Bureau goes after insurance fraud scheme
The state has issued cease-and-desist orders to four companies doing business in Maine because of their involvement in a fraudulent health insurance scheme. The four companies are: United States Contractors Trust, Real Benefits Association, Metropolitan Business Alliance LLC (also known as National Association of Business Leadership) and Access Health Now.
Consumer complaints about unpaid medical bills prompted the state's Bureau of Insurance to launch an investigation into their business practices, according to a press release. The bureau found that USCT, RBA and NABL engaged in unlicensed insurance transactions, and AHN assisted in these transactions. The companies were ordered to pay civil penalties of $260,000, as well as restitution and interest. They are barred from doing business in Maine and must pay benefits due under existing policies, said Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa.
Maine law prohibits anyone from acting as an insurance company or administrator without being authorized by the superintendent. USCT was also found in violation of Maine's unfair claims practices statute that requires an insurer to deal with policyholders' claims in good faith.
Cioppa said policyholders paid their premiums but received little to no benefit. He urged consumers to contact the bureau to find licensed insurers. Consumers and providers who have not received payment for medical bills from these companies are also encouraged to notify the bureau.
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