KHOU 11 Investigates investigated nearly 200 complaints from consumers claiming that Jericho Share received money, but received little or no compensation.
Houston — They thought they were buying health insurance, but what they got was no insurance.
About 200 consumers have filed complaints. Better Business Bureau and the Texas Attorney General’s Office A religiously based Houston company claimed to have received their money, but they had little to no coverage and were left with many unpaid medical bills.
Complaints from all over the country share a similar pattern. Consumers searched online, entered information, and then received a phone call touting affordable plans.
“They said it was a PPO multiplan,” said Melissa Boldi.
“This very low price covers everything,” added Caitlin Hurst.
“He said it’s on the same network as United Healthcare,” said Cynthia Woods.
They signed up believing it was full coverage only to receive a card in the mail that said “This is not insurance”. It was from a company that said— Jericho share.
Jericho Shares website lists the address of the UPS store on Westheimer Road, West Houston.It has partnered with the Church of Houston since last September, according to business filings. house of prayer and lifemetal warehouse style building Located on Davidson Street on the northeast side of town.
This arrangement is known as the Health Care Division Ministry. Members who share religious or ethical beliefs contribute to funds used to cover or share the medical expenses of other members. However, health care sharing ministries are not regulated like traditional health insurance schemes. Law for Adjustment of Medical Expenses In addition, there is no legal obligation to pay coverage warranties or claims.
Boldi learned it the hard way after going to the emergency room.
“I got bills from the hospital for over $1,000,” she said. “And I called this company and said, ‘Why isn’t this covered?’ It says you didn’t cover it.
Mr. Hurst, a small business owner, said he was struggling to pay about $20,000 in medical bills that Jericho Share didn’t pay.
“I thought I was covered. I was told I was covered, but I wasn’t,” Hurst said. It’s like we’re at a point where we might have to file for bankruptcy,” she said.
She and many other consumers have filed complaints with the BBB to seek a solution.
“We have received a lot of complaints, with over 150 complaints last year alone,” said Leah Napoliello, vice president of operations for Houston BBB.
Napoliello said shared health care ministries are legal, but what can cross the line is how they are marketed.
“It appears to be a third-party marketer contacting these people on the phone, making them believe that this is health insurance when in fact it is not,” said Napoliello. said. “It’s a big problem.”
At least two states have confirmed they are investigating Jericho Share. Texas Department of Insurance and the New Hampshire Department of Insurance, news It claims to be “operating as an unlicensed insurance company.”
A Jericho Share spokesperson said the company is cooperating with authorities and “confirms that it does not tolerate any misrepresentation and communicates openly and transparently with its members.” Stated.
The company said it has redesigned its website to make it clear that it is not a health insurance company and has stopped using primarily outside sales centers. The company added that they are granting refunds to new members who request a refund within 30 days of signing up.
But for former members, getting a refund of premiums paid or canceling a membership was a difficult and protracted process, Napoliello said.
For James and Cynthia Woods, the battle to get back over $800 has taken months and they haven’t seen a dime yet.
James Woods said, “They don’t have to be in business. Any kind of business.
KHOU 11 Investigates also asked House of Prayer and Life about the allegations. Pastor Yoshika Berroud said she was not aware of the consumer complaints and would not comment on her church’s financial relationship with Jericho Share.
The BBB advises anyone looking for health insurance to always visit an official government agency. website For the health insurance market. Other search engine results can connect consumers to third-party advertising and marketing companies.
