You think you're insured...but really you're not!!

The State Insurance Department has asked us to help them get the word out about a fraudulent company operating out of Tennessee. Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland's office recently issued a cease and desist order against American Trade Association (ATA), and its various affiliated companies. Holland's office says ATA has been selling fake health insurance plans to its customers including more than 100 Oklahomans. We spoke to one guy who recently lost his business and health insurance, only to learn months later his new health coverage was bogus. Now he needs a pacemaker, but doesn't have the money or insurance to cover it...he's waiting on approval for the state's high risk pool insurance coverage. Keep your fingers crossed he gets it! Others are in dire need of medical treatment like chemotherapy...it's just a bad situation any way you look at it. When I was inteviewing one of the victims this afternoon...I caught myself focusing on his eyes...I could see his pain. I couldn't necessarily feel it though because I can't relate to his situation. Sure I've covered many heartwrenching stories...but to walk in his shoes--no, I can't begin to know or understand the hurt he's experiencing right now. You can be assured, he will be in my prayers.

If you've done business or had any dealings with this company out of Tennessee, the Oklahoma Insurance Department wants to hear from you. Holland is encouraging all consumers to call and confirm that any company or insurance agent offering insurance or insurance-like products is properly licensed to do business in Oklahoma. They can do this by calling the Oklahoma Insurance Department consumer hotline at (800) 522-0071 or by visiting the website at www.oid.ok.gov.

The Cease and Desist Order issued by Holland's office is against American Trade Association and these other affiliated companies and names...Real Benefits Association, Smart Data Solutions, Serve America Assurance, LTD., Beema-Pakistan Company LTD., OBED Kirkpatrick, Bart Posey, Richard Bachman, William M. WorthyII, Kathleen Cauthen, David L. Clark, Colin Youell, Healthcare America, Pinnacle Health Solutions, Pinnacle Health Solutions, LLC, EHealthGreen, Executive Healthcare, My ATA Benefits, First American Healthcare, Superior Health Care, Omni Healthcare, Proven Choice, Mini Health Care, James Parish, Nicholas A. Wall, Billy Henson, Cleotha Montgomery, Michael Schultz

I'm Scott Hines...In Your Corner!