Cornerstone America, Mid-West National Life, Alliance For Affordable Services Brainwashing Agents to sell inferior products, leaving clients in bankruptcy Lakewood Colorado

I can only comment as a customer, not as an agent. An agent by the name of Del Shorette came to our house and tried to sign us up. Having been turned down for traditional insurance, we decided to give it a try---even though Del seemed a little sketchy.

Surprisingly, I was turned down by them also. I was actually kind of relieved b/c I didn't trust them to begin with. Del said he would take care of refunding my money and canceling the Alliance policy. He didn't. Afterwards, Del Shorette disappeared. Alliance did not. In fact, they continued to ding my bank account for $53.75/month for six months.

DO NOT entertain any ideas of talking with Del. He is a sleazy agent representing a slimy company in Alliance for Affordable Services. And beware of Alliance changing their name to escape their past. Once enough complaints build up, they will just establish another morally-empty shell of a company to take your money.

I worked for Mid West or Cornerstone or The Alliance or UICI or whatever they are calling themselves these days. Oh that's right,they came up with a new name: Health Markets. I was an agent for over 4 years selling their products and trying to keep faith that the insurance was in the best interest of the client. I had a client that unfortunately had to use the insurance for a hospital bill which was well over 200K and based on the coverage I sold them, my client had to file BK. As agents we were instructed and brainwashed to sell these plans which would supposedly offer better coverage than Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Healthnet, etc The major carriers have a maximum out of pocket so if the client does have a major claim at least the majority of the bills will be covered. I am not going to go into what is usual cutomary and reasonable because these words are in every health insurance plan somewhere.The indemnity plan or FREEDOM plans are based on a dollar amount paid per day which is the problem. The management really has no clue what this company will actually pay if someone has a large claim. If you are trying to defend this company, you have not had a client have a major health issue. I am talking cancer treament, brain surgery, spinal injury. These and all the other things you can think of will leave a holder of this insurance financially ruined and if you try to defend this company and the products it offers you need to look beyond the commissions and bonus trips and company stock and the promise to retire in 10 years and look yourself in the mirror. Would you really want your loved one to be on this insurance?
If you are an agent, get appointed with the major carriers so you can offer your clients whatever product works for them and learn how to market yourself and go out and earn yourself a career.

When compared line for line against other large insurance companies, Mid-West stacks up GREAT!!! I have been on either Blue Cross Blue Shield or Kaiser my whole life, and am now with Mid-West. I have gone over the policy comparisons with a fine tooth comb and not only does Mid-West offer fantastic insurance, but the rate is much better than with other companies.

Whoever submitted this rip-off report is probably a competitor and is trying to scare people away from his competition. I would not be surprised if he wrote this just so that he can pray on Mid-West customers and tell them to "google Mid-West Insruance and see what they find."

As an informed consumer I can tell you, "don't believe his hype!"

Look people. I know about Cornerstone and this Alliance for Affordable Services. I fell for their employment offer a couple years back and wasted time, money and efforts for nothing thinking I could incorporate it into my existing consultancy firm..

I have just been contacted by them again, but in a new styled e-mail because of my resume on careerbuilder.com. / it is all a wash in my opinion.

Today, they now are taunting themselves as a non profit 501(c)3 just like IIB (Institutue for Independent Business) is doing right now coming into the USA from the UK. IIB is also hitting many former business owners via e-mail solicitations profiling candidates from careerbuilder.com or other employment database on the web.

But all of these require you to pay costs to them "up front" and set up as an independent consultancy business. So why not do so on your own and save wasting more money to middlemen you do not need? Why pay them continual percentages of your own business and working efforts. If they ALL had solid purpose & products, why not employ you as a solid employee and rep of their firms instead of having you sign legal documents separating them from your actions or efforts and YOU take 100% of all business liability away from them? Because this is where they get tricky using you and the scam, in my opinion, is established...

Cornerstone is NOT an insurance company. They are a repackager and reseller of other peoples' products, so do not get fooled thinking your clients will be getting something as a bargain. EVERYTIME a product passes a hand (retail) it will be marked up so that party makes a profit- this is basic capitalism at work.

See, Cornerstone had a separate benefiot package they used to get their people to sella dditionally. Itw as caleld "Alliance for Affordable Services". Today, they are acting like this is some non profit organizationa s if it builds them credibility?

I for one, think the IRS needs to inevstigate all 501(c)3's as for too long, too many have been misusing them for illicit purposes and ways to shelter or hide monies; and AFS or IIB or others who now taunt "nonprofit" are using other peoples' efforts to rack in fees and costs which they hide in tricky administrative bookkeeping techniques and this SH*T ought to make everyone STOP and take notice and keep these predators from doing as they are to too many unsuspecting agents, clients, etc.. out there...

Today, with the internet, anyone can go directly to ANY insurance company and underwriter to get the best possible direct quotes and policies and do not need intermediaries or middlemen. Just use some common sense people- something you all seem to have forgotten how to use.

For the record, I am not involved with or connected to the insurance industry or any agency, and am posting from my own personal investigative findings and ownership of my own private business consulting firm to help educate people from losing monies to shams, scams and schemes...

Look people. I know about Cornerstone and this Alliance for Affordable Services. I fell for their employment offer a couple years back and wasted time, money and efforts for nothing thinking I could incorporate it into my existing consultancy firm..

I have just been contacted by them again, but in a new styled e-mail because of my resume on careerbuilder.com. / it is all a wash in my opinion.

Today, they now are taunting themselves as a non profit 501(c)3 just like IIB (Institutue for Independent Business) is doing right now coming into the USA from the UK. IIB is also hitting many former business owners via e-mail solicitations profiling candidates from careerbuilder.com or other employment database on the web.

But all of these require you to pay costs to them "up front" and set up as an independent consultancy business. So why not do so on your own and save wasting more money to middlemen you do not need? Why pay them continual percentages of your own business and working efforts. If they ALL had solid purpose & products, why not employ you as a solid employee and rep of their firms instead of having you sign legal documents separating them from your actions or efforts and YOU take 100% of all business liability away from them? Because this is where they get tricky using you and the scam, in my opinion, is established...

Cornerstone is NOT an insurance company. They are a repackager and reseller of other peoples' products, so do not get fooled thinking your clients will be getting something as a bargain. EVERYTIME a product passes a hand (retail) it will be marked up so that party makes a profit- this is basic capitalism at work.

See, Cornerstone had a separate benefiot package they used to get their people to sella dditionally. Itw as caleld "Alliance for Affordable Services". Today, they are acting like this is some non profit organizationa s if it builds them credibility?

I for one, think the IRS needs to inevstigate all 501(c)3's as for too long, too many have been misusing them for illicit purposes and ways to shelter or hide monies; and AFS or IIB or others who now taunt "nonprofit" are using other peoples' efforts to rack in fees and costs which they hide in tricky administrative bookkeeping techniques and this SH*T ought to make everyone STOP and take notice and keep these predators from doing as they are to too many unsuspecting agents, clients, etc.. out there...

Today, with the internet, anyone can go directly to ANY insurance company and underwriter to get the best possible direct quotes and policies and do not need intermediaries or middlemen. Just use some common sense people- something you all seem to have forgotten how to use.

For the record, I am not involved with or connected to the insurance industry or any agency, and am posting from my own personal investigative findings and ownership of my own private business consulting firm to help educate people from losing monies to shams, scams and schemes...

Look people. I know about Cornerstone and this Alliance for Affordable Services. I fell for their employment offer a couple years back and wasted time, money and efforts for nothing thinking I could incorporate it into my existing consultancy firm..

I have just been contacted by them again, but in a new styled e-mail because of my resume on careerbuilder.com. / it is all a wash in my opinion.

Today, they now are taunting themselves as a non profit 501(c)3 just like IIB (Institutue for Independent Business) is doing right now coming into the USA from the UK. IIB is also hitting many former business owners via e-mail solicitations profiling candidates from careerbuilder.com or other employment database on the web.

But all of these require you to pay costs to them "up front" and set up as an independent consultancy business. So why not do so on your own and save wasting more money to middlemen you do not need? Why pay them continual percentages of your own business and working efforts. If they ALL had solid purpose & products, why not employ you as a solid employee and rep of their firms instead of having you sign legal documents separating them from your actions or efforts and YOU take 100% of all business liability away from them? Because this is where they get tricky using you and the scam, in my opinion, is established...

Cornerstone is NOT an insurance company. They are a repackager and reseller of other peoples' products, so do not get fooled thinking your clients will be getting something as a bargain. EVERYTIME a product passes a hand (retail) it will be marked up so that party makes a profit- this is basic capitalism at work.

See, Cornerstone had a separate benefiot package they used to get their people to sella dditionally. Itw as caleld "Alliance for Affordable Services". Today, they are acting like this is some non profit organizationa s if it builds them credibility?

I for one, think the IRS needs to inevstigate all 501(c)3's as for too long, too many have been misusing them for illicit purposes and ways to shelter or hide monies; and AFS or IIB or others who now taunt "nonprofit" are using other peoples' efforts to rack in fees and costs which they hide in tricky administrative bookkeeping techniques and this SH*T ought to make everyone STOP and take notice and keep these predators from doing as they are to too many unsuspecting agents, clients, etc.. out there...

Today, with the internet, anyone can go directly to ANY insurance company and underwriter to get the best possible direct quotes and policies and do not need intermediaries or middlemen. Just use some common sense people- something you all seem to have forgotten how to use.

For the record, I am not involved with or connected to the insurance industry or any agency, and am posting from my own personal investigative findings and ownership of my own private business consulting firm to help educate people from losing monies to shams, scams and schemes...

Look people. I know about Cornerstone and this Alliance for Affordable Services. I fell for their employment offer a couple years back and wasted time, money and efforts for nothing thinking I could incorporate it into my existing consultancy firm..

I have just been contacted by them again, but in a new styled e-mail because of my resume on careerbuilder.com. / it is all a wash in my opinion.

Today, they now are taunting themselves as a non profit 501(c)3 just like IIB (Institutue for Independent Business) is doing right now coming into the USA from the UK. IIB is also hitting many former business owners via e-mail solicitations profiling candidates from careerbuilder.com or other employment database on the web.

But all of these require you to pay costs to them "up front" and set up as an independent consultancy business. So why not do so on your own and save wasting more money to middlemen you do not need? Why pay them continual percentages of your own business and working efforts. If they ALL had solid purpose & products, why not employ you as a solid employee and rep of their firms instead of having you sign legal documents separating them from your actions or efforts and YOU take 100% of all business liability away from them? Because this is where they get tricky using you and the scam, in my opinion, is established...

Cornerstone is NOT an insurance company. They are a repackager and reseller of other peoples' products, so do not get fooled thinking your clients will be getting something as a bargain. EVERYTIME a product passes a hand (retail) it will be marked up so that party makes a profit- this is basic capitalism at work.

See, Cornerstone had a separate benefiot package they used to get their people to sella dditionally. Itw as caleld "Alliance for Affordable Services". Today, they are acting like this is some non profit organizationa s if it builds them credibility?

I for one, think the IRS needs to inevstigate all 501(c)3's as for too long, too many have been misusing them for illicit purposes and ways to shelter or hide monies; and AFS or IIB or others who now taunt "nonprofit" are using other peoples' efforts to rack in fees and costs which they hide in tricky administrative bookkeeping techniques and this SH*T ought to make everyone STOP and take notice and keep these predators from doing as they are to too many unsuspecting agents, clients, etc.. out there...

Today, with the internet, anyone can go directly to ANY insurance company and underwriter to get the best possible direct quotes and policies and do not need intermediaries or middlemen. Just use some common sense people- something you all seem to have forgotten how to use.

For the record, I am not involved with or connected to the insurance industry or any agency, and am posting from my own personal investigative findings and ownership of my own private business consulting firm to help educate people from losing monies to shams, scams and schemes...

My response does not evaluate the company or companies under scrutiny here. My response is a reality check for individuals who doesn't seem to understand how the world functions around business.

For-profit-businesses are in business to make money and this key principle is one most individuals who works a nine to five or operates there own small business seem to forget when they began to evaluate how another company makes its profits. Each business is focused on its profitability first and its overall moral standing second, for without profit at the forefront there is no need to design or implement a moral course of business operation, for if you donate to make profit than you have no business. No corporation is safe from negative criticism and this why a website such this one is so useful to a public of people who don't understand business operation.

There is an old saying that describe in essence what I trying to get across and it reads similar to this: You can not please all the people, all the time.

In a world filled with unique individuals that share wondrous beliefs for all facets of life it is impossible to fulfill the moral or perceptive needs of the all individuals who inhabit this planet. Yet we must understand that we humans as a whole created an object that defines our lives and shapes who we are and what we will be for others and ourselves. The object is currency. Currency is not the ultimate defining character of the human race but it is the most identifiable mark of achievement.

After stating the above I can now say that we lead ourselves to many of these so called scams for we all seek the quintessential mark of achieve, which is currency and we often find ourselves upset and discourage when we are unable to arrive at the level of achieve we feel we deserve in a time frame that we believe is lengthy enough to achieve our potential greatest achievement(s).

We are not all capable of operating a profitably business, yet many of us rush to the thought of being an owner or operator of a business with the false belief that we can do things better than our present employers or peers in our career arena. Simply put some of us are worker bees and few of us are queen bees. The operation of a business is a stressful situation that will require more work than you would likely do on the average nine to five positions with a fortune 500 company. Being the boss for some individuals is a wonderful dream in thought and a horrible nightmare in reality. Being unable to keep pace with the demand of your industry, as a whole, will force a weak businesses to fail but if stress is the force driving your performance than industry demand will not effect your business from generating potential record profits.

The products or services you sell in business are the products that should meet the demands and needs of the clients and/or customers that you are supplying service. If the client or customer does not complain about the products or services they have received and are overall happy with the products or services they received than your job with any company (whether you are the owner/operator or not) is complete. If selling products or services that are morally correct is important to you than you should attempt to locate a company that provides products you believe fit you perception of moral, but if being able to display your mark achieve is just as important as being moral than you should sell the products that will make your dreams of achievement reality. The bottom line is if the client or customer is happy with a product or service, who are you to judge the products worth, aside from what the product or service can achieve for you. With any for-profit-business you sell to make profit and if the product or service you sell has created a steady profit than you will have a great chance at achieving your ultimate goal of achievement.

If you want to make money, than make money. The world will forever be too busy to judge you, for we are all attempting to do the same. Life is one hundred times easier when you can afford it, so achieve.

If mega is so great why are all these mega life employees writing all these long blah blah blah.arent you too busy selling all those wonderful policies that everyone enjoys to worry about what we are saying?if you truly believe they are so good,then why do you care?seriously?open your eyes,ask for forgiveness,and get help.

These people are crooks and taught to lie everyday. Check out the naic and complaint ratios for the facts. Mega life and health is nearly 6 times more than the national avg... I wonder why?

These people are crooks and taught to lie everyday. Check out the naic and complaint ratios for the facts. Mega life and health is nearly 6 times more than the national avg... I wonder why?

These people are crooks and taught to lie everyday. Check out the naic and complaint ratios for the facts. Mega life and health is nearly 6 times more than the national avg... I wonder why?

These people are crooks and taught to lie everyday. Check out the naic and complaint ratios for the facts. Mega life and health is nearly 6 times more than the national avg... I wonder why?

THIS ORGAINIZATION HURTS PEOPLE. NO ONE EVER TALKS ABOUT THE ACTUAL COVERAGE ON THIS POLICY. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET CANCER??? THE #1 REASON FOR EVERONE NOT TO EVER SELL OR BUY THIS POLICY. THIS POLICY WILL ONLY PAY $1000 A DAY FOR CHEMO / RADIATION TREATMENTS UP TO $100,000 LIFETIME MAXIMUM BENIFIT. WITH OTHER INSIDE LIMITS SUCH AS TESTING OR AMBULATORY CARE AT $1000 AND OUTPATIENT MAXIMUM AT 20,000 LIFETIME MAXIMUM.

MAXIMUM SURGEN BENIFIT AT $14000. HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE. A MRI COST $4000 THEY WILL ONLY PAY $1000, EACH CHEMO TREATMENT COST $4000 THEY WILL ONLY PAY $1000. CANCER SURGERY AVERAGE MEDIAN COST $30 -40 THOUSAND. I RECENTLY SPOKE TO A LADY WHO IS DEALING WITH BREAST CANCER OUT OF A $180,000 BILL MID WEST HAS PAID $20,000 AND HER CANCER CLINIC HAS NOW REFUSED TO TREAT HER ANY FURTHER UNLESS SHE PAYS UP FRONT WHICH SHE CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY. WHICH MEANS SHE IS GOING TO DIE!!!!!! THATS RIGHT DIE! BECAUSE OF MID-WEST AGENTS LYING TO PEOPLE TO GIVE UP THERE BCBS POLICIES. THATS HOW HORRIBLE AND DISGUSTING THESE AGENTS ARE AND THIS COMPANY. REPLACING A TRUE MAJOR MEDICAL LIKE A BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD POLICY FOR THIS POLICY SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. BECAUSE IT CERTAINLY IS IMMORAL. I HOPE YOU SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT!!!!!!

As a consumer, be aware of opinions. Michael quoted a Bible verse about the love of money. There is another verse that says that any story sounds good until someone else tells the other side of the story and sets the record straight. 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 (not unethical practices of agents) 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. 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.

Go out of your network with the most popular plans of the big 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. Some of Mega's plans were weaker in some ways, but the biggest issue was how agents sold them (in some cases.)

By the way, having multiple deductilbes was not a bad thing. It was and still is designed to allow clients to have smaller deductilbes that were separate from the main plan deductible. Agents from other companies use this as a negative against Mega.

Would you rather have an MRI and have all of the amount 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 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. Some people think they are the greatest. Experiences vary and it doesn't make any difference what company.

Felice,

I am a former agent with MEGA that figured out how unethical their practices were. I worked for them for about 3 months. (You can read about my experience through other postings on the Rip-Off Report).

While at MEGA, I was trained to NEVER fill out the application in front of the client other than the medical questionaire. I was told to simply save everything in the computer (which we were also not to show our client) and complete the section on coverages after I left the client's house.

When you say that MEGA claims that YOU didn't fill out the application correctly and missed a check mark--that is ridiculous.

Let me guess...your agent probably gave you a quote from her computer, wrote some notes down on a piece of paper to show you what you were getting and then took that paper with her. She probably gave you a book about coverages, but conveniently forgot to mark what your coverage included. I am sure you never touched that application other than signing it. And the agent probably told you not to worry, she'd fill in all of the blanks.

It makes me so angry that so many MEGA agents are trained to be this incompetent and there is no consequence to them. I am sorry you were a victim. Keep telling your story. If enough people share their experience perhaps MEGA & Mid-West will either fold or improve their products and procedures.

Almost four years ago, as a self-employed individual, I received a phone call from a sales rep representing NASE concerning selling me affordable health insurance.

My husband & I allowed a sales rep to come to our home and explain the coverages offered by Mega Life Insurance Co. We informed her that we wanted coverage for hospitalization, prescriptions, ambulatory (meaning x-rays, mammograms, blood work, etc.) doctor visits. We explained we didn't need vision or dental. We were quoted a very reasonable price and signed the application that night. A few months later, my husband and I went thru various blood work tests, x-rays. The medical bills came flowing in one by one. Altogether, we had over $6000.00 in unpaid medical bills. I notified Mega Life that this had to be a mistake as we were covered thru the ambulatory rider for all these tests. I had read my whole policy and no where did it say that we were not covered for ambulatory coverage.


The Mega Life Claims Dept. investigated my complaint and notified me that I was never covered for Ambulatory rider. My husband & I were furious, as we both sat at the table that night and specified twice to the sales rep that we concerned about making sure we had this coverage. After many phone calls to Mega Life, NASE, The Dept. of Insurance Agency in Providence, R.I. and numerous letters to all these Agencies, plus the investigations which insued by Mega Life, I received a letter from Mega Life, indicating that they spoke with the sales rep, who sold us the policy.

Their final response to us was that the sales rep informed them that we never indicated that we wanted the Ambulatory Rider coverage the night we signed the policy. Mega Life was standing by her statement. They refused to reimburse us for any expenses. They also informed us that when we filled out the application (which they provided a copy to us, they told us to look on the last page and that a checkmark was missing in the box provided to indicate that Ambulatory Rider Coverage was being added to our policy.


When I argued on the phone with a Mega Life Claims Rep to speak to a superior concerning the fact that it happened to be the sales rep's responsibility to fill out all information on the application correctly, I was told nothing could be done about it. I WAS FURIOUS!!!! The Claims Rep who went over the whole policy with me also agreed with me that no where on the policy did it say that we were not covered for the Ambulatory Rider. I proceeded to call an attorney and was informed that it would cost me almost as much in attorney fees to fight this case, as the medical charges I had incurred.

The night my husband & I signed the application for coverage, we also asked if Mega Life would raise our rates within the first year. Our rates were raised more than twice within a short time we kept the policy activated. I found this website too late but printed out numerous pages of complaints against this company. I received no satisfaction from any government agencies or NASE.

I joined the Chamber of Commerce just to join a group plan with BCBS and pay well over $1384 a month for myself, spouse and 2 children. At the same time I went thru this horrible nightmare, my sister had died from cancer at the age of 53 yrs. old.

I, again was fight Globe Life Insurance Co. for a lousy $10,000.00 in life insurance purchased where I was the beneficiary. While I was burying her, I fought for a year with Globe Life and they refused to pay me. I had to hire an attorney; he sent a letter and two months later, I got not only the $10,000.00, but $1,000.00 in interest accummulated, but had to pay the attorney 33%. Did I lose? Bet your a*s I did.
Insurance companie want your money, but don't want to pay what's rightfully yours. I developed high blood pressure because of those two incidents which caused me sleepless nights, stress, and aged my spirit.

I have been with mega for 6 months now and I have not done quite well as the others mainly because of my ethics. I go in with the intention of helping the client, specially the ones that have no insurance at all because I really believe that something is better than nothing. I know that what I sell has hughe holes in coverage (mostly the Health Choice plan)but sometimes this what the people can afford.I usually try to give them more coverage and usually lose the sale after that. I can not lie to them and once they start asking me specific questions I lose the sale again. I do okay with the ones that dont ask questions.

I have serious doubts about what I am selling and I am going to investigate this matter more. I probably will get fired! LOL but I need to feel good about what I do. Couple of friends of mine that left mega and are brokers have invited me to take a look at what they do now and I think I am going to do just that.

Here's how you can be 100% sure that Rod is lying. He said he is independent and represents several carriers. You can't be an agent for Mid-West and sell for any other insurers, they absolutely do not allow it. However, Rod clearly implies that he represents Mid-West along with other insurers, and he even shows strong ALLEGIANCE to the company with the following phrase:

(PAY CLOSE ATTENTION - HE SAYS "THOSE WHO EMBRACE OUR PLAN")

"The Midwest plan represents choice for those who are tired of double-digit increases, managed care restrictions and exclusions, and pre-paying for services that they rarely use. They would much rather assume a small portion of risk and save a lot of money each month in premium costs (40% or more is not at all uncommon in this market). Those who embrace our plan design tend to be in relative good health and have a degree of business acumen or higher education. They usually have the finacial means to purchase any plan, but feel an obligation to be good stewards of their finances and make the best business decision for their family's and employee's health insurance."

No independent representative would EVER make that statement. The comment "those who embrace our plan", implies a direct association with Midwest insurance plans. That is because he IS directly associated with Midwest, and therefore, he is not independent. This person represents UICI and Midwest. HE IS A FRAUD.

To Rod in New Hampshire,

What companies do you represent? Are you currently licensed to sell and appointed with Megalife AND several other noteworthy companies?

For anyone who wants the truth, here is what the Boston Globe has to say:

Premium deal, with complications
Nonprofit insurance plans draw customers -- and regulators' eyes
By Bruce Mohl, Globe Staff, 1/18/2004

Like most people, Mary and Paul B are always looking for ways to save money, so when Paul heard a radio ad promising small businesses health insurance at an affordable price, he called to inquire about it.

The inquiry led to a visit by James M. Brown, an insurance agent and a representative of a Texas nonprofit called the National Association for the Self-Employed. Brown said the association's national membership gave it the clout to negotiate low health insurance rates for such people as Paul, who runs his own monument company in Western Massachusetts.

After being repeatedly assured by Brown that they could continue to use their current primary care physicians and be covered for emergency room visits and prescriptions, the B's decided to join the association and buy the health insurance it endorsed. Their new premium of $431, even with the cost of the association membership included, was about half as much as the B's had been paying. It was so low that Paul told a friend to sign up.

But less than six months later, when Mary B was hospitalized with severe gastrointestinal pain, the couple discovered their health insurance was full of holes. Outpatient visits and tests weren't covered; Walgreens wouldn't accept their prescription card; and hospital stays carried a deductible of $1,000 and a paltry $200 cap on daily hospital expenses.

In no time at all, the B's ran up nearly $15,000 in uncovered medical expenses. They were fearful their debts would wipe out their savings. Mary B's doctor diagnosed her with diverticulitis and recommended bowel surgery, but the association's insurer refused to pay for it, so Mary, at risk to her own health, put off the operation until she had a new health insurance provider.

"The bills just kept coming and coming, and nothing was paid," Mary said. "We were just scared. It kept us awake at night wondering what was going to happen."

The B's are not alone. Lured by radio and direct mail ads and signs tacked onto telephone poles, more Americans who work for themselves or don't receive health insurance at work are turning to nonprofit associations for help in purchasing coverage. The associations say they have the expertise to select quality health plans and the membership numbers to negotiate the lowest possible rates.

But many of these associations have turned out to be little more than fronts for the insurance companies with whom they do business. Insurance regulators in many states have received complaints about association health insurance plans that don't deliver what they promise or increase the rates of people who get sick. (The latter is prohibited in Massachusetts. A 1996 law restricts charges and prohibits underwriting based on a customer's medical condition.)

The National Association for the Self-Employed bills itself as "the nation's leading resource for micro-businesses," with its own board of directors, its own agenda, and numerous services catering to small- business owners. One of the more heavily plugged services on its website is an "affordable health insurance" package.

Yet the association has close financial ties and may even be owned or controlled by UICI, a Dallas-based insurance company that operates a number of subsidiaries, including Mega Life and Health Insurance Co., which sold the B's their insurance.

UICI's financial statements indicate the publicly held insurance company and the association are financially and administratively intertwined, with the insurance firm's marketing divisions responsible for enrolling new association members. The financial statements say several lawsuits have been filed against UICI alleging that its Mega Life subsidiary and the National Association for the Self-Employed are "under common ownership and control" and that the benefits of a NASE membership are negligible.

Officials at UICI and the National Association for the Self-Employed did not return phone calls. Brown, the agent who contacted the B's, has an unlisted number and could not be reached to comment.

Concerned that health insurance policies issued through associations are operating under the regulatory radar, several states have launched investigations and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is conducting a formal inquiry. Legislation is pending in Congress, however, that would shield association health plans from most state regulations and subject the plans to limited federal oversight.

The Bloods weren't aware of any of these larger issues, but through a friend of their daughter's who also had a run-in with Mega Life they were referred to Alex Sugerman-Brozan, an attorney with Health Law Advocates, a Boston public interest law firm affiliated with the consumer advocacy group Health Care for All.

Sugerman-Brozan filed suit against Mega Life, the National Association for the Self-Employed, and Brown, alleging they violated consumer protection laws by misleading the B's about the coverage they were buying.

According to Mary B, Mega Life initially denied the charges, saying the Bloods were at fault for not fully reading the coverage book they received after signing up. B admits she only scanned the thick book but said she and her husband relied on what Brown had told them.

But more recently Mega Life and the Bloods decided to settle the case, with Mega Life agreeing to pay the Bloods $20,000 to cover their unpaid medical bills and to compensate Mary B for her pain and suffering. The company admitted no wrongdoing and refused to alter business methods and other company polices as sought by Sugerman-Brozan.

A spokesman for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance said the agency is investigating six complaints similar to the Bs' and has launched a formal inquiry of Mega Life and two affiliated companies operating in Massachusetts -- Chesapeake Life and Health and Mid-West National Life of Tennessee. The three companies, all subsidiaries of UICI, have more than 24,000 customers in Massachusetts.

Spokesman Christopher Goetcheus said the insurance division has also revoked the licenses of Brown and Mark M. Kitchell, both of whom represented Mega Life and the National Association for the Self Employed in Massachusetts. Both agents lost their licenses, Brown for failing to disclose a past conviction for Social Security fraud and Kitchell for, among other things, giving incorrect advice to a potential customer.

Mary B is glad her ordeal is over, but she is speaking out now so no one else has to go through what she and her husband did.

"I don't want to see some poor family with young children fall into this trap," she said. "I don't want to see anybody else get hurt."

Bruce Mohl can be reached at mohl@globe.com.

Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.

I'm sure if any Mega Life , Midwest Life , UICI , Cornerstone, Alliance for Affordable Health , NASE or whatever the call themselves agent reads this, they won't let these FACTS stop them or get in the way of making another sale.

Bob
Indianapolis

I don't ussually respond to this type of discussion. But many of the comments made here, from both sides, are erroneous and just begging for an informed perspective. Those with some industry knowledge, and a willingness to remain objective, understand that ALL insurance companies are in the business of assessing and mitigating risk...period. They ALL have complaints against them. The number of those complaints is in direct correlation to the company's size and number of policy holders. This is easily confirmed with a phone call to your state's Department of Insurance.

I am an independent agent and represent several carriers. In my opinion, Midwest National provides the best value in health insurance for the vast majority of people (not all) in Massachusetts. The Midwest plan represents choice for those who are tired of double-digit increases, managed care restrictions and exclusions, and pre-paying for services that they rarely use. They would much rather assume a small portion of risk and save a lot of money each month in premium costs (40% or more is not at all uncommon in this market). Those who embrace our plan design tend to be in relative good health and have a degree of business acumen or higher education. They usually have the finacial means to purchase any plan, but feel an obligation to be good stewards of their finances and make the best business decision for their family's and employee's health insurance.

Part of the cause for the current health insurance crisis in America is the fact that the consumer of health services is not the payer. Because of managed care and HMOs there is no incentive at the conumer level to make value-based decisions. This is a recipe for consumer abuse and inevitable escalating premium costs. Small businesses and self-employed people are really feeling the squeeze as health insurance has become the most volatile product they have ever had to purchase. Virtually every health care economist is now pointing to consumer-driven plans as the solution to the crisis. Midwest offers a consumer-driven approach to minimizing your total cost of health care.

I can't speak for other markets, but I can confidently say that the Midwest plan offers an excellent value for Massachusetts clients. People and ex-agents post complaints for a myriad of reasons. Some perhaps because they did not understand the plan they purchased, and some because they are disgruntled and have an axe to grind. I would urge anyone looking to make an informed decision with regard to their health insurance, to meet with an experienced and knowledgable Midwest agent and draw your own intelligent conclusions.

I don't ussually respond to this type of discussion. But many of the comments made here, from both sides, are erroneous and just begging for an informed perspective. Those with some industry knowledge, and a willingness to remain objective, understand that ALL insurance companies are in the business of assessing and mitigating risk...period. They ALL have complaints against them. The number of those complaints is in direct correlation to the company's size and number of policy holders. This is easily confirmed with a phone call to your state's Department of Insurance.

I am an independent agent and represent several carriers. In my opinion, Midwest National provides the best value in health insurance for the vast majority of people (not all) in Massachusetts. The Midwest plan represents choice for those who are tired of double-digit increases, managed care restrictions and exclusions, and pre-paying for services that they rarely use. They would much rather assume a small portion of risk and save a lot of money each month in premium costs (40% or more is not at all uncommon in this market). Those who embrace our plan design tend to be in relative good health and have a degree of business acumen or higher education. They usually have the finacial means to purchase any plan, but feel an obligation to be good stewards of their finances and make the best business decision for their family's and employee's health insurance.

Part of the cause for the current health insurance crisis in America is the fact that the consumer of health services is not the payer. Because of managed care and HMOs there is no incentive at the conumer level to make value-based decisions. This is a recipe for consumer abuse and inevitable escalating premium costs. Small businesses and self-employed people are really feeling the squeeze as health insurance has become the most volatile product they have ever had to purchase. Virtually every health care economist is now pointing to consumer-driven plans as the solution to the crisis. Midwest offers a consumer-driven approach to minimizing your total cost of health care.

I can't speak for other markets, but I can confidently say that the Midwest plan offers an excellent value for Massachusetts clients. People and ex-agents post complaints for a myriad of reasons. Some perhaps because they did not understand the plan they purchased, and some because they are disgruntled and have an axe to grind. I would urge anyone looking to make an informed decision with regard to their health insurance, to meet with an experienced and knowledgable Midwest agent and draw your own intelligent conclusions.

I don't ussually respond to this type of discussion. But many of the comments made here, from both sides, are erroneous and just begging for an informed perspective. Those with some industry knowledge, and a willingness to remain objective, understand that ALL insurance companies are in the business of assessing and mitigating risk...period. They ALL have complaints against them. The number of those complaints is in direct correlation to the company's size and number of policy holders. This is easily confirmed with a phone call to your state's Department of Insurance.

I am an independent agent and represent several carriers. In my opinion, Midwest National provides the best value in health insurance for the vast majority of people (not all) in Massachusetts. The Midwest plan represents choice for those who are tired of double-digit increases, managed care restrictions and exclusions, and pre-paying for services that they rarely use. They would much rather assume a small portion of risk and save a lot of money each month in premium costs (40% or more is not at all uncommon in this market). Those who embrace our plan design tend to be in relative good health and have a degree of business acumen or higher education. They usually have the finacial means to purchase any plan, but feel an obligation to be good stewards of their finances and make the best business decision for their family's and employee's health insurance.

Part of the cause for the current health insurance crisis in America is the fact that the consumer of health services is not the payer. Because of managed care and HMOs there is no incentive at the conumer level to make value-based decisions. This is a recipe for consumer abuse and inevitable escalating premium costs. Small businesses and self-employed people are really feeling the squeeze as health insurance has become the most volatile product they have ever had to purchase. Virtually every health care economist is now pointing to consumer-driven plans as the solution to the crisis. Midwest offers a consumer-driven approach to minimizing your total cost of health care.

I can't speak for other markets, but I can confidently say that the Midwest plan offers an excellent value for Massachusetts clients. People and ex-agents post complaints for a myriad of reasons. Some perhaps because they did not understand the plan they purchased, and some because they are disgruntled and have an axe to grind. I would urge anyone looking to make an informed decision with regard to their health insurance, to meet with an experienced and knowledgable Midwest agent and draw your own intelligent conclusions.

I don't ussually respond to this type of discussion. But many of the comments made here, from both sides, are erroneous and just begging for an informed perspective. Those with some industry knowledge, and a willingness to remain objective, understand that ALL insurance companies are in the business of assessing and mitigating risk...period. They ALL have complaints against them. The number of those complaints is in direct correlation to the company's size and number of policy holders. This is easily confirmed with a phone call to your state's Department of Insurance.

I am an independent agent and represent several carriers. In my opinion, Midwest National provides the best value in health insurance for the vast majority of people (not all) in Massachusetts. The Midwest plan represents choice for those who are tired of double-digit increases, managed care restrictions and exclusions, and pre-paying for services that they rarely use. They would much rather assume a small portion of risk and save a lot of money each month in premium costs (40% or more is not at all uncommon in this market). Those who embrace our plan design tend to be in relative good health and have a degree of business acumen or higher education. They usually have the finacial means to purchase any plan, but feel an obligation to be good stewards of their finances and make the best business decision for their family's and employee's health insurance.

Part of the cause for the current health insurance crisis in America is the fact that the consumer of health services is not the payer. Because of managed care and HMOs there is no incentive at the conumer level to make value-based decisions. This is a recipe for consumer abuse and inevitable escalating premium costs. Small businesses and self-employed people are really feeling the squeeze as health insurance has become the most volatile product they have ever had to purchase. Virtually every health care economist is now pointing to consumer-driven plans as the solution to the crisis. Midwest offers a consumer-driven approach to minimizing your total cost of health care.

I can't speak for other markets, but I can confidently say that the Midwest plan offers an excellent value for Massachusetts clients. People and ex-agents post complaints for a myriad of reasons. Some perhaps because they did not understand the plan they purchased, and some because they are disgruntled and have an axe to grind. I would urge anyone looking to make an informed decision with regard to their health insurance, to meet with an experienced and knowledgable Midwest agent and draw your own intelligent conclusions.

I wouldn't go that far into telling people they know nothing about the health insurance industry. You obviously don't if you enjoy or think its great to sell limited hospital plans that are more expensive than true major medical insurance. How do you compete in Floirda? Oh yeah you don't. The company has tried to change their image many times, always changing their name. Money hungry people, little to they know how much more money is made by selling quality products.

Terry,

You seem to be full of s**t. You wish to have 300 clients that can bad mouth Mid-West. In any respect, I think Michael made some very valid points that need to be considered. Okay maybe the client is right, maybe not! No one can say.

Since you acknowledged that you sell many companies, which one do you sell that is so perfect that no one complains about, pays all claims, covers everything no matter what? I would love to know because I need great insurance.

Also mentioned was that Mid-West has captive agents. Did you quit the company, assuming you represented them, because you weren't making enough sales and had to go sell others plans so you didn't leave any money on the table? If not give me one honest awnser why you left Mid-West?

Go Michael!!!! It seems you have more education then the rest of these bozos. If they had 300 clients and growing, then they wouldn't have time to put their comments on this site. Get a life people!!!!!

Please be sure to read the post before this. Very eloquently put Terry!!!!

First I would like to congratulate E for noticing right from the get go that the company he was to work for did not add up. I have been an insurance agent for over twelve years and I have never seen so much misrepresentation by two companies that are in question: Mid-West National and Mega Life (NASE). There are no other carriers here in Michigan that have such limits on their policies. I don't know of any carrier that limits the chemotherapy to $1000 to $1500 per day. Mega life and Midwest are famous for that. The complaint ratio here in Michigan for Mega life is around 13 compared to other carriers at .69. I have spent the last 12 years trying to get the people of michigan to realize they are buying a very dangerous policy. Apparently I am not the only one who believes this. I have done a lot of research and they are under investigation by 24 states. If you sell this policy, you know that you are not selling a plan that will protect people from a catatrophic claim. $800 a day for room and board is not going to help anyone.Most agents here sell the $400 to $500 for room and board. The problem here in michigan is the mega life and midwest national's premiums are very expensive. You can take ten top carriers here in michigan and compare the plan design with the premium and you would be crazy to purchase the mega life or midwest national. However, most people don't realize there are independent agents that can point them in the right direction. mega life has a great marketing campaign: radio, television, telemarketing, postcards. The people are sold on the nase benefits instead of the actual insurance plan through mega life or midwest.And to add to the problem, the agents are captive. They are only allowed to sell their plan and that's it!! That doesn't work well for the public. YOu need an independent educated agent that has access to all the carriers to give you the best advice and plan. There is a reason that company is captive, the might the agent realizes that there are other companies that have better coverage for a beter price, they move on. I am amazed at how many agents continue to sell this product. Then again, I am amazed with the stories from my good friends that got started in this business by selling nase and then got smart and moved on to sell real insurance policies. I have spent years of my career cleaning up the problems those two carriers have caused. If you honestly think that you are selling a good health plan, I really feel sorry for you and your customers. The average time your customers stay with mega life and midwest national if only 4 months. that should tell you something. I have probably over 300 customers that have had nase and would spill their guts at any chance they could get to let the public know the horrible coverage and unexperienced agents out there selling the plan. If you are ever considering selling or buying a mega life (nase) or MIdwest National polciy. Please do yourself and your family a favor...do some research the companies are in a lot of hot water. The plans will destroy you. I have proof and if anyone wants to contact me, I would be more than willing to show you what the big fuss is all about. Thank you. Concerned agent. Mrs. Terry

First I would like to congratulate E for noticing right from the get go that the company he was to work for did not add up. I have been an insurance agent for over twelve years and I have never seen so much misrepresentation by two companies that are in question: Mid-West National and Mega Life (NASE). There are no other carriers here in Michigan that have such limits on their policies. I don't know of any carrier that limits the chemotherapy to $1000 to $1500 per day. Mega life and Midwest are famous for that. The complaint ratio here in Michigan for Mega life is around 13 compared to other carriers at .69. I have spent the last 12 years trying to get the people of michigan to realize they are buying a very dangerous policy. Apparently I am not the only one who believes this. I have done a lot of research and they are under investigation by 24 states. If you sell this policy, you know that you are not selling a plan that will protect people from a catatrophic claim. $800 a day for room and board is not going to help anyone.Most agents here sell the $400 to $500 for room and board. The problem here in michigan is the mega life and midwest national's premiums are very expensive. You can take ten top carriers here in michigan and compare the plan design with the premium and you would be crazy to purchase the mega life or midwest national. However, most people don't realize there are independent agents that can point them in the right direction. mega life has a great marketing campaign: radio, television, telemarketing, postcards. The people are sold on the nase benefits instead of the actual insurance plan through mega life or midwest.And to add to the problem, the agents are captive. They are only allowed to sell their plan and that's it!! That doesn't work well for the public. YOu need an independent educated agent that has access to all the carriers to give you the best advice and plan. There is a reason that company is captive, the might the agent realizes that there are other companies that have better coverage for a beter price, they move on. I am amazed at how many agents continue to sell this product. Then again, I am amazed with the stories from my good friends that got started in this business by selling nase and then got smart and moved on to sell real insurance policies. I have spent years of my career cleaning up the problems those two carriers have caused. If you honestly think that you are selling a good health plan, I really feel sorry for you and your customers. The average time your customers stay with mega life and midwest national if only 4 months. that should tell you something. I have probably over 300 customers that have had nase and would spill their guts at any chance they could get to let the public know the horrible coverage and unexperienced agents out there selling the plan. If you are ever considering selling or buying a mega life (nase) or MIdwest National polciy. Please do yourself and your family a favor...do some research the companies are in a lot of hot water. The plans will destroy you. I have proof and if anyone wants to contact me, I would be more than willing to show you what the big fuss is all about. Thank you. Concerned agent. Mrs. Terry

First I would like to congratulate E for noticing right from the get go that the company he was to work for did not add up. I have been an insurance agent for over twelve years and I have never seen so much misrepresentation by two companies that are in question: Mid-West National and Mega Life (NASE). There are no other carriers here in Michigan that have such limits on their policies. I don't know of any carrier that limits the chemotherapy to $1000 to $1500 per day. Mega life and Midwest are famous for that. The complaint ratio here in Michigan for Mega life is around 13 compared to other carriers at .69. I have spent the last 12 years trying to get the people of michigan to realize they are buying a very dangerous policy. Apparently I am not the only one who believes this. I have done a lot of research and they are under investigation by 24 states. If you sell this policy, you know that you are not selling a plan that will protect people from a catatrophic claim. $800 a day for room and board is not going to help anyone.Most agents here sell the $400 to $500 for room and board. The problem here in michigan is the mega life and midwest national's premiums are very expensive. You can take ten top carriers here in michigan and compare the plan design with the premium and you would be crazy to purchase the mega life or midwest national. However, most people don't realize there are independent agents that can point them in the right direction. mega life has a great marketing campaign: radio, television, telemarketing, postcards. The people are sold on the nase benefits instead of the actual insurance plan through mega life or midwest.And to add to the problem, the agents are captive. They are only allowed to sell their plan and that's it!! That doesn't work well for the public. YOu need an independent educated agent that has access to all the carriers to give you the best advice and plan. There is a reason that company is captive, the might the agent realizes that there are other companies that have better coverage for a beter price, they move on. I am amazed at how many agents continue to sell this product. Then again, I am amazed with the stories from my good friends that got started in this business by selling nase and then got smart and moved on to sell real insurance policies. I have spent years of my career cleaning up the problems those two carriers have caused. If you honestly think that you are selling a good health plan, I really feel sorry for you and your customers. The average time your customers stay with mega life and midwest national if only 4 months. that should tell you something. I have probably over 300 customers that have had nase and would spill their guts at any chance they could get to let the public know the horrible coverage and unexperienced agents out there selling the plan. If you are ever considering selling or buying a mega life (nase) or MIdwest National polciy. Please do yourself and your family a favor...do some research the companies are in a lot of hot water. The plans will destroy you. I have proof and if anyone wants to contact me, I would be more than willing to show you what the big fuss is all about. Thank you. Concerned agent. Mrs. Terry

First I would like to congratulate E for noticing right from the get go that the company he was to work for did not add up. I have been an insurance agent for over twelve years and I have never seen so much misrepresentation by two companies that are in question: Mid-West National and Mega Life (NASE). There are no other carriers here in Michigan that have such limits on their policies. I don't know of any carrier that limits the chemotherapy to $1000 to $1500 per day. Mega life and Midwest are famous for that. The complaint ratio here in Michigan for Mega life is around 13 compared to other carriers at .69. I have spent the last 12 years trying to get the people of michigan to realize they are buying a very dangerous policy. Apparently I am not the only one who believes this. I have done a lot of research and they are under investigation by 24 states. If you sell this policy, you know that you are not selling a plan that will protect people from a catatrophic claim. $800 a day for room and board is not going to help anyone.Most agents here sell the $400 to $500 for room and board. The problem here in michigan is the mega life and midwest national's premiums are very expensive. You can take ten top carriers here in michigan and compare the plan design with the premium and you would be crazy to purchase the mega life or midwest national. However, most people don't realize there are independent agents that can point them in the right direction. mega life has a great marketing campaign: radio, television, telemarketing, postcards. The people are sold on the nase benefits instead of the actual insurance plan through mega life or midwest.And to add to the problem, the agents are captive. They are only allowed to sell their plan and that's it!! That doesn't work well for the public. YOu need an independent educated agent that has access to all the carriers to give you the best advice and plan. There is a reason that company is captive, the might the agent realizes that there are other companies that have better coverage for a beter price, they move on. I am amazed at how many agents continue to sell this product. Then again, I am amazed with the stories from my good friends that got started in this business by selling nase and then got smart and moved on to sell real insurance policies. I have spent years of my career cleaning up the problems those two carriers have caused. If you honestly think that you are selling a good health plan, I really feel sorry for you and your customers. The average time your customers stay with mega life and midwest national if only 4 months. that should tell you something. I have probably over 300 customers that have had nase and would spill their guts at any chance they could get to let the public know the horrible coverage and unexperienced agents out there selling the plan. If you are ever considering selling or buying a mega life (nase) or MIdwest National polciy. Please do yourself and your family a favor...do some research the companies are in a lot of hot water. The plans will destroy you. I have proof and if anyone wants to contact me, I would be more than willing to show you what the big fuss is all about. Thank you. Concerned agent. Mrs. Terry

E,

This is why I assumed you where with us only a few weeks. I stand corrected on the two week comment.

"I was with them for just a few short weeks when I realized just how evil and greedy they are. The products they sell are every bit as expensive as fully comprehensive plans".

This comment made me assume you were only with us a few weeks, because if you discovered how bad this was in just a few weeks like you said, I assumed you would have left the company when you discovered this, and not waited until whenever you left. So how long were you with Mid-West?

The example you give me that is in the Wall Street Journal. This is a statment made by the clients. My question is what series of plan did they have, what benefits did they have, etc.? Questions that we can not awnser. Without their Schedule of Benefits and a EOB from the Insurance Company, I nor you can not prove they had the right plan for them. Just like in your example of the 800 series and it's maximums. You did NOT state that there is higher series in this particular plan, or explain that Mid-West also offers a PPO that has a stop loss and a 5 million dollar maximum which would have made all these comments about Mid-West invalid. The company does offer COMPREHENSIVE coverage like you defined. The question is what are the client needs and wants, and what can the client afford? That is what the bottom line is here. Here in Florida our PPO plan does compete with other plans have the same stop losses. Maybe in Colorado the premiums are much differnet.

Now there are plenty of agents in the field that work for Mid-West and other companies that do not sell this or their policy with integrity or for a care of what's in their cleints best intrest. However their actions should not be a reflection on the insurance company as stated in your comments, as it should not be with any other company. We are a great company with a lot of options for the client to choose from to make the policy more affordable for them, and with a great rating. What the agent or broker does is out of the hands of the insurance company. How does a insurance company control what an agent sates at their appointments. In a matter of fact Mid-West has a procdure in place at this time where they call the client to confirm the agent has explained the plan and it maximums to ensure quality in the presentation. In the last two weeks I have seen three top writing agents and two DSL's fired becuase of their lack of integrity when selling the policies.

There many possabilities in this case. The agent might have sold them a 300 series plan or maybe the client chose a 300 series plan disregarding the agent's advise, because of the premium savings. Also does it say why they were looking for new coverage with Mid-West compared to what they already had? I have to assume they went with new coverage with Mid-West to save money compared to what they were paying prior. Who was their prior insurance company?

E, I sell the 800-1200 series plan quite often here in this state. When I used the example of my own personal client needing open heart surgery and the 800 series being enough coverage I was not in "Never Never Land" This client only paid $6,000 dollars out of his pocket for this procedure. I can not of course prove it, not only due to not having his EOB on me, but due to the HIPPA confidentiality act. So my story of course is hear say, and you can believe it or not. It is up to you.

Now let me correct you on what I said about the coverage and how it applyed for this client. He has a $3,000 dollar deductible for illness. I never said anything about it being a calendar year ded. compared to a per incident ded. So you are correct about the per incedent ded. However since you brought it up, there is a 3 time max a family can pay the deductible within one year. Also if their is a common accident, then there is only one deductible to be met, and if the person get hospitalized again within the same year for the same reason, the client doesn't satisfy the deductible again. Also about the 80/20/100 coverage. I will elaborate on what I meant with this comment. After the client satisfys their deductible. They also pay 80/20 for Misc. Hospital inpatient charges and physicain visit while hosptial confined, and the Primary Surgeon up to the inside maximums the client chooses. The Semi private room, intensive care, Assitant Surgeon, and Anestesiologist are covered at 100% after the deductible is meet, and up to the inside maximums based on which series of plan the client goes for. So I would ask for an apology here also when you stated I am incorrect about the coverage and that it is a lie, and how I sell it is in viloation. I use the brochures to sell this policy and it is in total compliance with the department of insurance for the state of Flordia,and Mid-West National Life. And there is an 8% cap on annual rate increases, at least here in Florida. There may be a larger increase than 8% if the client gets into a higher age bracket due to a birthday. So this is not a lie either. I will find the document that states this and email it to you. If you are willing to provide your email.

The Accumulated Covered Expense benefit. You explain is correctly. However I offer it every time to my clients, and 95% of the time they do not want it. They look at the stats. and it shows that 98% of claims made in this country are at $30,000 dollars or less. 1.1% of the time, claims are greater then $50,000. So I can agree with most of the clients who say what are the chances that their bill, after reprising will be at $100,000? I agree when they say that benefit is not worth adding. It is an opinion and option, and you are entiltled to your own opinion, as I am.

When you talked about Air Ambulance. You are making a statment that most companies cover Life Guard Transportation (Air Ambulance) from any where in the world? I am not talking about Helicopter Transportation, but a medically equiped plane that will pick you up and bring you home at no cost to the client. You say just about any company covers this. Okay again we are now at the point where this becomes you said he said. I have a contacts with BCBS, Humana, Untied Health Care that I refer to when my policy is not right for the client, to where I still make money. They say they do not cover this. Maybe in Colorodo they do, where I would stand corrected due to my statment that Colorodo is probably the same. Here in Florida that is not the case E.

In reference to my statement made on how much we make here with Mid-West, was to awnser the comment in your statment. "As for the $271.00 background check fee. That is bogus. Check around. You can sell policies for credible Insures without any fee, or just a fraction of that". Again that is the only intention of my reply. I can not agree with you more E when you said money is not all that matters. I do believe that makeing sure the client is covered correctly and the premium is affordable for what I suggest as coverage is the most important factor when being an insurance agent/broker. The money is just bread and butter for the agent. So you are absoulutly right on this. But again I never said money was more important than the best intrest of my client or any client.

And the last comment about a remark you made. You said Comphrensive coverage is. "Comprehensive is, covering completley. No holes in coverage. Not leaving your client vulnerable. No internal limits". Give me an example of a company who offers a Comprhensive plan with NO LOOP HOLES, and I will reply with many of awnsers that will show their loop holes. I do promise this. Every Company has it's pros and cons. There is not perfect plan out there. If there was and the clients never had a need to search for new coverage then I want to know about it so I can sell it. Yes 4 years in this business and I have seen all the policies sold here in Florida and hear everyday about the cons of why people are looking for new coverage. Here in Florida I have never heard of anyone raving about their perfect plan and how every one should be on it.

Any ways enough said. This world is full of differences and opinions. Your entitled to your opinion, as I am, and as any other American is. If we all agreed in this world on the same things, with having no difference in our opinions, we probably wouldn't have websites like this or have a need to point the finger when something doesn't go the way a person wants it to. Different strokes for different folks.

Good day E!

E,

This is why I assumed you where with us only a few weeks. I stand corrected on the two week comment.

"I was with them for just a few short weeks when I realized just how evil and greedy they are. The products they sell are every bit as expensive as fully comprehensive plans".

This comment made me assume you were only with us a few weeks, because if you discovered how bad this was in just a few weeks like you said, I assumed you would have left the company when you discovered this, and not waited until whenever you left. So how long were you with Mid-West?

The example you give me that is in the Wall Street Journal. This is a statment made by the clients. My question is what series of plan did they have, what benefits did they have, etc.? Questions that we can not awnser. Without their Schedule of Benefits and a EOB from the Insurance Company, I nor you can not prove they had the right plan for them. Just like in your example of the 800 series and it's maximums. You did NOT state that there is higher series in this particular plan, or explain that Mid-West also offers a PPO that has a stop loss and a 5 million dollar maximum which would have made all these comments about Mid-West invalid. The company does offer COMPREHENSIVE coverage like you defined. The question is what are the client needs and wants, and what can the client afford? That is what the bottom line is here. Here in Florida our PPO plan does compete with other plans have the same stop losses. Maybe in Colorado the premiums are much differnet.

Now there are plenty of agents in the field that work for Mid-West and other companies that do not sell this or their policy with integrity or for a care of what's in their cleints best intrest. However their actions should not be a reflection on the insurance company as stated in your comments, as it should not be with any other company. We are a great company with a lot of options for the client to choose from to make the policy more affordable for them, and with a great rating. What the agent or broker does is out of the hands of the insurance company. How does a insurance company control what an agent sates at their appointments. In a matter of fact Mid-West has a procdure in place at this time where they call the client to confirm the agent has explained the plan and it maximums to ensure quality in the presentation. In the last two weeks I have seen three top writing agents and two DSL's fired becuase of their lack of integrity when selling the policies.

There many possabilities in this case. The agent might have sold them a 300 series plan or maybe the client chose a 300 series plan disregarding the agent's advise, because of the premium savings. Also does it say why they were looking for new coverage with Mid-West compared to what they already had? I have to assume they went with new coverage with Mid-West to save money compared to what they were paying prior. Who was their prior insurance company?

E, I sell the 800-1200 series plan quite often here in this state. When I used the example of my own personal client needing open heart surgery and the 800 series being enough coverage I was not in "Never Never Land" This client only paid $6,000 dollars out of his pocket for this procedure. I can not of course prove it, not only due to not having his EOB on me, but due to the HIPPA confidentiality act. So my story of course is hear say, and you can believe it or not. It is up to you.

Now let me correct you on what I said about the coverage and how it applyed for this client. He has a $3,000 dollar deductible for illness. I never said anything about it being a calendar year ded. compared to a per incident ded. So you are correct about the per incedent ded. However since you brought it up, there is a 3 time max a family can pay the deductible within one year. Also if their is a common accident, then there is only one deductible to be met, and if the person get hospitalized again within the same year for the same reason, the client doesn't satisfy the deductible again. Also about the 80/20/100 coverage. I will elaborate on what I meant with this comment. After the client satisfys their deductible. They also pay 80/20 for Misc. Hospital inpatient charges and physicain visit while hosptial confined, and the Primary Surgeon up to the inside maximums the client chooses. The Semi private room, intensive care, Assitant Surgeon, and Anestesiologist are covered at 100% after the deductible is meet, and up to the inside maximums based on which series of plan the client goes for. So I would ask for an apology here also when you stated I am incorrect about the coverage and that it is a lie, and how I sell it is in viloation. I use the brochures to sell this policy and it is in total compliance with the department of insurance for the state of Flordia,and Mid-West National Life. And there is an 8% cap on annual rate increases, at least here in Florida. There may be a larger increase than 8% if the client gets into a higher age bracket due to a birthday. So this is not a lie either. I will find the document that states this and email it to you. If you are willing to provide your email.

The Accumulated Covered Expense benefit. You explain is correctly. However I offer it every time to my clients, and 95% of the time they do not want it. They look at the stats. and it shows that 98% of claims made in this country are at $30,000 dollars or less. 1.1% of the time, claims are greater then $50,000. So I can agree with most of the clients who say what are the chances that their bill, after reprising will be at $100,000? I agree when they say that benefit is not worth adding. It is an opinion and option, and you are entiltled to your own opinion, as I am.

When you talked about Air Ambulance. You are making a statment that most companies cover Life Guard Transportation (Air Ambulance) from any where in the world? I am not talking about Helicopter Transportation, but a medically equiped plane that will pick you up and bring you home at no cost to the client. You say just about any company covers this. Okay again we are now at the point where this becomes you said he said. I have a contacts with BCBS, Humana, Untied Health Care that I refer to when my policy is not right for the client, to where I still make money. They say they do not cover this. Maybe in Colorodo they do, where I would stand corrected due to my statment that Colorodo is probably the same. Here in Florida that is not the case E.

In reference to my statement made on how much we make here with Mid-West, was to awnser the comment in your statment. "As for the $271.00 background check fee. That is bogus. Check around. You can sell policies for credible Insures without any fee, or just a fraction of that". Again that is the only intention of my reply. I can not agree with you more E when you said money is not all that matters. I do believe that makeing sure the client is covered correctly and the premium is affordable for what I suggest as coverage is the most important factor when being an insurance agent/broker. The money is just bread and butter for the agent. So you are absoulutly right on this. But again I never said money was more important than the best intrest of my client or any client.

And the last comment about a remark you made. You said Comphrensive coverage is. "Comprehensive is, covering completley. No holes in coverage. Not leaving your client vulnerable. No internal limits". Give me an example of a company who offers a Comprhensive plan with NO LOOP HOLES, and I will reply with many of awnsers that will show their loop holes. I do promise this. Every Company has it's pros and cons. There is not perfect plan out there. If there was and the clients never had a need to search for new coverage then I want to know about it so I can sell it. Yes 4 years in this business and I have seen all the policies sold here in Florida and hear everyday about the cons of why people are looking for new coverage. Here in Florida I have never heard of anyone raving about their perfect plan and how every one should be on it.

Any ways enough said. This world is full of differences and opinions. Your entitled to your opinion, as I am, and as any other American is. If we all agreed in this world on the same things, with having no difference in our opinions, we probably wouldn't have websites like this or have a need to point the finger when something doesn't go the way a person wants it to. Different strokes for different folks.

Good day E!

E,

This is why I assumed you where with us only a few weeks. I stand corrected on the two week comment.

"I was with them for just a few short weeks when I realized just how evil and greedy they are. The products they sell are every bit as expensive as fully comprehensive plans".

This comment made me assume you were only with us a few weeks, because if you discovered how bad this was in just a few weeks like you said, I assumed you would have left the company when you discovered this, and not waited until whenever you left. So how long were you with Mid-West?

The example you give me that is in the Wall Street Journal. This is a statment made by the clients. My question is what series of plan did they have, what benefits did they have, etc.? Questions that we can not awnser. Without their Schedule of Benefits and a EOB from the Insurance Company, I nor you can not prove they had the right plan for them. Just like in your example of the 800 series and it's maximums. You did NOT state that there is higher series in this particular plan, or explain that Mid-West also offers a PPO that has a stop loss and a 5 million dollar maximum which would have made all these comments about Mid-West invalid. The company does offer COMPREHENSIVE coverage like you defined. The question is what are the client needs and wants, and what can the client afford? That is what the bottom line is here. Here in Florida our PPO plan does compete with other plans have the same stop losses. Maybe in Colorado the premiums are much differnet.

Now there are plenty of agents in the field that work for Mid-West and other companies that do not sell this or their policy with integrity or for a care of what's in their cleints best intrest. However their actions should not be a reflection on the insurance company as stated in your comments, as it should not be with any other company. We are a great company with a lot of options for the client to choose from to make the policy more affordable for them, and with a great rating. What the agent or broker does is out of the hands of the insurance company. How does a insurance company control what an agent sates at their appointments. In a matter of fact Mid-West has a procdure in place at this time where they call the client to confirm the agent has explained the plan and it maximums to ensure quality in the presentation. In the last two weeks I have seen three top writing agents and two DSL's fired becuase of their lack of integrity when selling the policies.

There many possabilities in this case. The agent might have sold them a 300 series plan or maybe the client chose a 300 series plan disregarding the agent's advise, because of the premium savings. Also does it say why they were looking for new coverage with Mid-West compared to what they already had? I have to assume they went with new coverage with Mid-West to save money compared to what they were paying prior. Who was their prior insurance company?

E, I sell the 800-1200 series plan quite often here in this state. When I used the example of my own personal client needing open heart surgery and the 800 series being enough coverage I was not in "Never Never Land" This client only paid $6,000 dollars out of his pocket for this procedure. I can not of course prove it, not only due to not having his EOB on me, but due to the HIPPA confidentiality act. So my story of course is hear say, and you can believe it or not. It is up to you.

Now let me correct you on what I said about the coverage and how it applyed for this client. He has a $3,000 dollar deductible for illness. I never said anything about it being a calendar year ded. compared to a per incident ded. So you are correct about the per incedent ded. However since you brought it up, there is a 3 time max a family can pay the deductible within one year. Also if their is a common accident, then there is only one deductible to be met, and if the person get hospitalized again within the same year for the same reason, the client doesn't satisfy the deductible again. Also about the 80/20/100 coverage. I will elaborate on what I meant with this comment. After the client satisfys their deductible. They also pay 80/20 for Misc. Hospital inpatient charges and physicain visit while hosptial confined, and the Primary Surgeon up to the inside maximums the client chooses. The Semi private room, intensive care, Assitant Surgeon, and Anestesiologist are covered at 100% after the deductible is meet, and up to the inside maximums based on which series of plan the client goes for. So I would ask for an apology here also when you stated I am incorrect about the coverage and that it is a lie, and how I sell it is in viloation. I use the brochures to sell this policy and it is in total compliance with the department of insurance for the state of Flordia,and Mid-West National Life. And there is an 8% cap on annual rate increases, at least here in Florida. There may be a larger increase than 8% if the client gets into a higher age bracket due to a birthday. So this is not a lie either. I will find the document that states this and email it to you. If you are willing to provide your email.

The Accumulated Covered Expense benefit. You explain is correctly. However I offer it every time to my clients, and 95% of the time they do not want it. They look at the stats. and it shows that 98% of claims made in this country are at $30,000 dollars or less. 1.1% of the time, claims are greater then $50,000. So I can agree with most of the clients who say what are the chances that their bill, after reprising will be at $100,000? I agree when they say that benefit is not worth adding. It is an opinion and option, and you are entiltled to your own opinion, as I am.

When you talked about Air Ambulance. You are making a statment that most companies cover Life Guard Transportation (Air Ambulance) from any where in the world? I am not talking about Helicopter Transportation, but a medically equiped plane that will pick you up and bring you home at no cost to the client. You say just about any company covers this. Okay again we are now at the point where this becomes you said he said. I have a contacts with BCBS, Humana, Untied Health Care that I refer to when my policy is not right for the client, to where I still make money. They say they do not cover this. Maybe in Colorodo they do, where I would stand corrected due to my statment that Colorodo is probably the same. Here in Florida that is not the case E.

In reference to my statement made on how much we make here with Mid-West, was to awnser the comment in your statment. "As for the $271.00 background check fee. That is bogus. Check around. You can sell policies for credible Insures without any fee, or just a fraction of that". Again that is the only intention of my reply. I can not agree with you more E when you said money is not all that matters. I do believe that makeing sure the client is covered correctly and the premium is affordable for what I suggest as coverage is the most important factor when being an insurance agent/broker. The money is just bread and butter for the agent. So you are absoulutly right on this. But again I never said money was more important than the best intrest of my client or any client.

And the last comment about a remark you made. You said Comphrensive coverage is. "Comprehensive is, covering completley. No holes in coverage. Not leaving your client vulnerable. No internal limits". Give me an example of a company who offers a Comprhensive plan with NO LOOP HOLES, and I will reply with many of awnsers that will show their loop holes. I do promise this. Every Company has it's pros and cons. There is not perfect plan out there. If there was and the clients never had a need to search for new coverage then I want to know about it so I can sell it. Yes 4 years in this business and I have seen all the policies sold here in Florida and hear everyday about the cons of why people are looking for new coverage. Here in Florida I have never heard of anyone raving about their perfect plan and how every one should be on it.

Any ways enough said. This world is full of differences and opinions. Your entitled to your opinion, as I am, and as any other American is. If we all agreed in this world on the same things, with having no difference in our opinions, we probably wouldn't have websites like this or have a need to point the finger when something doesn't go the way a person wants it to. Different strokes for different folks.

Good day E!

E,

This is why I assumed you where with us only a few weeks. I stand corrected on the two week comment.

"I was with them for just a few short weeks when I realized just how evil and greedy they are. The products they sell are every bit as expensive as fully comprehensive plans".

This comment made me assume you were only with us a few weeks, because if you discovered how bad this was in just a few weeks like you said, I assumed you would have left the company when you discovered this, and not waited until whenever you left. So how long were you with Mid-West?

The example you give me that is in the Wall Street Journal. This is a statment made by the clients. My question is what series of plan did they have, what benefits did they have, etc.? Questions that we can not awnser. Without their Schedule of Benefits and a EOB from the Insurance Company, I nor you can not prove they had the right plan for them. Just like in your example of the 800 series and it's maximums. You did NOT state that there is higher series in this particular plan, or explain that Mid-West also offers a PPO that has a stop loss and a 5 million dollar maximum which would have made all these comments about Mid-West invalid. The company does offer COMPREHENSIVE coverage like you defined. The question is what are the client needs and wants, and what can the client afford? That is what the bottom line is here. Here in Florida our PPO plan does compete with other plans have the same stop losses. Maybe in Colorado the premiums are much differnet.

Now there are plenty of agents in the field that work for Mid-West and other companies that do not sell this or their policy with integrity or for a care of what's in their cleints best intrest. However their actions should not be a reflection on the insurance company as stated in your comments, as it should not be with any other company. We are a great company with a lot of options for the client to choose from to make the policy more affordable for them, and with a great rating. What the agent or broker does is out of the hands of the insurance company. How does a insurance company control what an agent sates at their appointments. In a matter of fact Mid-West has a procdure in place at this time where they call the client to confirm the agent has explained the plan and it maximums to ensure quality in the presentation. In the last two weeks I have seen three top writing agents and two DSL's fired becuase of their lack of integrity when selling the policies.

There many possabilities in this case. The agent might have sold them a 300 series plan or maybe the client chose a 300 series plan disregarding the agent's advise, because of the premium savings. Also does it say why they were looking for new coverage with Mid-West compared to what they already had? I have to assume they went with new coverage with Mid-West to save money compared to what they were paying prior. Who was their prior insurance company?

E, I sell the 800-1200 series plan quite often here in this state. When I used the example of my own personal client needing open heart surgery and the 800 series being enough coverage I was not in "Never Never Land" This client only paid $6,000 dollars out of his pocket for this procedure. I can not of course prove it, not only due to not having his EOB on me, but due to the HIPPA confidentiality act. So my story of course is hear say, and you can believe it or not. It is up to you.

Now let me correct you on what I said about the coverage and how it applyed for this client. He has a $3,000 dollar deductible for illness. I never said anything about it being a calendar year ded. compared to a per incident ded. So you are correct about the per incedent ded. However since you brought it up, there is a 3 time max a family can pay the deductible within one year. Also if their is a common accident, then there is only one deductible to be met, and if the person get hospitalized again within the same year for the same reason, the client doesn't satisfy the deductible again. Also about the 80/20/100 coverage. I will elaborate on what I meant with this comment. After the client satisfys their deductible. They also pay 80/20 for Misc. Hospital inpatient charges and physicain visit while hosptial confined, and the Primary Surgeon up to the inside maximums the client chooses. The Semi private room, intensive care, Assitant Surgeon, and Anestesiologist are covered at 100% after the deductible is meet, and up to the inside maximums based on which series of plan the client goes for. So I would ask for an apology here also when you stated I am incorrect about the coverage and that it is a lie, and how I sell it is in viloation. I use the brochures to sell this policy and it is in total compliance with the department of insurance for the state of Flordia,and Mid-West National Life. And there is an 8% cap on annual rate increases, at least here in Florida. There may be a larger increase than 8% if the client gets into a higher age bracket due to a birthday. So this is not a lie either. I will find the document that states this and email it to you. If you are willing to provide your email.

The Accumulated Covered Expense benefit. You explain is correctly. However I offer it every time to my clients, and 95% of the time they do not want it. They look at the stats. and it shows that 98% of claims made in this country are at $30,000 dollars or less. 1.1% of the time, claims are greater then $50,000. So I can agree with most of the clients who say what are the chances that their bill, after reprising will be at $100,000? I agree when they say that benefit is not worth adding. It is an opinion and option, and you are entiltled to your own opinion, as I am.

When you talked about Air Ambulance. You are making a statment that most companies cover Life Guard Transportation (Air Ambulance) from any where in the world? I am not talking about Helicopter Transportation, but a medically equiped plane that will pick you up and bring you home at no cost to the client. You say just about any company covers this. Okay again we are now at the point where this becomes you said he said. I have a contacts with BCBS, Humana, Untied Health Care that I refer to when my policy is not right for the client, to where I still make money. They say they do not cover this. Maybe in Colorodo they do, where I would stand corrected due to my statment that Colorodo is probably the same. Here in Florida that is not the case E.

In reference to my statement made on how much we make here with Mid-West, was to awnser the comment in your statment. "As for the $271.00 background check fee. That is bogus. Check around. You can sell policies for credible Insures without any fee, or just a fraction of that". Again that is the only intention of my reply. I can not agree with you more E when you said money is not all that matters. I do believe that makeing sure the client is covered correctly and the premium is affordable for what I suggest as coverage is the most important factor when being an insurance agent/broker. The money is just bread and butter for the agent. So you are absoulutly right on this. But again I never said money was more important than the best intrest of my client or any client.

And the last comment about a remark you made. You said Comphrensive coverage is. "Comprehensive is, covering completley. No holes in coverage. Not leaving your client vulnerable. No internal limits". Give me an example of a company who offers a Comprhensive plan with NO LOOP HOLES, and I will reply with many of awnsers that will show their loop holes. I do promise this. Every Company has it's pros and cons. There is not perfect plan out there. If there was and the clients never had a need to search for new coverage then I want to know about it so I can sell it. Yes 4 years in this business and I have seen all the policies sold here in Florida and hear everyday about the cons of why people are looking for new coverage. Here in Florida I have never heard of anyone raving about their perfect plan and how every one should be on it.

Any ways enough said. This world is full of differences and opinions. Your entitled to your opinion, as I am, and as any other American is. If we all agreed in this world on the same things, with having no difference in our opinions, we probably wouldn't have websites like this or have a need to point the finger when something doesn't go the way a person wants it to. Different strokes for different folks.

Good day E!

Michael,

I want to address your comments point-by-point. First off, you state that my comments are so out of line that it shows my lack of knowledge in the Health Insurance Industry. But are you making a rightous judgement? Let's examine this.

You write that I was only with the company for two weeks. Well, that point is not only false, but it is also moot. To make a rightous judgement of the company a person would not have to work for them. A review of their countless complaints, families in bankruptcy because of policies with internal limits and simply reading their policy would suffice. However, I did work as an agent for them. And it was for much longer than two weeks. Please use comprehension when reading a post. I never claimed that I sold their products for only two weeks.

You claim that you had a client that had open heart surgery and that your 800 series was more than enough for that. What? Even in Colorado that would not be enough. I urge you to get your head out of never-never land and see the truth. To make my point, here is one of many true examles of what Mid-West in Florida will get you.

This is from the November 21,2002 Wall Street Journal:

In October 2000, Barbara and Robert Bloedel of Fort Myers, Fla., got a call asking if they were interested in joining Americans for Financial Security, the association founded by Jeffery Jensen. The Bloedels recently had started their own Internet clothing business. During a visit to their house, the Bloedels say, an agent explained the advantages of joining, including tax and legal advice and discounts on office supplies. The agent assured the Bloedels that the UICI policy endorsed by the group was comparable to their existing coverage, the couple says. The Bloedels paid $540 in annual dues in order to receive the health policy for $358 a month.

When Mr. Bloedel underwent open-heart surgery a year later, the policy paid about $29,000 toward the surgery and a weeklong hospital stay. That left the Bloedels to pay $45,000 out of their retirement savings. The Bloedels likely would have paid far less under their previous Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. policy, which had a $5,000 deductible. "I'm affraid we made a really stupid decision," says Mrs. Bloedel. "We trusted what the insurance salesman was saying. Insurance is like a foreign language to us."

Now other insurers will not accept Mr. Bloedel because of his heart condition. UICI raised their premiums 34% this fall to $598 a month.

This is an acutal story. You can check it out yourself. Better yet, why don't you take a look at all the complaints filed against UICI. I do warn you, you're going to need to free up alot of time to check out all of the complaints.

Michael, you also claim that your client has a $3,000 deductible and 80/20/100% coverage after that. You claim an 8% rate increase cap. These are both lies. The plan you sell is not an 80/20 plan. If you are selling it as such, your are in violation. Also, the deductible is per occurance, not per year. As for a maximum out-of-pocket, the closest thing is the Accumulated Covered Expense Benefit. Of course, to get this benefit will cost the client an additional premium and it will only kick in once an insured person has covered expenses under the policy that total the accumulated covered expense amount of $100,000 during a period of confinement. You have to get to 1/10 of a Million Dollars before the plan pays 100%!!

Now, I have to admit that I stand (or sit) corrected. You write that I say that the average charge for intensive care each day is $4,000. You ask where I got these numbers. Well, like I said, I was wrong. The numbers came from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. However, like I stated, I was wrong. The cost for the average Hospital stay in Colorado in 2003 was $4,630.40. Of course this is the average of both regular hospital rooms and intensive care. So, common sense would dictate that the average intensive care would easily be more than that. I'm Sorry.

You also state that you sell your plans without the Accumulated Expense. Talk about leaving your clients with some serious exposure. You ask what comprhensive is to me. Well, what it is to me does not matter at all. All that matters is what the fact is. Comprehensive is, covering completley. No holes in coverage. Not leaving your client vulnerable. No internal limits.

You say that no company covers Air Ambulance in Florida and that you are sure it is the same in Colorado. Hello! Are you kidding? You claim to have been in the business for 4 years and you make a statement like that. I will just let your words convict you. Enough said about that. As for companies that supply these benefits. You can fill in the blank with just about any company. Almost all do.

You then go on to write that you are sorry it didn't work for me. Once again you are having a problem with your reading comprehension. I never stated that it did not work for me. No, sadly people were willing to buy it. Like I wrote, the agents are brainwashed into telling their clients it is an awesome product. Also, my clients never once told me it was a bad product. Unfortunately they won't figure that out until they need to use it. I figured it out all on my own.

You go into great detail on how much the agents make. True. I even stated that. But is that all that is important? I would rather do what is right by my clients than selling something that will make me rich while making them poor. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Unlike what you said, I left while making money.

Thanks for the discussion. I will be praying for you. God Bless!

Your comments in your email are so out of line. It shows the lack of knowledge you have in the health insurance industry.

Two weeks with the company and you put down everything about them. You haven't been with us long enough to put all this negative crap about the company in this report.

In reference to the product you are shooting down, from every aspect, shows the lack of knowledge about this industry.

Here in S. Florida, which is the 5th most expensive state in Medical Cost and premiums, next to NY,CA,AZ,TX. I sell the 800 series all day long. This plan is far better than others plans. However there are pro and cons to all companies and not everyone in this world is going to like the same plan as others. That is why we give choices to the customers.

I had a client who recieved open heart surgery, and has the 800 series your ripping apart. After the Beechstreet discounting of the Hospital and Surgeon charges, this plan covered the entire bill according to the schedule of benefits. The client has a 3,000 deductible and the 80/20/100% coverage after. The total out of pocket he had to pay was 6,000 dollars. His policy according to him is still affordable because of the minor rate increases we have. 8% cap.

He has a friend who has BCBS who also had open heart surgery 3 years ago, and yes the claim was paid for. He also had a deductible and coinsurance after. However his rate doubled the next year to where it is now not affordable. So what good is his insurance if he can not afford to pay the premium? It is no good.

In reference to the maximums you are downing. Do you have any idea why there are maximums? Probably not since you where only with us two weeks. I have been here 4 years. Since the client is allowed to choose any doctor and any hospital in the country without needing referrals and pre-certifications, the maximums that are in this plan are set so if the client does not go to a doctor within the PPO network (Beechstreet in Florida) we can not reduce his charges as we can when the client does use providers from Beechstreet. So if you pull out the Mutal of Omaha Current Trends guide. It will show you the Ususal and Customary Charges for every area of Medical treatment according to the geographical area you live in. So going back to using a Surgeon and hosptial out of network. If they charge more than the usual and customary charges in their area and we can not reprice their bills, then the client will have to satisfy the difference between the Usual and Customary Charges and what the providers charge. Don't you know sir that if you had any other plan that covers you out of network the client will have a higher dedcutible and higher coinsurance to pay? If you don't know this then you should research it.

Then you say that the average charge for intesive care each day is 4,000 dollars. Where do you get these numbers and even if they were accurate this would be before the reprising of the bill. Call up the administration office of a hospital you live near and ask them what do they charge per day for intensive care, then dicount that charge about 40% less and then you will have an idea of what the contract price is through the network in you area that Mid-West participates in. You numbers are way off. Again I can prove this by having you look at the Current Trends study done by Mutal of Omaha.

Options. Yes there is an additional premium charged depending on what riders the clients want on their plan. However when I sell this policy fully loaded without some of the benefits most people do not want such as ROP, Childbirth, and Accumulated Expense this plan 90% of the time comes out to be an average of 20% less the any other company. So what the heck are you talking about when you say this plan is as expensive as other comprehensive plans? Also what is comprehensive to you with all do respect?

The Association. Your downing this? You got to be kidding with me. Do you realize no company in Florida pays anything for Air Ambulance, Helicopter Transportation, Loss of income, $5000 dollars paid directly to the client for Heart Attacks, etc? I am sure it is the same in Colorado. My friend get a clue before you knock something. If you feel that this was a waist to your clients and your client felt the same then sell them the Basic Association for $8 dollars a month and save them and additonal $32 dollars in their premium. However what a diservice to your clients if you sell them on this. Even with it included, the premiums are still more affordable than the competition. Now name one insurance company that gives the clients these benefits with their plan? You can't, becuase there isn't any company that does.

In referrance to the fees to become an agent. What a small thing to complain about especially when you are getting paid twice the amount than any other company. Name another insurance company that has a stock program in it, a Retirment program in it and pays you the commision Cornerstone does? Again you can't. I again been here 4 years and I already have 50k dollars in my stock alone, at 32 dollars a share. In 6 years I will be fully vested, which means that I will be able to retire in 6 years if I keep up my production. Dude, you have no idea of the potential earning with this company. In additon if this company was so piss poor as you describe, why are we the largest individual insurance company in the country and maintain a A- Excellent rating and stock is at 32 dollars a a share? We must be doing something right.

The bottom line there E is that all insurance companies have their pros and cons. In a matter of fact, type in some other insurance companies on this site to see their RIP off reports. It will show you all companies have a client or agent that has something negative to say. So please give some respect when respect is due. I am sorry that it didn't work out for you. It may have been you superiors, it may be the lack of knowledge that you have about the industry, it may be because you let your clients tell you what is wrong with the company and you get sold on it, which would tell me you clients who do not have an insurance liscense know more about insurance than you do with an insurance liscense. Sad!

Oh well. That is all I have to say. Good luck in what ever you decide to sell. I am sure I will see another report on the next company that didn't work out for you.