Kan. Commissioner Warns About Discount Health Cards

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is warning consumers to beware of companies soliciting discount health cards.

Solicitations in Wichita appear to target the Hispanic Community. These so-called health care plans offer family benefits and coverage for as little as $40 to $100 per month and boast that there are no limits on age, usage or pre-existing conditions. The solicitation of these cards frequently comes by facsimile and e-mail.

“This is a sad example of how a few unscrupulous businesses target and take advantage of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Praeger. “These businesses are making false promises to Kansans who already have a hard time finding traditional means of
insurance. While these cards appear to be a form of insurance, they are anything but real protection.”

According to Praeger, when people go to the doctor or hospital and attempt to use the fake discount cards, they discover they are responsible for the entire medical bill.

“Not only do they have to pay 100 percent of the costs, they are out whatever amount they paid for the phony coverage,” added
Praeger.

The Kansas Insurance Department’s Fraud Unit has recently received several complaints from the medical community about the discount health card scam.