Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Investigating Fake Health Plans

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- Beware of someone trying to sell you a health plan because it could be fake.

Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner is doing an investigation and wants the FBI to get involved.

Kim Holland says a group called the American Trade Association has been offering low cost insurance plans to Oklahomans, but says they're just taking people's money.

"The products that they are selling are fraudulent. They are taking advantage of people," said Kim Holland, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.

Her office says ATA is selling insurance without a license and then not paying claims. 

CBS News confirmed as many as 20 states are investigating the group or its affiliates. Seven states, including Oklahoma, have filed cease-and-desist orders. But for some people already on the plan, none of that helps them, like one man who just found out he needs a pacemaker.

"When I opened the letter from the insurance commission, it was probably one of the hardest things that's ever hit me in my life," said Bob Harper, an ATA plan buyer.

ATA says it has paid every single claim in full that met the terms of coverage and will continue to pay those that are outstanding.

The state insurance commissioner says the best way to make sure you're covered is to check with her office before you sign anything to make sure the company is licensed in Oklahoma.