Florida insurance regulators Wednesday ordered Affinity Health Plans, National Alliance Healthcare, the National Trade commerce Alliance organization, and the National Alliance of Associations to stop soliciting Florida consumers. Affinity and National Alliance Healthcare plus must pay all outstanding claims and refund all money collected from Florida consumers within 10 days. According to regulators, the Affinity and National are currently soliciting consumers through fax blasting ads to purchase health insurance, dental insurance, hospitalization coverage, accident insurance, vision, hearing and chiropractic insurance. considering none of the companies are licensed by the state, each transaction is considered a felony under Florida law. "that kind

of unethical commerce practice will not be tolerated, so I am stopping it," insurance commissioner Kevin McCarty said in a statement. "Consumers should not have to try to sort through scams like that when attempting to buy health insurance."

About 800 Florida consumers have purchased insurance through either Affinity or NAH since July, 2006. The companies’ actions have generated many complaints and have led to more than $100,000 in unpaid claims.Consumers with questions or concerns should sign the department of Financial Services’ Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236 or visit www.myfloridacfo.com

Times staff writer

Original post by Times staff