PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Thin Blue Line Benefits Association marketed itself to retired first responders, providing health insurance to those under 65 years old. But some said their medical claims are going unpaid, leaving them on the hook for thousands of dollars.
“When Thin Blue Line came out it was like a blessing to all of us,” Steve Yohn, a retired Phoenix firefighter, said.
It was a blessing because Yohn and his wife were paying thousands of dollars each month for health insurance. “We all jumped on board,” he said.
Yohn, like many first responders, retired before turning 65, meaning he didn’t qualify for Medicare. That’s where the Thin Blue Line Benefits Association came in, offering coverage at a more affordable price. He said they charged about $1,700 a month.
It worked well at first, then last year, he said they stopped paying their claims.
“We’re still receiving bills from July 2024,” Yohn said.
He said he and his wife called the company several times, and each time they offered a different explanation. “They say don’t worry about it; it takes 45-90 days in the insurance world to straighten out these bills,” he said. In total, the couple said they owe $40,000.
Arizona’s Family Investigates Amy Cutler asked Yohn why he didn’t report the issue earlier. “I guess I’m just a good guy that believed they’d honor their word,” he said.
They’re not alone. Last week, the State Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) filed a cease and desist against the company and its owner, saying they are not licensed. According to the order, Thin Blue Line has nearly 4,700 members and has collected approximately $5.9 million in premiums in the first six months of the year. The department said the company’s actions “constitute a class five felony” and that they “shall continue to process and pay any and all outstanding obligations.”
“My first reaction is this is terrible,” Sabrina Corlette, the founder of the Center for Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, said.
Arizona’s Family Investigates asked Corlette what recourse members with unpaid claims have. “Not a whole lot,” she said.
While DIFI has launched a website for members, under the “Frequently Asked Questions” section, they say that they are “unable to provide individualized advice.” They direct people to the State Attorney General’s Office. However, for those who have to wait, the headaches continue.
Yohn said, “it would be devastating” for them to pay that $40,000 in bills.
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