Florida Insurance Commissioner Orders Several Companies and Individuals to Cease And Desist the Unauthorized Sale of Health Insurance Products

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced recently that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued an order to a dozen entities, including the following companies and their officers, for the unauthorized sale of health insurance products to approximately 2,500 Floridians. The order notified the companies and their officers that the Office will issue a Final Order to Cease and Desist from engaging in the unauthorized transaction of insurance in Florida. These entities include:
 
Beema-Pakistan Company, LTD., Serve America Assurance, LTD., William Worthy II, Real Benefits Association, David L. Clark, Affinity Group Benefits Association, Inc. , American Trade Association, Inc., Smart Data Solutions, L.L.C., SDS Management Group, Bart Posey, Richard Bachman, and Obed Kirkpatrick.
 
The Office had initiated an investigation after receiving numerous complaints about “fax blasts” or unsolicited faxes; these faxes advertised inexpensive health insurance coverage. According to some Florida residents who received these faxes and responded, the policies issued were not for major medical insurance as represented. Instead, the policies were for unauthorized limited benefit plans.
 
“This order today should send a message to those considering the unauthorized marketing of health insurance products in our state,” remarked Commissioner McCarty. “The Office will vigorously prosecute anyone perpetrating fraud on Florida consumers and violating Florida’s insurance laws.””
 
The companies and individuals had 21 days to challenge the Office’s action.
 
Under Florida law a person or entity may not transact, administer, or market insurance products either in the State of Florida or from the State of Florida unless it is authorized to do so under a license issued by the Office.

Soreide Law Group will represent you in front of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.  To speak to a lawyer regarding licensing issues please call: (888) 760-6552, or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com.