like this, they were spooked and bolted (not that I blame them). The sooner you get out and let the 1 year of commisiions start adding up, the better you will be.
#63 Employee
AUTHOR: Laura - Gainesville (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 22, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Well - it is certainly a relief to know that I may not have to pay those advances back. Thanks for the information.
You don't have to tell me specifics if you don't want, but are you now an independent agent representing many different companies? I'm not sure where to look for information as to how to become an independent agent or the steps to take. Any advice?
#64 Employee
AUTHOR: Jim - Toledo (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
I would like to offer some clarity on the postings above as I see it in regards to the products Mega / Midwest has had to offer in the past.
I was not charged any fee to join the company. My checks are not from personal accounts of my field leader. I am sure there are some dishonest leaders out there and your stories are true. But it is like a car dealership. Because the salesman lied, it does not mean the owner or the manufacturer condones it. They may not know. Report the liars to the company so we can weed out the bad seeds and fill the positions with honest individuals. Look inside your own companies. Are there less than honest people there? The answer is yes.
As far as the products are concerned, are there companies with better products? In my opinion, Absolutely. Are there gaps in our products? Certainly. Would it be great if everyone had full coverage with no out-of-pocket? yes.
One thing about Mega, we offer the opportunity for the customer to customize their plan. As with any free choice, this can be good or bad. No customer that gets cancer ever remembers declining the Chemo & radiation rider, even if you told them 100x of the danger. It is never their fault, it is the agents, so you have to look at those complaints with a grain of salt. Of course there are dishonest agents who do not disclose the dangers.
I am not one of them.
The reality is, not everyone can afford policies like that and something is better than nothing. Look at GM. Why don't they just make Cadillacs? Because some people can only afford Saturns. Sure it does not have all the bells & whistles, but it is sufficient. In insurance, we are in business because some of the competition do not offer plans as affordable as us. Plain and simple.
I think all of us would agree some coverage is better than none at all. I explain the limits. I over explain the limits. I have lost sales by over explaining due to confusion or the customer electing another company, but I am ok with that. I make sure they know exactly what they are getting.
With that said, I believe the company heard all of you and made changes.
We have new products coming out this month that address each issue you have listed.
- No max on Chemo. & Radiation
- max out of pocket = $4,000 + deductible.
- Deductible is by occurance and good for 365 days, on a rolling basis not a calendar year. Can you incur more than 1 deductible per year? Yes. But look at the premium savings we offer per month compared to the competition. If I save a family of 4 $300 per month (realistic amount) and they have to pay the deductible 3x that year, I still saved them $600. It is not creative math or spinning it in anyway, it is simple math.
- Less riders and more services included to prevent customers from under-insuring themselves.
- Increased pay out rates for services.
- More medical conditions covered
- Preventative testing is covered
- The ability to have all POV and testing covered at 100%
- Less expensive premiums than our options offered today.
I had a competitor's product until recently. It was better than what Mega had and I could afford it at the time. I was a customer of theirs for years. The competitor's premium was $344.55 per month for an individual PPO policy with $0 deductible. It was the best product they had to offer at the time. I had 2 surgeries in the last year for the same issue. One in October and one in May. All together, they were about $4500 each. I had to pay about $450 for each. So I paid about $900 for $9000 of service. Not bad at all.
If I had Mega's product, I would have paid $1000 deductible, then 20% of the costs from there, or about $1600. Total bill would be $2600.
At first glance, the other guy looks a lot better. Except when you consider, Mega's policy would cost $155 per month less and save me $1860. That is retail, not including agent discount.
By paying the additional premium, the out-of-pocket costs are actually less with Mega.
Another point. If I did not need the surgeries or only needed one, my out-of-pocket cost would have been considerably less with Mega. I still paid an additional $1860 in premiums, whether I needed it or not.
This example I stated is actual and real based on my own experience. I am not trying to sell my company to anyone on this site because you have already made up your minds. I am just pointing out that changes have been made. Things are not as bad as some stated or as good as others have stated. It is about free choice.
If you were a customer and feel that you were wronged, I do empathize with you and hope you get your issues rectified.
If you are a past employee with an axe to grind, move on with your life. It is not healthy to be bitter. For some reason this company did not work out for you. If you are in a better situation, be happy. This company is the "better situation" for many good people.
I hope you see this as an honest entry. I am not blowing the companies horn nor I am I blasting the past employees. I am trying to offer an honest assessment of my own experience.
#65 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Art - Adel (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 24, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 24, 2006
As I was preparing to attend my "interview" with UGA/MEGA, I, as a normal course of preparation, was doing my due diligence by researching MEGA. I stumbled across this website and was astounded by what I read. My thanks to those of you who had taken the time to write, particularly John from Des Moines and Mark from Cedar Rapids. I called and cancelled my appointment. My wife appreciated it, too.
Art - Des Moines
#66 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, August 24, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, August 24, 2006
Jim, Thanks for the heads up on MEGA's new product that is going to put all of us independent agents out of business and make us all jealous and wish we were MEGA agents. (That's sarcasm, folks)!
I am sorry Jim, but you seem like a very honest, ethical person and it would benefit you to become an independent agent. Your arguments don't hold true in my state of Florida. I, too, thought that MEGA was the least expensive option out there with the best programs because that is what my MEGA managers told me.
After several months with MEGA and seeing the quotes my prospects were getting from other companies, I realized MEGA isn't cheaper and the programs aren't better. The new product you and Chris keep talking about is not going to be better than your competitors. It may bring it closer to the standards of coverage other companies already have in place, but I can assure you it won't be cheaper. And, SURPRISE, it still doesn't have an annual deductible.
Based on the current plans offered, let's look at similar (I say that tongue-in-cheek) programs through MEGA and xxxx( company name redacted by ROR))). This is one of many carriers I now offer as an independent agent.
For example:
A typical, healthy, family of 4 in Orlando, Florida.
xxx 35 plan is $408.35(that's standard rates without a preferred health discount)
MEGA's Premier PPO plan is $571.36(that's with an access membership which I was instructed never to sell, no ancillary products and as close to the same coverages as I could get)
Let's compare Apples to Artichokes:
DEDUCTIBLE
xxx--$2500/person annually (max 2 times/year per family)
MEGA--$2500/period of confinement (max 3 times/year family)
COINSURANCE AND MAX OUT OF POCKET
xxx--80/20 up to $3000 plus deductible ($5500)
MEGA--70/30 up to $4500 plus deductible ($7000)
ER VISITS
xxx--$500 first-dollar benefit for accidents then 80% after deductible, $100 additional copay for illnesses if not admitted
MEGA--$100 copay for accidents up to $600 first-dollar benefit, then 70% after deductible, NO COVERAGE FOR ILLNESS UNLESS ADMITTED INTO THE HOSPITAL (see my previous entry on Aug. 12 about this limitation)
DOCTOR VISITS
xxx--$35 copay unlimited visits
MEGA--$20 copay for up to 2 visits per adult/ quarter, 4 for childen, but limits benefit to $75/visit
PRESCRIPTIONS
xxx--$20 copay Generic; $50 copay Namebrand after $250 deductible
MEGA--$15 copay Generic; $30-45 copay Namebrand after $250 deductible (max benefit $1500/year)
CHEMOTHERAPY
xxx--80% after deductible
MEGA--70% after deductible limited to $1000 per day
OUTPATIENT TESTING
xxx--80% after deductible
MEGA--70% after $500 deductible limited to $1000 per day
I could go on and on, but you do the math. For $160 less per month you can have a better program with fewer restrictions and limitations and less overall out of pocket.
In fact, that same family can get the tax benefits of an HSA with 100% coverage after their 1 family deductible of $2100 is met for under $500 per month. That still beats MEGA's 70/30 plan by over $70/month.
This is a comparison with only one other company. There are hundreds of other programs out there!!!
And guess what, MEGA is not the only company that is putting a new program out. All carriers restructure their programs regularly which just gives the independent agent the opportunity to place their clients with the most competative option. I have many Major Medical options to offer my clients from multiple carriers. The MEGA agent has one. So who is really helping their client to customize a plan for their family?
It is not bitterness that motivates me to spread the word about MEGA--it's decency. Most MEGA agents do not deserve to be called names or ridiculed. There are bad agents in every company, but, unfortunately, I saw several bad leaders at MEGA that were training their entire team to be deceptive and irresponsible agents.
Moreover, it is the product that lacks credibility. A good agent with a bad product is what it is. You may be able to sell it, but it still stinks.
To Laura, and those of you looking for a new home after MEGA, be very careful. You can search job websites, classifieds and even call agencies in the yellow pages. Just make sure you ask what companies they offer and if you have to be a captive agent. If they only offer one company that you have never heard of, or they tell you that you have to come in for an interview to find out more, hang up and call someone else. Do not sign a captive agent contract unless it is with a reputable company and you have done your research.
Sorry to be so long winded.
#67 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 27, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, August 27, 2006
Jim, you can post until your blue in the fact but here' some facts that you cannot refute:
1) You haven't spent one hour in the insurance field before UGA.
2) Your district didn't spend an hour in the insurance field before UGA.
3) Your division manager didn't spend an hour in the field of insurance before UGA.
Therefore no one you're talking to knows anything about health insurance. Have your managers been formally trained on Assurant, Golden Rule, Blue Cross, Aetna, CGI, Amer Rep, Unicare, Humana, World, etc...? No.
So without any formal training how in the world can you possibly compare Mega's plans and rates to others?
You're currently getting 100% on your knowledge from managers who make money off you. Not a great source of information.
You want to look at nasty articles about other companies? Try Mega by Googling them:
"mega nase scam"
"mega life lawsuit"
Go ahead and read about how many people lost their homes on Mega coverage. Pull up the Sacremento Bee article (google "mega life sacremento bee) and read about how great that daily chemo cap is. Google "it's enough to make you sick" and read again about how great Mega's plans are.
Then realize that you're instrumental in leading people into possible bankruptcy. And I've seen the new plans. Hardly anything has changed and you know it.
#68 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 09, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, September 09, 2006
As a consumer, be aware of opinions. There is a tremendous amount of ignorance spouted about this company. If you live in a state that offers the new HealthMarkets plans; check out the CareOne suite of products. As far as the heart and ethics of the company; ask hurricane victims from last year what it was like to receive a letter that they would have 90 days of premiums waved to help them in their recovery. Ask the COUNTLESS foundations that this company gives to what kind of people make up this company. Don't listen to an agent who didn't stay with the company long at all, or even necessarily those who were with them for an extended stay. I have owned my own agency and sold for several companies. They all have flaws in them, but if sold properly, in my opinion, the newest Mega plans are second to none. Don't let other agents go back to older plans when you look at this awesome company. The most popular feature of Mega's plans is out of network care. However, there are some procedures you just don't want to have done out of network. One of them, (the one almost always argued by our competition) is the limited chemo benefit. That benefit with repricing (IN NETWORK) is plenty sufficient. That limitation has changed with newer plans anyway. The other area agents love to slam is emergency room pay. Sorry, but that has changed as well. Go out of your network with the most popular companies and see how much you end up spending. All the major companies make you pay anything that is not part of their "allowable amount." Mega is the only company I have found that doesn't determine what is allowable as relating to individual plans. Some of Mega's plans were weaker in some ways, but the biggest issue was how agents sold them or how the customers understood them. In most cases, it was not unethical behavior on the part of an agent. Agents most often sold what the client could afford. I can tell you from experience that clients often don't fully understand what they are buying. I am EXTREMELY thorough in explaining the options. The main argument other agents use against Mega is having multiple deductibles. It was and still is designed to allow clients to have smaller deductilbes that were separate from the main plan deductible. This is a GREAT THING! Would you rather have an accident related outpatient MRI and have all of the cost applied to your plan deductible (in other words you pay 100% out of your pocket) or pay a $0-$100 deductible for an accident related MRI and have the insurance company pay up to $1800 as is the case with Mega's Premiere PPO? That is the beauty of a separate deductible not the curse. Just ask around and see now many people malign ALL health insurance companies. They are an easy target. Other people think their company they are insured by is the greatest. Experiences vary and it doesn't make any difference what company. I can provide the horror stories for just about any company that some agents have with Mega. As far as all the agents slamming Mega; I have been independent, owning my own agency, was not brainwashed and love the company and its mission. Please look at Mega 3rd quarter 2006 and beyond. By the way, Mega is an amazing company to work for. It gets better all the time. It is not an easy business, but self starters can plan for a nice future. Do you like the idea of a plan that offers convenient first dollar doctor visit coverage with NO COPAY, coinsurance or deductilbe? It can happen. With Mega.
#69 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006
The entire sales process is heavy-handed and depends on clients who are too lazy to do their homework.
Let's review the sales process:
1) Call client. Don't send any info, just book the appointment. Avoid any and all questions with "you have a lot of choices and it's too much to go over on the phone." Client asks for info? Get into "it's way to much to send."
2) Show up, present confusing options. Scare client into thinking that if they choose another company a house will fall on them, then sign them up after the client gets about 2 to 3 seconds to think about it. Remember that the goal is to get the check since you're paid on submit. Is this health insurance sales or a time-share presentation?
3) Client says they want to think about it for a few days. Launch into a disertation about how busy you are and you can't come back. Client has no opportunity to research the company or products. Get mad. How dare they actually want to do research! If they actually do research you won't get that advance you need!
4) Don't present all the products. That'll just confuse them and you won't get the sale.
5) Load the plan up with ancillary products. After all, that gets you those QPC points you need for contests and more pay.
6) Remember that premier membership people don't need. After all, you want more of an advance and those NASE semi-annual bonuses. You'd never want to do anything like give them the basic membership and more health benefits. That lowers your pay.
7) Remember that weekly AV - after all, numbers are all your manager cares about since they live off overrides. Oh, your division manager lives off those overrides, as does your regional manager.
8) Question: Does UGA still pay the least commission on their better products thereby pushing agents to sell their more limited plans?
So you bust your butt to write a deal and:
District manager gets a cut
Division manager gets a cut
Regional manager gets a cut
Wow - I guess that's why you have to run around the field for 10 years struggling to submit $10,000 a week to get a check.
If I submit $10,000 for the week I make $2,500. How much would you make? I also get 7% renewals. What's your renewal? Oh - much less since three people above you get overrides off your renewals too. Great company.
But then again they give you about 60 exclusive qualified fresh leads per week, right? Guess not. Chances are you're cold-calling B lead lists or doing most of your own marketing like buying leads.
Get the fish hook out of your mouth.
Oh, well - get back to work. A lot of people above you need gas for their Mercedes. Hey, these wouldn't be the same people giving you all your info would they?
#70 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Will - Aptos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, September 10, 2006
Pat from Cabot, Arkansas, it would really help you to achieve credibility in your opinion of Mega if you didn't use words like "amazing" and "awesome".
I never thought when I first started this thread (see far above, I am the guy who started it) that it would generate so much feedback.
I especially appreciate the comments comparing it to other plans. I have a Blue Shield plan now by the way and it is head-and-shoulders above Mega both in terms of what it pays for and in terms of the price.
I'm just so glad I didn't have a major illness while on Mega. Years ago (before Mega) I had had a hospital stay and the total bill was about $25,000. I paid about $4,000 of that, my insurance at the time paid the rest. I really shudder to think what kind of bill I'd be stuck with if I'd had Mega at that time (which I didn't).
#71 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 11, 2006
POSTED: Monday, September 11, 2006
Maybe some of the agents use the tactics you mentioned. Maybe some of the agents work 10 years to produce 10k AV. Maybe, you still have not addressed ANY of the statements I made about our new plans. I had an agency. I think you are blind to that fact. I know the other plans and know how they pay.
They also don't offer a stock plan etc. I don't heavy hand people. I give them options based on their budget. I NEVER load up ancillary items etc. to make a check. I put some riders on almost all of my plans that I get paid nothing. Maybe you were around a group of people who looked out for number one. I happen to look out for my client. They will quickly vouch for this if you spoke with them.
I also will go back and meet a second time (or more) and in fact just did tonight. The arguments still address older plans and experiences. As far as taking advantage of the laziness of people not wanting to shop--three fourths of medical bankruptcy filers had health insurance.
I don't think people shopped too well. Don't you dare tell people that we imply that if someone doesn't go with us, their house will fall in on them. I wish to end the idiocy of this back and forth banter by letting you know this FACT. I have a client who works in the claims department of a major competitor of ours.
When she retires she is going to sign on with me for one main reason. SHE NEVER WANTS TO DEAL WITH BALANCE BILLING due to the reasonable and customary gap created. She gets cussed at every day and all she can do is tell people to read their policy better. That my blind friends is what shopping and studying has done for the general public. Do you THOROUGHLY EXPLAIN how balanced billing works and make clear what would happen to your client if they go out of network for specialized care or because they are traveling?
I have a far harder time accepting the deception with this than any TACTIC some agents use to get a sale. By the way, I relationship sell and use NO TACTICS. I do very vehemently insist I meet with people. I don't take a Chilton manual and read it while my mechanic works on my car. I don't read a medicine journal while having surgery. I become an expert in insurance to my clients in just the same way.
#72 Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I just recently signed on with MEGA aka NASE aka UICI aka UGA and now I'm pretty scared reading this stuff! I have my first appointment scheduled for Thursday night and I think, after reading all of these horror stories, I'm going to cancel it. Can anyone help me out?
#73 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
You're right Pat, you don't have to worry about balanced billing with Mega Life. Because after $1,500 of medication the client pays all of it. After $2,000 per day of lab, therapy the client pays all of it. After $1,000 of ER benefit the client pays all of it.
Yep - no problem there. Client gets put on $400 per month of medication they just get a letter from Mega "you have exceeded your benefit limit."
Oh, same with chemo - no worries about balance billing there either. Exceed the limit and client pays everything.
Now Pat, my best friend has stage four Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Chemo is over and he's in remission. However, he's on two shots per week of medication to boost him immune system. The shots are $1,500 a piece and are done outpatient.
So what do you tell him? "Sorry, you get one shot and your benefit is over." By the way, he's on a Blue Cross plan, has had the cancer for 2 years and so far he's paid a total of $2,500. That's it. On a Mega plan he would have already lost his house.
#74 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
Todd,
Cancel that appointment. The last thing you want to do is start selling their products because then you will be in debt to the company like so many of us ex-MEGA agents out there.
Dust yourself off from this MEGA scary experience and open up the Yellow Pages today. Call insurance agencies in your area and find a new home. The best scenario is to find an agency that offers many carriers. Ask the General Agents lots of questions about their experience and what companies they carry. If they only sell for one carrier such as MEGA, Mid-West, United American or any other company you have never heard of, hang up. You do not want to be a captive agent to any of these companies.
Find an agency that lets you get paid directly from the companies you sell. (In Florida there are a handful of carriers that will only pay to an agency. My GA lets us see the statements from these companies when they come in so we know everyone's cut--he hides nothing from us.) All the other carriers I write for pay me directly.
Good luck and keep us posted!
#75 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
First of all, I sent in a resignation letter to my division manager, certified mail w/ return receipt.
Secondly, I called the people I was supposed to see and told them that I couldn't sell for this company. They asked why and I directed them google 'MEGA Life' and 'lawsuit'. I just said that I couldn't, in good faith, sell this stuff. They thanked me very much and said goodbye.
When I went to the intial interview/ seminar/ infomercial (Don LaPre style), I was told that they had so much business that they didn't know what to do w/ it all and that there would be leads'a'plenty. My 'training' lasted only 3 days. We even went to a regional training session for a 4th training day in Philadelphia so MEGA could introduce their new products. Sounded more like a Ronco infomercial (you know 'set it and forget it!') than a business meeting. The regional manager should be doing infomercials anyway...or maybe selling used cars..
I should have known this was a load of crap when I went to the 'interview'. There were three others with me. Who does a 'group' interview anyway? I got an email from my district manager that was also sent out to the other two people who trained with me. She was wondering why she didn't hear from anyone and why there were no appointments set up so she could field train us. Duh! How about giving me some of the fresh leads I was promised! One guy I called said he contacted NASE/ MEGA/ UGA/ UICI/ Healthmarkets/ Blackstone/etc..(Will the REAL company name please stand up!) THREE, yes three years ago! What the hell? Half of them had disconnected numbers or they had just moved on. I guess the B leads are just a 'little' outdated here!! Out of 101 leads, I could only get ONE appointment. What a waste of my time. So much for the leads'a'plenty!
My district mgr. even said to email her to get more leads if I couln't set up any appointments. Yeah right! I'll be wasting another whole day making useless phone calls when I could be looking for a real job with a legitimate agency!
#76 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, September 14, 2006
Todd,
Good luck. I wish I could chat with you and share my story. I have been hugely successful in my short time with Mega. I have worked my butt off though and most agents don't. The problem is that agents who don't make it with Mega USUALLY don't anywhere on their own.
I said usually. Most independent agents die on the vine. It is very difficult to get started. I know TONS, including Mega. There are more sources to get leads etc, but they are expensive. I can make a very good living without having to by ANY leads. You have to work your tail off to start with Mega and then you can buy leads, market etc. Again, good luck.
To the other agents who didn't stay with Mega. You have a balance with any other company you sell for and then leave as well. I know, I went through that as an INDEPENDENT AGENT. I owned my own company. Now as for the numbers that were just displayed on the chemo, outpatient therapy, and other, only one of them applies on the new HealthMarkets plan I sell.
Prescription drug coverage has its limitation. But, if you are going to tell a new agent info that effects his or her decision to start with a company. MAKE SURE IT IS ACCURATE. How about a 1 million dollar benefit for cancer/chemo or radiation therapy where the client pays deductible and coinsurance max at either 70% or 80/20? That my (quick to look at old plans) friends is the way the new plan I sell works. And that is per sickness up to 5 million dollars. The other thing I and other Mega agents get sick of hearing is how great your friend was taken care of by other companies. We can produce those kinds of stories as well.
One of our clients just brought in a $22,000 bill and had no deductible, no coinsurance and paid $269 out of pocket. That is the power of any PPO repricing. Do you know how big the line is of people who didn't get taken care of by their insurance company? I have a friend who went through a 2.5 million dollar bankrupty because they didn't pay a DIME. Most every day I hear people cuss the names of Blue Cross and every other company out there, including Mega. I have others who think their provider is divine. The old Mega plans left some gaps with some clients.
Other companies' plans have as well. But quit going after the character and ethics of we agents who do care about our clients, have been on both sides of the fence and feel we offer the best. Attacking an agents character is ilegal in every state and every one of you know that. Find legitimate problems in the HealthMarket plans. Then, lay what you sell out on the line and let us do our own COMPARING. Those of you who are looking at Mega and reading these boards, study the plans for yourself.
Don't let anyone tell you that any companies' plans are good or bad without being able to understand why.
#77 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
POSTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
Sorry Pat, I lost track; which company are we talking about again:
PLF/Mega Life/Mid-West/UICI/HealthMarkets/UGA/Cornerstone/NASE/AFS
I tend to lose track of which name they use. I'm more used to Aetna, United Healthcare, Blue Cross - you know; companies that don't change their name every few years or hide behind associations.
#78 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
POSTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
Well, I just got back from an interview with Aflac...a 'real' interview with the office manager. I wasn't recruited 'on the spot' like I was with UGA/MEGA (like I said, alarms should have gone off here as well, I wasn't even really interviewed, just recruited). I had a real sit down, one on one interview and was told after the interview that a decision would be made next week about who would be hired...not just a quick 'welcome aboard' like I got at UGA.
To Pat, from Cabot, Arkansas, I'm sure you work your butt to the bone with the 'quality' leads you get from your district manager! Most of mine were completely worthless...some with no phone numbers! How the hell are you supposed to call someone if there isn't a phone number!!!
If you enjoy spending hours every day making calls with an 'I'm sorry, but the number you have dialed has been disconnected, please hang up and try the number again.' crap, have at it! I need to get out and see clients so I can get paid so I can feed my family!
#79 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
POSTED: Friday, September 15, 2006
One thing I forgot. At the Aflac interview, I asked about training. There is a 6 week training program...yes, SIX weeks. Not the 3 day quickie from UGA. Tell me, MEGA/UGA/NASE agents, who's legit here? After 3 days, do you really know what you're selling? I don't think so. And field training was supposed to be once or twice...still not enough information to make an honest sale...just enough so you could regurgitate the crap you were fed at the 3 days in the office!
#80 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
This is from an actual posting on monster
A Salesperson's Dream
Job Description
A Salesperson's Dream
Take charge of your sales and marketing career. We seek hard-working individuals with a desire for true opportunity.
UGA redefines the standard for success as we serve America's small business owners and self-employed individuals. We believe the achievements of our company inherently depend on the accomplishments of our representatives across the country, so we developed a company culture that places the achievement of our representatives above all else. This uncommon approach has attracted people from all walks of life, helping them achieve their dreams.
If you have experience in customer service, sales, marketing, public relations or management, you may have what it takes to be part of the UGA team. You will call only on business owners and others who have requested to see you.
Earning potential:
- Up to $150,000 or more on commission as a rep
- Up to $400,000 or more on commission as a leader
Even more benefits:
- Immediate cash weekly
- International vacations
- Up to 12 bonus opportunities per year
- Stock ownership
- Lifetime vesting
- Retire comfortably in 10 years
UGA offers a lifetime of personal rewards. It's not just a dream – it's your new career.
Contact UGA today and begin a fulfilling and rewarding career.
This position is relevant for applicants with experience in the following fields: customer service, financial, insurance, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, retail, entry level, commission sales, supervisor, management, manager, medical, healthcare, business, business development, information technology, administrative, support services, call center
They don't even tell you what they sell or who they really are; all you get to see is the UGA acronym. In fact, all this company has are acronyms for names...UGA, MEGA, NASE, AFS, UICI. Any legitimate company would put their name right out front for all to see, but they have so many names, I guess they couldn't figure out which one to display!
#81 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The UGA commissions depend on the product and whether or not you're a senior agent. But since that $150,000 is in their ad let's take 15% commish. Let's also forget that you'll only see about half of that if you choose to take the advance and say you go as-earned.
To make $100,000 for the year at 15% commission you need to have submitted, placed and kept on the books for 12 months $700,000 of business.
If 80% of everything you submitted lasted 12 months (which is very generous) you would need to submit about $900,000 of volume. UGA currently have about 10 people in the entire country capable of doing those numbers.
So to post an ad like that is cruel and deceptive. If a division manager did the math on every single rep hired over an entire year and how many of them submitted $18,000 a week every week for a 12 month period of time it would be from 0% to .0001% of everyone they hired.
Heaven forbid you choose the advance with the debt account. The reality is even if you do $500,000 for the year of placed business at 15% with a 6 month advance you only have about $40,000 actually in your pocket.
To put $100,000 actually in your pocket with choosing an advance and 15% commish you'd need to have about 1.5 million submitted which would put you in the top 2 or 3 reps in the country.
But what's the actual reality? If they hired 20 people 15 wouldn't write a deal, with 5 left 4 of them would struggle to turn in $5,000 a week and one "might" turn in $10,000 a week....then quit.
#82 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Todd - Quakertown (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 22, 2006
POSTED: Friday, September 22, 2006
Todd, I just read your information on the rip of report.com. If you had concerns about your leads, all you had to do was pick up the phone and talk to me. Apparently, since you haven't done this type of sales before, you don't really get how it works.
The leads you had we're B leads, like the cheap car salesman explained to you in training. A "B" lead is a previously worked lead and like I told you it could have been 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years old. Its a name and a number.
The bottom line with those types of leads is for me to detect your ability to be successful in this job. It is to detect if you have the ability to make appointments off of a cold call. It is to detect if you have the drive to make mailers to the addresses that have disconnected phone numbers, or to ask for referrals from someone who wasn't in need of coverage. It was your test to see if you could actually function as a self employed contractor with our company and not be a waste of time.
Once you would have made appointments, like the other 2 in your training class have off the same leads. XXX-6 and YYY-7. This shows me they have the drive and the possibility of being successful. That along with the fact they call me every day with questions. Once you would have proved that you actually have some drive and ability, then you would have gotten the "fresh" A leads that I pay for.
Why would I invest money in you when you haven't shown the ability to do this job? You are not an employee. You are an independent contracted agent who is supposed to be building your own business. It's obvious from the report that you were trying to blame your failure on the B leads rather than looking at yourself and what you did wrong. Not calling, asking questions and asking for more leads. Appointments don't just appear, and if you don't have appointments you don't get business.
The saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, and you didn't even squeak. (I can't believe that one hour of calling 50 leads really showed you how to do this job.) It is good you found out early that you would have not been successful.
Good luck with your new company. I have hired 3 reps from there in the past month who have the same complaints you outlined about us on the net, only they weren't new there, that was their regular leads for the year or plus that they were with the company. You'll see that in sales organizations, but you would never have been spoiled more than here if you actually would have been able to do this job.
It is obviously not in your personality and no 6 week training course is going to train you how to work like you need to in a sales job. It's about personality and how good the product is. We work hard so we can play hard and make a lot of money to live the lifestyle we're entitled to. Thank you for not wasting my time.
I find it amazing that she knew of this site. Any thoughts?
#83 Employee
AUTHOR: Blake - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, September 22, 2006
POSTED: Friday, September 22, 2006
I have no idea why I am even wasting my time on here but its amazing that 95% of the people on here are either competitors of Mega or former Agents that didn't make it with our company.
Bottom line is "no insurance product is perfect" but consider that no one is telling the whole story about the companies you all work for.
Nearly all plans sold today other than MEGA do the following.
Base Deductible must be met before claims are paid.
With the average deductible of $1,000 that means that basically add $83 per month to your premium because it must be met for your receive the majority of your benefits.
We do not require the base deductible to be met unless you suffer a major illness or accident.
Items with copays do not require you to meet that deductible
Out of Network payouts are based on reasonable charges. Therefore no one that uses 'reasonable" charges in their plan can tell you what you will owe on any type of bill. We cap the out of pocket at $14,000 and that is if every service is performed out of network. it is significantly lower in network. you will never get a straight and correct answer from any company that uses these payout schedules.
Anthem says that if you leave our network they may pay little or nothing of your bill depending on the plan chosen. That makes me feel comfortable!
Many plans exclude coverage on the job leaving the self employed exposed. They shroud this exclusion in legal terms.
Should the primary die, we give the family one free year of coverage and they may keep the plan as long as they want. Who else does that?
Bottom Line this blog is ridiculous exercise in 'BASHING" which is illegal and unethical.
if you didn't like your stay with us then move on.
if you are a competitor then simply tout what your plan offers rather than tearing your competition down.
its this kind of hate mongering that makes people hate insurance agents.
Enough already!
#84 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Will - Aptos (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
Yes we see above, a very detailed example of what MEGA considers "reasonable". I had personal experience with "reasonable" when I got bills like an $120 lab bill for which Mega thought "reasonable" was $18. That's just one example. I never got a bill where Mega even covered 30% of the actual bill.
Of course they don't explain upfront what their reasonable schedule is, and the vast majority of people would never go to the trouble of sitting down with a list of 500 lab tests and comparing the average in their OWN area with Mega's rate.
That is just ridiculous. If MEGA wants to compete on a level playing field, they should base reasonable on what is actually paid in each county or city for that sort of test or procedure.
But they don't. They probably base it on what the least amount paid is, in the entire country or something. At least in my experience. Their reasonable costs were a joke. No other insurance plan I have EVER been with in 25 years was so ludicrous in what they paid, versus what YOU paid.
#85 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
Blake,
You are probably a very nice person (I worked with a lot of very nice people when I was at MEGA). (And I do this only because I was you three months ago so I know where you are coming from.)
Yes, some people are a bit hostile on this board, but the bottom line isn't about bashing--it's about educating. So let me help you with your education.
Do you realize that it is YOU who is biased here? The majority of the non-MEGA or ex-MEGA agents posting work INDEPENDENTLY. That means we do not work for any company. WE are NON-CAPTIVE agents.
You may not understand what that means since you were obviously hired by MEGA with zero health insurance industry experience, as was 99% of all MEGA agents. YOU are CAPTIVE, and therefore a biased agent. Despite the fact that you are an independent contractor, you are working for MEGA alone and have nothing more to offer your clients than MEGA's products.
Your statement "no one is telling the whole story about the companies you all work for," screams your ignorance. An independent agent does not work for a company. We work for our client. I have no loyalty to any company and focus on my client's needs and expectations. You, on the other hand, must convince every one of your clients that MEGA's products are the best out there, or you aren't going to get paid. So who is really looking out for the client's best interest? The non-captive, independent agent that offers dozens of companies, or the captive agent that works for a company claiming to make them rich with stock options, bonus programs and incentive trips.
But wait! There's more! If you took even a moment to educate yourself, you would realize that other programs have copays for things like doctor and ER visits, and you don't have to meet your deductible first. And many companies cover the self-employed 24-7, putting that clearly in writing.
Have you ever even looked at what another insurance company offers? Stop focusing so hard on qualifying for a trip to Reunion and open your eyes. What you are selling people is inferior to what your competition offers. Sorry to destroy the illusion, but that's the truth.
Incidently, I spoke with a Mid-West(sister company to MEGA) client the other day whose husband died of cancer about 6 months ago. Was she raving to me about how great it was that Mid-West was paying her premiums for a year? NOPE. She was telling me how scared she was to be on Mid-West because she is still receiving unpaid bills from her husband's treatment. Free or not, she wants off her Mid-West plan ASAP.
You are right about one thing. No insurance is perfect--it's no secret. I even tell my clients that. My job is to educate them--not convince them, not persuade them. That is the difference between you and me. Of course, this is just my biased opinion.
#86 Employee
AUTHOR: Blake - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
This is my 15th year with MEGA and I have had at least 20 clients suffer with claims over $100,000.
None of those people have ever paid more than $10K of the entire bill.
Since I usually sell a Critical Care plan with most of the plans I sell. at least 15 of the 20 people that had claims over $100,000 actually owed nothing or very little.
So with 15 years of experience with MEGA I can tell you that we are a very solid company and care about our clients very much.
I imagine that my 15 years of experience with MEGA is more time spent with the company than any of you former agents have spent combined.
So the bottom line is we do offer great plans but as with any company it depends on the agent. Do they care about the client and listen to their needs?
We offer plans that allow the client and agent to build programs that fit need and budget.
So lets spend less time here tearing down other companies and more time helping our clients.
#87 Employee
AUTHOR: Blake - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, September 23, 2006
all of our testing riders have deductibles so unless you met your deductible then we should have paid nothing.
I doubt seriously that what you say is true about that claim if we only found $18 of $120 reasonable.
I have thousands of clients and I NEVER hear any of this nonsense from them, in fact i have NEVER seen our company base anything on "reasonable" and thats 15 years of experience.
also you mentioned that detailed bill from above... anyone can put anything they want on here.
did you know that Cream Cheese cures Cancer??
its in print so it must be true Right??? ofcourse not.
You seem to have a vendetta against our company and i sincerely hope that your life is not so bleak that this is your life mission.
I truly wish you all well but this is just a site to bash MEGA and no matter what I say, even with my 15 years of experience and thousands of clients backing up me up it wont matter because everyone here just made it mission to attack our company either out of sheer meanness or the help sell the other plans you offer as brokers.
There are no facts on here just retoric and it wont stop because you all benefit from it.
what happened to professionalism??
I done here, God Bless you all!
#88 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Marie - Saint Simons Island (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
I was with Mega Life and Health and NASE 9 years, licensed in NC, SC and GA.
I am signing a new contract with them in October to go back.
The years I was Mega, there was constant agent training on what Mega pays and what it does and also NEVER to represent the policy as major medical which is a fraudulent representation.
In every state I worked, agents were being taught to explain the policy coverage and leave an outline of coverage with each new insured. In some states like Georgia, that is the LAW! NASE is not be represented as a product that automatically comes with the insurance policy but a product that is available. Also HSA's are available.
When dealing with the self employed, the one thing that is asked for is a policy that will pay for big items, keep the premium low and the insured is willing to pay the out of pocket expenses.
I have Medicare and BC/BS as a supplement and let me tell you right now, both of them do everything they can to get out of paying claims and even after they are paid, there is still plenty of out of pocket expenses to be paid. BC/BS will "sit" on a claim without paying it until I finally have to spend a day on the phone just to get them to do their job.
UCR (usual, customary and reasonable) is the single biggest bad guy in everyone's insurance policies. When they say they pay 100" of UCR, that usually means 50% of the bill. Medicare and BC/BS are both famous for that.
I just wish I could have Mega again. I understood what it would pay and not pay. When you have a greedy agent who just wants to make a sale, they will leave things off your policy just to keep the premium low to make the sale. Chemotherapy and radiation is something that does not cost much in premium and it is left off all the time. Accident coverage is skipped over.
What I am trying to say is, every insurance company is at the mercy of what their agents say. Consumers have a fault in this too. Invariably when I write a policy and explain what was decided on to purchase, most of the time the consumer will leave off the premium for doctor office visit coverage and then call me when Mega doesn't pay for their dr. visit. After explaining to them why they selected to not buy that coverage, they usually have a return of memory.
No, Mega's plan is not the best on the market, and it should never be presented as the best (who could be?). It should be presented for what it is. Mega does have a high end cost policy that pays for practically anything that happens but the premium is also very high end.
Nobody gets more complaints than Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the self employed market. So let's give them all a break and do our own jobs better by making sure we understand ANY product before we put out our good money.
Marie Bennett
#89 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Ken - Lamar (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, October 15, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, October 15, 2006
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!!
#90 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Dallas - Olathe (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
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.
#91 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, October 19, 2006
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.
#92 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
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.
#93 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, October 21, 2006
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.
#94 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, October 22, 2006
POSTED: Sunday, October 22, 2006
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.
#95 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
POSTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
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.
#96 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
POSTED: Monday, October 23, 2006
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.
#97 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 24, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, October 24, 2006
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.
#98 Employee
AUTHOR: Pat - Cabot (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
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.
#99 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
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.
#100 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: M - Irvine (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, October 27, 2006
POSTED: Friday, October 27, 2006
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.
#101 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Jeremy - Dallas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, October 30, 2006
POSTED: Monday, October 30, 2006
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!!!
#102 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bob - Laguna Hills (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
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.
#103 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Philip - Bensalem (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 10, 2006
POSTED: Friday, November 10, 2006
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.
#104 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Dan - Alexandria (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 11, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, November 11, 2006
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.
#105 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Roman - Boise (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 16, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, November 16, 2006
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.
#106 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 16, 2006
POSTED: Thursday, November 16, 2006
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
#107 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 18, 2006
POSTED: Saturday, November 18, 2006
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.
#108 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Roman - Boise (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 22, 2006
POSTED: Wednesday, November 22, 2006
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.
#109 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Paul - OFallon (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 26, 2006
POSTED: Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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.
#110 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: A - Warwick (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
POSTED: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
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.
#111 Employee
AUTHOR: Sam - Las Vegas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
POSTED: Tuesday, January 09, 2007
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!
#112 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: D - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 17, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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!
#113 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Philip - Bensalem (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 20, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, January 21, 2007
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?
#114 Employee
AUTHOR: Sam - Las Vegas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 24, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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!
#115 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lee - Wilmington (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 31, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Have been reading your feedback, would like to know about other health insurance that you would recommend.
Thanks,
#116 Employee
AUTHOR: David - Atlanta (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, February 05, 2007
POSTED: Monday, February 05, 2007
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.
#117 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bob - Jonesport (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 09, 2007
POSTED: Friday, February 09, 2007
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
#118 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Brian - Waterford (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 13, 2007
POSTED: Friday, February 16, 2007
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.
#119 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: X - Somewhere (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, February 14, 2007
POSTED: Friday, February 16, 2007
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!
#120 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: R. - Rochester (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, March 04, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, March 04, 2007
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!
#121 Employee
AUTHOR: Jeremy - Las Vegas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
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.
#122 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Amy - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 15, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, March 15, 2007
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?
#123 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Joe - Lansdale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, March 17, 2007
POSTED: Saturday, March 17, 2007
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!
#124 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Len - Scranton (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 19, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 19, 2007
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??
#125 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Thomas - Anderson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 19, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 19, 2007
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?
#126 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Vic - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, March 28, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, March 29, 2007
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...
#127 Employee
AUTHOR: Jim - Center Valley (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 05, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, April 05, 2007
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.
#128 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 07, 2007
POSTED: Saturday, April 07, 2007
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.
#129 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Heidi - Laguna Beach (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 09, 2007
POSTED: Monday, April 09, 2007
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.
#130 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Joe - Lansdale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 10, 2007
POSTED: Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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!
#131 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 11, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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!
#132 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Robert - Arlington Heights (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 15, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, April 15, 2007
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
#133 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Len - Scranton (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 16, 2007
POSTED: Monday, April 16, 2007
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.
#134 Employee
AUTHOR: Bob - Charlotte (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 20, 2007
POSTED: Friday, April 20, 2007
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.
#135 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Luke - Rockford (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 27, 2007
POSTED: Friday, April 27, 2007
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.
#136 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Ed - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, May 05, 2007
POSTED: Saturday, May 05, 2007
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
#137 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Sarah - Phoenix (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, May 05, 2007
POSTED: Saturday, May 05, 2007
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!!!!
#138 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Vic - Orlando (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 09, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, May 09, 2007
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...
#139 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 13, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, May 13, 2007
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!
#140 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Ed - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, May 14, 2007
POSTED: Monday, May 14, 2007
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?
#141 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Joe - Lansdale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, May 14, 2007
POSTED: Monday, May 14, 2007
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.
#142 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: John - Des Moines (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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 degre
Why file a report here? Ripoff Report is a permanent record! Other complaint sites copy our content then remove reports for money.