Arkansas: Consumers Scammed by Insurer Face Claim Deadline

July 8, 2010

Arkansas Consumers who were scammed by an unlicensed health benefits company called American Trade Association Inc. (ATA) or its affiliates have until Aug. 31, 2010, to pursue a refund of money they paid for this phony insurance product, the Arkansas Insurance Department announced.

Some Arkansans are known to have purchased policies from American Trade Association, the department said.

According to Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford, ATA members who have unpaid medical bills or who have paid premiums can complete a proof of claim form to pursue recovery of their money. All claims are being processed in Tennessee where ATA’s assets are being liquidated by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Information on how to file a claim can be found at the Tennessee Department Web site, www.americantradeliquidation.com, or by calling 1-800-446-7467.

Other company names associated with ATA and included in the Tennessee liquidation order are American Trade Association LLC, Smart Data Solutions, and Serve American Assurance.

Tennessee regulators have alleged that the companies, which were located in Springfield, Tenn., and their executives, were improperly marketing unlicensed health insurance policies.

Source: Arkansas Department of Insurance