I have a guy named Bruce coming over this afternoon at 4pm. He’s from NASE - National Association for the Self Employed. He’s pitching me a sale on the benefits of membership. Anyone out there a member that can tell me about why THEY think membership is beneficial for self-employed people?
I know I’ll hear Bruce tell me all about why HE thinks it’s beneficial - but then, he’s a sales person, so you gotta take what they say with a grain of salt. They have benefits ranging from health benefits to tax help and discount incentives and networking benefits. I purused through their website and they seem to have good stuff there - - and membershipt is only $8/month.
I may give it a shot for awhile to see if it’s something worth having. Any input would be greatly appreciated! 
3:24 pm on August 13th, 2004
I had a meeting with NASE people about 5 years ago. Membership proved to actually be of no added benefit except health insurance for us. Everything else was hyped and mostly not available in our area.
3:42 pm on August 13th, 2004
Thanks, Slobo! Will have to ask Bruce about the availability of services around this area.
11:21 pm on August 17th, 2004
Day late and a dollar short, I know, but NASE is not that good. We did it here, but we quit very, very quickly. They tripled our insurance rates right off the bat, and we were going to have to drive some 30 or 40 miles to see a doctor.
And then they took more than a year to pay my one claim on it.
Not happy about them at all. Nope, not even a little bit.
And then last week I found out they’ve been sued in a class action. I could get the insurance I cancelled for a little cheaper now, but we quit them more than a two years ago.
10:13 am on November 22nd, 2004
I have NASE insurance and have for years. The low premiums are what sell it and the coverage is okay, though like most insurance companies when you submit a claim its almost imposssible to decipher what they cover and what they don’t.
12:47 pm on December 18th, 2004
Stay FAR, FAR,FAR away from NASE. Their insurance is a joke. Their are so many limits to what they cover that it’s easily possible to owe $60,000 dollars if you have a $100,000 dollar bill. Most agents push their other benefits and quickly go over the actual insurance. They raise their rates like crazy. Look to a reputable broker for Insurance. Someone that sells many companies and isn’t oobligated to sell any one company. They will tell to the positives and negatives of all of the companies. If you want to know more ,email me! Merry xmas
5:33 pm on December 30th, 2004
I have the NASE membership and Insurance and have for two years in that time I have used the membership and the Insurance I’ve only received an increase of 8% just this year and my family has used the insurance alot. Craig above recomends you go through a broker been there done that there always more expensive because of broker fees sounds to me like craig is a broker. I’ve done the Anthem thing and Fortis and all the other individual plans and the NASE and Mega stand by there word you want to be singled out based on usage of health care go with an individual plan if not the Goup with NASE is where you should be. And if you are self employeed and qualify for Base 105 there is no question, it sounds to me like some people with no idea what there talking about have given you some bad advise. NASE is today and always the best option for health insurance. take from me I’ve been everywhere else.
11:48 pm on January 5th, 2005
I recommend you check with your State’s Department of Ins. for legit complaints. Go online is the easiest way but you could always call ‘em. I do know that nase gives the impression it’s a Major Medical policy which in truth it is not. It is a define benefit policy meaning it has a cap on what it will pay and no more. For the most part they do raise rates far above the standard for the industry and there are alot of law suits against nase. Bottom line is you get what you pay for so don’t expect much if what you want is protection thsat a true major medical offers. Most of their agents are new and don’t know but what they are told and really do believe in what they sell but once they get a little experience and have been exposed to what a true maj. med. is their conscience usually get’s the best of them and they become agents with another Co. They do pay their agents very well but most don’t last and nase to my knowledge doesn’t have hardly any veteran agents in the industry seeking to sign on with them. That should tell you something. Good luck!!!
8:11 pm on January 12th, 2005
NASE offers association group plans. Group insurance offers long term protection. Most people have an employer sponsored group plans. Individuals can only get access to group plans through associations. If you have an individual policy the insurance companies have figured out how to jettison undesirable policies (sick people) easily by moving the health people out of the risk pool and isolating sick people to the point that their risk pool is no longer profitable, at which point the insurance company can by law cancel their policy. This situation can be financially devastating to individuals with continued health care needs. Once you have a policy with the NASE the only way you can be canceled is by not paying your premimums…you are in control not the insurance company. The NASE has many different policies to fit an individuals budget. Some pay more than others…you get what you pay for. The average cost for employer group insurance is about $350 for individuals and $800 for a family of four. When you get an individual policy for significantly less it is because the carrier knows their liability is alot less because of the loopholes. After all corporate America have experts negotiate the policies for their company. Individuals are generally not informed about the loopholes and they just shop the price…not the nuts and bolts of the policy. Everything is OK until they have a major medical problem and find out too late their insurance (a contract written by the insurance carrier) protects the carrier not the policy holder. Lots of horror stories out there….get as informed as possible and then you can make a responsible decision.
1:15 pm on January 14th, 2005
Lisa, what did you find from your appointment with Bruce? Did you go with the N.A.S.E. ?
1:21 pm on January 14th, 2005
L.B. - I signed up for NASE and for the insurance and am happy with it thus far. I’ve had it since August ‘04 and have absolutely no complaints.
With the insurance - I have good providers (was able to keep my own) and great coverage.
1:35 pm on January 16th, 2005
The NASE has not only saved my little business a ton of cash, but my family also has insurance with them. Or I should say, I have insurance with Mega. The NASE got me back close to $3K in my taxes that the year before I got back less than half of that. I’ve used the nurse hotline a few times instead of going into a doctor. The important thing to remember is that the Agent can put you into anything you want. We went with a PPO (PHCS) program here in Michigan. They do actually offer a Major Medical program here - It’s called the Consumer Preference Program. We almost went with it, but decided to keep our outpatient case cost a little lower. If we have any issues with our program, our rep is really on the ball with taking care of us. I’ve referred a few friends to him and the have been very pleased as well…
11:12 am on March 5th, 2005
watch out for their schedule plans. they only pay so much per day per benefit. i used to sell these policies and i got out as soon as i found out they only cover about a third of the bill. i left their and sold legitimate major meds for the next 13 years. my customers went to near bankruptcy. they don’t do a lot of underwriting at the time of the applcation. they do most of their investigations when you have a claim.
4:06 pm on March 16th, 2005
SEE REPORTS ON NASE SCAMS!! ENTER TO SEARCH ENGINE AND READ!!
4:09 pm on March 16th, 2005
NASE & Mega Life
We get calls constantly from clients wondering about the validity of these companies. We’d like to just provide you additional information before you consider applying for this coverage. Nobody should have a problem with consumers shopping around should they? We’ll tell you up front (because that’s how we do things here) that this is one company that we don’t represent as their agents are captive — meaning they can only sell the NASE / Mega Life Insurance plans and can’t sell the multitude of insurance companies that we can.
Here’s some of the major points to consider when buying insurance and what to look for:
– Question a company that has agents that must come see you in person. Ask them to mail, fax or E-mail you a quote.
– Be wary of companies that use multiple deductibles for different medical services making it confusing to compare their plan to other plans. So, make sure you compare the hospitalization & surgical deductible — as the big items are what you really need insurance for. Don’t let an agent try to gloss over those higher deductibles and dwell on an office visit copay for $10 or $20. Because insurance is designed to protect big losses and a doctor’s office visit does not change your standard of living, but having to shell out $3,000 for an operation certainly might. Again, there’s nothing wrong with knowing how your policy works before you get it.
– If an agent represents only one company, it’s hard to say that they’ll give you unbiased advice if there’s another company that’s better — that is the “square peg” must fit “round hole” or they go home empty handed. So, if they only represent one company, find yourself a broker that can show you most of the others so you can compare.
– Finally, if a company makes you join an association to get their insurance, that in and of itself is not a bad thing. There are many companies that do this. However, this, in my opinion, does not make the plan a “group” plan. If it did, the coverage would not be medically underwritten for someone leaving another group plan. They would be covered under the HIPAA laws.
So take a look around our site and you’ll see we’re very well equipped to serve the self-employed and other individuals and families that buy their own health insurance. Finally, even more affordable health insurance is HERE.
If you’re a health or life agent (or former agent) that’s looking for good products to sell, please give us a call or use the contact form in our contact section.
1:00 pm on May 20th, 2005
I agree with the comments made by Craig on 12/18/2004. Stay FAR, FAR away from NASE. To put it bluntly they are CROOKS:!::!::!:
We signed papers with them, and paid our initial premium on the last Saturday in May 1999. We were told that the policy would be active that day as soon as it was faxed to the main office.
On June 4 my husband was hospitalized with a nearly fatal penicillin reaction, somehow this company found out about the hospitalization and made our policy effective on June 5, and then denied all claims from the hospitalization. The only thing we ever got from them in the mail was paperwork for things they refused to pay for……The insurance was completely and totally useless.
I sincerely hope you did not apply for insurance with them. I recently got paperwork in the mail for a Class Action Lawsuit that has been filed against them. I hope they lose their shirts in this law suit!!
11:03 pm on June 7th, 2005
My guess is that more than likely, any positive comments that have been made here regarding this company and their plans have been made by agents of this company - I can tell by what they’re saying, and a lot of it is simply incorrect. You’ll be pretty hard pressed to find an independent agent with a lot of experience in the health insurance field who will say anything positive about these people, because we meet their policyholders…
Currently there is a 25 state investigation being orchestrated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners regarding the marketing practices of the company and their agents. It is not difficult to find negative info regarding them online. In 14 years of my coming across people who were covered by agents from this group’s sales force, I’ve literally not met a SINGLE one who understood how limited their benefits really were, and still wanted to keep it after realizing it.
These claims about ‘other’ companies cancelling people and raising their rates because of individual claims usage is COMPLETELY FALSE - NO COMPANY CAN DO THAT!
They’ve been hit by lawsuits, fined by insurance departments, had bad press writtien about them by sources such as the Wall Street Journal, etc. etc. - almost exclusively relating to misrepresentation by their sales force. Feel free to not take my word for it - you’ve got the internet sitting in front of you - look it up…
10:42 am on June 9th, 2005
Thank you all for your comments here. This has been very helpful in my search for a good self-employed health plan. It would be nice of NASE were something more than a marketing arm of an insurance company, because they are gettting nothing done legislatively.
11:29 am on June 9th, 2005
Take a good look at HSA eligible plans. Typically instead of having a lower deductible and immediate copay benefits, the deductible will be higher and everything goes toward your deductible. This OFTEN makes the plans MUCH LOWER IN COST, and often the premium savings is greater than the potential higher out of pocket costs, which means you save money either way. Plus you get tax advantages with an HSA plan. And every one I’ve ever seen (besides Mega’s) gives you the high end, catastrophic coverage that you really need insurance for. People, especially families are shocked sometimes about the money they can save by looking at an HSA plan. A lot of agents apparently don’t like to talk about them because the premiums are a lot lower so they make less money. A little short sighted thinking there.
4:15 pm on June 22nd, 2005
We’ve had Mega Life & Health for close to 6 years without a claim until just recently. First of all when we took this insurance out…they told us it was catastrophic….well, this past March 17, I had a really bad asthma attack which left me on a ventolator for 9 days and darn near died. My bills came out to be close to $70,000 for the two weeks I was in the hospital. I think they have agreed to pay maybe $30,000. They were very misleading with their policies. They also told us that if we did not use the policy for 5 years (which we didn’t have a need to use it) we would get a refund of $5000 from the membership. Needless to say they have left us holding a very large hospital bill and other medical bills that we are trying to figure out how to pay…..good luck to the rest of you…Shelley
1:47 am on July 22nd, 2005
I am an attorney who has successfully filed lawsuits against Mega and NASE, please email me at info@gallegoslawfirm.com if you would like more info or free consultations
6:31 pm on July 26th, 2005
I have been self-employed for 20 years and have been with various health insurance companies over the years and have never run across a more crooked company than NASE/MEGA. The agent lied about everything when selling me the policy for my family. So while they collected $700/month from me for 18 months, when it came time to pay up for a minor surgery for my son, they came up with every lousy excuse in the world on why certain things weren’t covered, all of which had no merit. They paid a whopping $224 out of $3800. Warning to anyone looking for health insurance, don’t waste your time. You’ll be sorry. I truly believe their days are numbered. And yes, don’t forget to cancel your “membership” when canceling your policy, because they will keep debiting your checking account as long as they can get away with it.
8:37 pm on July 31st, 2005
After reading over some of the previous entries, I just had to comment. NASE is an association moniker, just like Americans for financial Security and the Alliance for Affordable Healthcare and MEGA life and Health, all used by UICI. When one of the association names wears out it’s welcome in a certain area, another association name is used in that same area. It’s all UICI. When I first became licenced for the state of Florida, like most other new agents I was unaware really of what constituted a quality Major Medical plan. After working there for 6 months I began to learn the facts and therefore left these people forever! Also, unlike one of your previous commentators stated, there are no additional fees paid when someone buys through an insurance broker. If you buy online,through the yellow pages or from your nephew across town, you will pay EXACTLY the same price for the same plan. Folks, there are federal laws against rebating. The only thing you stand to lose by NOT going through a reputable broker, is the service component of your coverage … which you are paying for anyway ? For the same price, doesn’t it make sense to have someone to review claim / billing information with prior to seeking resolution with an insurance company or medical provider? Finally, don’t take my word for it. Go to your nearest search engine and type in the words “Complaints against NASE health insurance,” I’m sure you will find the experience quite illuminating.
2:19 am on August 21st, 2005
I was approached by NASE for the Health Insurance. Self-Employeed and no longer part of a group plan on the surface it sounded good. Now I am put off alot by what I am reading here. Can anyone tell me if there is a Major Medical coverage for just emergency sorts of health events. ie. get hit by a bus, heartattack, break my leg, or get cancer. Don’t care about co-pay office visites for the flu or other simple stuff, I can go to a no insurance doctor for about $50 bucks if I need that. So who offers just major emergency health insurance? Please email me at jmfund@yahoo.com.
11:50 pm on August 22nd, 2005
NASE is a scam, visit http://www.selfemployedweb.com/. I get nightmares to think of just how many people I screwed. I was one of the top writing agents with NASE. Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss, I had questions I started looking for the answers and now I do not want to pick up my phone. For a while I was using NASE leads to sell plans that actually cover. Anyone who has anything good to say on this forum about NASE, chances are it is a brainwashed agent. It’s scary when people calling you about how much out of pocket they were and tell you that they cannot afford to pay for it. The last thing that made me leave NASE was when my manager at one of the meeting sad to the room of NASE agent. When company had financial problems in 1999 they came out with this plan that would make more money for the company. That’s the worst plans with the worst coverage for the most money and agents are being pushed to sell this plan because it is the most profitable for the company. It is called Health Choice. Good luck to all of you. If you are NASE agent do remember Ignorance is BLISS.
7:54 pm on September 9th, 2005
Everything above negative about NASE/MEGA is true. They are a marketing machine with absolutly no regard for the client or the truth. The WSJ and Business Week have revealed the truth about NASE/MEGA and I notice they have not been sued yet (I would not be surprised if 60 minutes is next).They are especially dangerous in Maine and Michigan ( if you have an appointment with a MEGA rep ask if they are associated with either the Fuller or Zayti Division - then really do your homework) where they derive most of their revenue from. Enormus pressure is placed on their reps to sell. The natural consequence is that they often misrepresent coverage. If you in need of health insurance there are a lot or highly qualified independent agents who will explain the differences in coverages among carriers. It is also worth noting that NONE of these agents want anything to do with NASE. They bring in young inexpereinced people, brainwash them, and when they figure out that the whole thing is a scam they leave.
12:03 am on September 14th, 2005
Can anyone tell me if there are currently any Class Action Lawsuits against Mega Life and Health (NASE)? I heard there were, 11-14 state but I cannot find info. I need help cause this Company is a real piece of work! I am now stuck with with over $30k worth of bills, because after a year of investigating whatever, they have disregarded my physicians medical history and facts on me and said in the “opinion” of their medical consultant they have decided that my condion was in result of a previous condition. But they approved the surgery I had. I have only had this insurance since May 2004, nothing has been paid, I always seem to get a statement anytime anyone in my family saw a physician stating the claim was under investigation and I would here from them soon. Plus the agent that took my application no longer works for them and I made a claim to them regarding his conduct of taking my application home after having me sign it to save time and he would completely fill it out there. Well he didn’t put down certain parts of conversation that pertained to the investigated part of claims nad when I got the policy I thought everything was in order and filed it. There is more to that story, but the moral is the agent was found and questioned of my allegations and of course denied them, how stupid can anyone be to think even if he remembered the application or me would he admit to wrong doing regarding anyone privacy laws. Anyhow they (Mega) gave me 3 choices and none of them would pay my doctor or hospital bills, wanted me to sign a previous condition waiver, drop my name from policy or rescind the policy from the start (they would refund my premiums to date). They gave me until Aug 31, 2005 to decide or they would rescind and file legal action against me for no decsion. I had to sign the recind, but I am filinf with the Insurance commission as soo as I get all bill totals not paid by them. Please help with any info regarding Mega (NASE) to help in my quest. I sure don’t have money to pay those bills. Thanks so much!
11:24 am on September 14th, 2005
Shiela:
I am responding to your message left on 9/14. I occasionally check back on this forum because I have a friend who is in contact with a law firm regarding legal action against NASE/MEGA. I, too, previously had health insurance with them and have nothing but negative things to say about them. My friend was diagnosed with colon cancer while insured with NASE. Need I say more. They also came up with every excuse in the world on why they couldn’t pay even though her policy should have covered the very expensive chemo treatments. She was also out thousands of dollars like yourself. There is a law firm in Florida that my friend has been in contact with and they are very interested in hearing from people who have had a bad experience with NASE. Their name is James, Hoyer. They have a website, jameshoyer.com. Maybe this will help you. Good luck!
11:33 pm on September 14th, 2005
Jill,
Thank you for the info. I am so sorry to hear about your friend and her problems. It’s very sad to be taken advantage of in time of need, particularly in her situation. I am so stressed out over all this Insurance garbage I can’t explain. I will e-mail James Hoyer to see what’s up? Any other interesting tips or legal suits on our friends NASE/MEGA will still be most appreciated by all or anyone having this information! Again thank you!
4:44 am on December 21st, 2005
very Interesting site wil Surely visit soon
Progressive
3:54 am on December 22nd, 2005
The graphics are awesome ,will visit soon
1:43 pm on December 22nd, 2005
I passed my health/life exam three days ago; I was going to sell for NASE… Inexperienced is right, but thanks to all of you I didn’t cheat my friends or neighbors.
P.
10:15 am on January 6th, 2006
DONT” BUY IT
11:10 am on January 15th, 2006
I’m currently irate with NASE. I tried to cancel my insurance with them back in September. I even got a letter back stating that my membership has been cancelled. I can’t log on to my online acount because my account has been canceled. However, I AM STILL BEING BILLED $112 A MONTH! This is driving me insane.
Once they have you trapped, it’s impossible to get out!
11:39 pm on January 15th, 2006
Look very closely at the coverage you are getting with a company like this. For example, if you have a $1000 per day hospital benefit today, 10 years from now you are still going to have the same $1000 per day hospital benefit (how much is a day in the hospital going to cost in 2016?). If you never get sick, you probably will not have any problems with a limited plan. However, if you need extensive medical services (the reason you buy health insurance) you will see first hand the limits of a plan like this. In my opinion, these plans should not be marketed as major medical insurance. I have been selling health insurance in Wisconsin for 8 years and I can’t think of one reason someone would want such a limited health plan. The best way to find an individual health plan is to do some research and find an independent agent to help you purchase the plan that you choose. They will give you advice, but make sure it is the plan that is right for you. Best of Luck!
12:59 am on February 8th, 2006
Hey Brad (Fellow Cheesehead), I worked for Cornerstone for 11/2 years. What a scam. I feel bad that it took me a year to figure that out and 6 months to get out. I’m now a broker working with 8 health insurance companies and over thirty life. The one thing I like about these sites is that the longer they go, the less you here from Midwest/Mega agents. Do you think they finally think for themselves and see the light? Part of me wants them to go on because they are so easy to replace. I only have to ask them if they think $1000 is enough to pay for chemo. Most people realize that it can cost $3000-$10000 a pop. (x5-20 pops). The other part of me hopes all of the DSL’s,RSL’s & ASL’s burn in hell for all of eternity. They have NO morals.
11:04 am on February 13th, 2006
Thank you all, I have an interview today at 1:00 for a sales job with an NASE company. Having been self-employed for many years, the last thing in the world I would want to do is rip off (anyone) but especially the hardest working people in the economy.
Thank you, I would have sold this to many of my friends and colleges and been plagued with guilt as they started to experience what you all have descried here.
Kudos!
PS, I just hung up from canceling my appointment.
10:17 am on February 16th, 2006
This site is great! I made the MISTAKE of taking a contract with UGA/NASE over 2 years ago. That contract lasted a little less than 2 months before I figured out the scam. Al of what is what is listed above is true. The sales pressure and the twisted stories are all correct. Since that time I have come across new customers that have NASE benefits and medical coverage. Usually, they haven’t had to use the coverage and haven’t been burned but when they actually take a look at the limitations of the coverage they have that’s when the jaw DROPS! Anyone considering this RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN from UGA and NASE. There are more reputable companies out there.
Thanks!
3:38 am on February 17th, 2006
I am an attorney who has successfully filed lawsuits against Mega and NASE and am familiar with Cornerstone and Midwest’s practices. I have helped both former agents and victims who wish to file lawsuits. Please email me at info@gallegoslawfirm.com if you would like more info, had any questions or would like a free consultation.
1:06 am on April 5th, 2006
Our lives changed dramatically…the $$ we paid for the coverage we thought we had is outrageous!
The treatments we needed and decided not to have because we could not afford them..not because of the deductable we had set up..because when we called Mega to check we were told that the deductable was $3500.00 per procedure not $3500.00 per year as we were told and understood..again we did not read the fine print. Who in the Hell can afford that amount per procedure! while continuing to pay these monsters..as we continue to struggle in our business.
The Premiums went up and up and up…immediately.!! I know we have to assume some responsibility …(To Assume is to make an Ass out of you and me both…) well we succeeded..!!
NASE/MEGA Corporate’s are the ASS’S that continue to prey on the vunerable…while making their bundle of $$ as we seek and pray! If I could get my hands on the Agent that came to our home…enjoying our hospitality..demonstrating his is quick and precise demeanor… writing and talking a mile a minute(this must be a requirement to leach on someone who needs help) I could only ask him Is it really worth it? Do you sleep at night?
11:37 am on May 11th, 2006
The NASE agents are still out there, talking up a storm to sell their insurance plans. I just canceled the 5pm appointment I had scheduled. The lack of printed material made me wary. His reasoning behind it was that it was too complicated and confusing…
At least I’m smart enough to get online and do a little research on NASE before buying into the scam.
Thanks for all the the information. This is my first time buying insurance, and I would like it to be a good experience!
The site came up easily on a google search, so hopefully anyone else who is considering NASE insurance will read it first!
2:34 pm on May 15th, 2006
i have a great alternative other then nase the scam please contact if your interested.
3:42 pm on May 18th, 2006
I made the unfortunate choice to purchase insurance through NASE and owe more than $10,000 for a day in the hospital. I strongly urge everyone to stay away from them and don’t get swindled like i did please
8:12 pm on May 21st, 2006
I sold for NASE for over 4 years. Was a top agent for 1.5 of the 4. The other 3 years I barely worked. I asked alot of questions like “why is this this way and why is there not enough information about that”. Short of it is, NASE is a joke. Unfortunately most times even to the agents don’t know how bad the products are. I could no longer sell something I did not believe in. Luckily none of my clients ever had major medical issues atleast that I know of. I did call my clients after quitting with the company to tell them I would no longer be selling that so called insurance and when I was asked why, I told them the truth.
I would recommend VERY strongly against Cornerstone orMega Life and Health Insurance (both owned by UICI). You will pay high costs in premiums and then still get stuck with the medical bills.
I can not tell you how bad I truly feel for selling even 1 individual this insurance. I am truly an agent that got into the business in hopes of helping people (only to do just the opposite). I now sell only life insurance as I know families and loved ones will one day only benefit from letting me in their doors.
Its pretty bad when an insurance company/Association has to lie to the agents selling the product about what the product is to get the product sold at all. I hope all agents selling for Mega or Cornerstone would open their eyes and see the only ones their hurting is their clients.
Stay far away from NASE/AFS & Mega/Cornerstone. It will come back to bite you rather your selling or buying.
6:32 pm on June 20th, 2006
1:39 am on June 21st, 2006
I’m compelled to respond once again…having read tonight that someone else was saved from these leachs.
I retired in 2003 needing to find Ins. My husband is self employed and as I stated before we were vunerable..or should I say suckers. I can only accept responsibility for not researching further…blah blah..
if these messages will keep someone else from dumping numerous $$ into an Insurance that isn’t, it will make my day. It is ironic that tonight of all nights this new message appeared…
My husband who had to stay with NASE due to his age etc..sighed up today for Medicare and the supplemental that we chose effective July 1st.. (NASE does not offer supplemental for those who are in the so called program)
I was able to get out as of March 06 after numerous months of searching. We plucked out a total of $30,000 in Premiums in this timeframe… not allot of money in some peoples lives..a whole bunch in others including ours…we are fortunate that we did not have a medical crisis.
I watched a documentary on PBS recently about two families that went to Hell and Back with NASE! I hope that people continue to use this site before making decisions that will cost them dearly. God Bless!
5:08 pm on June 28th, 2006
I am an attorney who has successfully represented clients against Mega, NASE, Alliance for Affordable Rights, Cornerstone and Midwest Insurance. I have helped victims who had been defrauded and have unpaid hospital bills. I have also helped former agents who are being threatened by collection agencies or are having trouble collecting their earned commissions after leaving the co. Please email me at info@gallegoslawfirm.com if you would like more info, had any questions or would like a free consultation. All communications are confidential and at no charge
3:06 pm on August 21st, 2006
can anybody tell me if their is anything you can do legally if you are or were an agent for uga ?
3:49 pm on August 21st, 2006
This is for Chris G.
I am an ex-uga agent. If you read the June 28th post, that might help you. I am not one to sue people but if ever I was, this company sure would be where I would start. I don’t know what your grievence is, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be much different than the rest of us ex-agents that were responsible enough to stop selling for them.
12:56 pm on August 22nd, 2006
To Chris G.
Run away as fast as you can from this company.
All the agents, mangagers, employees are all driven by one
simple goal, money/greed! The commissions, bonuses, and stock options given to these greedy bastards are unbeleivable.
They will get in your pocket and never or very seldom give anything back. This is an evil souless company. It all starts at the top.
PLease call Kerry McGill at Greer & McGill to file a complaint/greivence.(512 476 1133)in Texas, Mega’s home state!
They specialize in insurance fraud cases; weather you are a former agent or customer who has be victimized.
Kerry McGill helped me and numerous others out of a very bad situation.
Good Luck
12:35 pm on August 23rd, 2006
thanks ex-nase agent and shea. i am no longer an agent for uga/mega/nase. i never sold any policies basically because from the 1st day of training i had my eye on them because they seemed very untrustworthy and i was correct. but i did waste alot of my time and money getting started. i am in massachusetts, is there any attorneys in this area do you know ? do you think kerry mcgill might know ? and how did kerry mcgill help you ?
12:29 pm on October 17th, 2006
THANK YOU LISA!!!Mabey it wont be too late for someone else.It is for me.After having Nase insurance for only 5 months i was in an accident and airlifted to a hopital,remembering i had the “accident rider”it put my husbands mind at ease.Only to find out a short while later that we didnt call”the special Number” someone called 911 instead. So i am left with 15,000 worth of medical bills after we were paying 800.00 a month premiums for our family. We also found out they wouldnt cover some of my childrens immunizations, or urgent care bills(ie:ear infections on the weekends visits) so i am probably out much more than that. thanks for making it easier for people to make a better choice.
6:58 pm on October 27th, 2006
I love that at the end of this website where you are bashing NASE and MEGA, there is a link to get Mega quotes…..Morons!!!
7:07 pm on November 5th, 2006
This is for Matt, may 15th; What is your alternative to NASE?
3:25 am on November 14th, 2006
I have signed their so called contract and haven’t started yet with them as I have to take the state exam for licensing. Boy am I glad I didn’t start with them and get scammed. I have morals and standards and what I have read, their coverage and policies aren’t worth the paper they are wrote on. I will not be a part of their schemes. Thanks for telling it like it is on here.
6:49 pm on November 16th, 2006
Almost an agent….what office were you going to sign with? You may be able to get reimbursed for expenses.
10:47 am on November 20th, 2006
Could someone send me a copy of the new policy’s issued by Mega. my fax is 6305569801. or scan it and email it to me….I would greatly appreciate the help….
11:02 am on November 20th, 2006
I was going to work in the Michigan office of Zayti. How can I get back my 250??? I signed the contract but haven’t started yet and I don’t have a copy of it. I read it through for an hour and a half and made them very nervous I think. Thanks for the help on here.
1:41 pm on November 29th, 2006
I have dealt quite a bit with MEGA/NASE/Midwest Life of TN/Alliance/Cornerstone. Our website(www.healthquotesusa.com) has a lot more information and links on MEGA/NASE/etc if you go there. After helping over 3,000 different families (10,000 people) apply for health insurance in the last 6 years, I’ve found that there are 5 questions ANYONE should ask about ANY health insurance plan before they buy. Hope it helps.
8:27 pm on December 6th, 2006
This might be a a little late, But I wanted to add to the people who feel that they got scammed by NASE - MEGA Life and Health. I needed to go to the emergency room for chest pain, but it turned out nothing was wrong (it now appears it was a possible panic attack). Anyone, I’m now stuck with a $7,000 bill for one 3 hour emergency room visit where MEGA covered virtually none of it because of their $1,000 a day cap, which is not even remorely addiquite to cover the cost of moderm emergency medine.
I agree with those who say stay FAR away from NASE / MEGA. It is a scam. Which unfortunatly, I found out too late was already being investigated as such when I purchased health insurance through them. Now I am stuck with huge bills I can’t afford, as well as worthless covereage. I don’t know what I am going to do. But I will definitely be seeking legal advice.
1:14 am on December 7th, 2006
It makes me sad to read the latest from Nar.
I sent a response in June to share what I now is a scam ! My name is Darlene Reed! I was scheduled for a procedure for an out patient 2005 after having paid out the A–
As I was drinking the dreaded drink to clean out my colon : Boom Boom at 7.30pm..the hospital called to ask me if I knew that my coverage was $3500.00 per procedure! I thank God for that Lady that night.I stopped immediatedly because I had a choice..You didn’t Nar..
The only thing I ask every day is what in the HELL can or are we going to do about it..Yes, they have a class action suit..etc etc..Corportate America speaks loudly! There has to be a way to stop them.
God Bless you Nar! I will Pray that you get a settlement$$!
To all the others that have been or are victems of GREED!
1:15 am on December 7th, 2006
It makes me sad to read the latest from Nar.
I sent a response in June to share what I now is a scam ! My name is Darlene Reed! I was scheduled for a procedure for an out patient 2005 after having paid out the A–
As I was drinking the dreaded drink to clean out my colon : Boom Boom at 7.30pm..the hospital called to ask me if I knew that my coverage was $3500.00 per procedure! I thank God for that Lady that night.I stopped immediatedly because I had a choice..You didn’t Nar..
The only thing I ask every day is what in the HELL can or are we going to do about it..Yes, they have a class action suit..etc etc..Corportate America speaks loudly! There has to be a way to stop them.
God Bless you Nar! I will Pray that you get a settlement$$!
To all the others that have been or are victems of GREED!
9:19 am on December 13th, 2006
Hello
I am an agent with NASE. I am so thankful I read these comments. I was not getting the training I felt I needed to sell their insurance. After reading all these comments it seems they want to keep their agents in the dark. thank GOD I did sell any policies.
Dale
10:29 pm on January 22nd, 2007
STAY FAR AWAY THIS IS A FULL SCAM.. BEEN PAYING FOR INSURANCE FOR 6 MONTHS NEVER USED IT UNTIL THIS YEAR AND NOTHING HAS BEEN PAID.. I AM HIRING A LAWYER TO GET MY MONEY REFUNDED… THEY ARE LIARS AND THIEVES
12:28 pm on February 4th, 2007
NASE does not provide major medical insurance. Aetna, Blue Cross, Humana and all the many reputable health insurance companies provide major medical coverage. NASE sells an indemnity plan. The problem with indemnity plans is that there are caps on virtually everything. For example, with NASE you typically only have a $300 or $400 daily hospital benefit. Unfortunately for you a day in the hospital will average $1000. So you are going to lose $600 a day on the NASE plan. Of course they don’t pay anything until your deductible is met. With NASE your outpatient surgery benefit is only in the neighborhood of $1000/day. Unfortunately for you an outpatient surgery could easily be $5000 or more. NASE pays somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000 day for Intensive Care. Unfortunately for you Intensive Care can easily be $2500/day. So you are losing $1500 a day with NASE. There are capsy on prescription drug benefits, doctor visits, testing, just about anything you have done there is a limited benefit. That is why major medical insurance is the only way to go and what is unbelievable is that even tho the NASE coverage is lousy their rates are expensive. (Gotta pay those big commissions, you know) If you have anything major with NASE and you don’t have any savings you are jeoparding your house, your car, your wages, and whatever other assets bill collectors and attorneys can take frome you.
9:03 pm on April 24th, 2007
NASE tells outright lies to potential agents to get you to join their team. They prey on people looking to get into the insurance business who are inexperienced. Don’t work for them and don’t buy from them!
11:00 pm on April 25th, 2007
hi when is the state of california going to follow suit and have a class action suit against these frauds???if anyone has any info for this let me know!!! or post here–come on ca wake up!!!
1:30 pm on May 15th, 2007
Almost an agent….As an honest law abiding citizen and military vet of this great country sites like this really get my blood pumping. for over 10 years I was fighting for democracy and for a better way of life for all and when I see fellow citizens getting ripped off like this with little of nothing from my government (locally or nationally) to enlighten me on legitimate crooks and robbers (I call it like I see it) it makes me believe that all it really is about is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. Thank you for this site and I hope other future potential NASE/UGA agents become aware of this. This site is also saving me some gas by not wasting my precious time for the interview so thanx again.
6:13 pm on May 29th, 2007
nase-mega does not pay they just take take take, stay far away from these scammers they are legalized crooks….. where can i find out about a class action suit
6:21 pm on May 29th, 2007
nase-mega does not pay they just take take take, stay far away from these scammers they are legalized crooks
let me know abuot any class action suits
6:22 pm on May 29th, 2007
nase-mega does not pay they just take take take, stay far away from these scammers they are legalized crooks
let me know about any class action suits
6:33 pm on May 29th, 2007
Thanks, John - I think we got your point.
10:26 am on May 30th, 2007
hi has anyone heard about a class action suit in california against nase? please post it here so everyone can get in on it!!
3:41 pm on June 22nd, 2007
11:35 am on June 25th, 2007
Everyone is happy with NASE’s Mega, Midwest, etc.,
until they have that $30,000 surgery and find that
the surgery fees are capped at a much lower level.
Why people don’t read the first 3 pages of their health insurance policies is beyond me..but it happens all the time. I’m a broker who has seen several ongoing family financial crises’s created by the NASE endorsed plans. The people have huge bills and are stuck with the horrible policy because no one else will take them. It’s so sad..but I do my best to get the word out.
Insurance agents who read this. When you come across potential clients with Mega or Midwest, simply print out the well-known Business Week article and mail/fax/e-mail it to the person. Then, follow up with a phone call and offer to show them their policy limitations at no cost. They will hug you dearly and ask for an alternate health plan ASAP. Works every time with the intelligent clients. You’ll sleep very well! -Allen in Chicago
1:27 pm on July 23rd, 2007
Hello. I had an 18 year career in sales/marketing with a Fortune 200 company until they went bankrupt. I got into the health insurance business with MEGA due to a friend working for them. I worked for MEGA for a few months until I realized that the plans they sell are mostly LIMITED BENEFIT plans. I decided to work for myself and become an independent agent representing several companies (Blue Cross, Humana, United Healthcare, etc). My site is http://www.insureusonline.com A broker can not legally charge any additional fees for selling a health insurance policy. And, for a given policy the premium is the same no matter where you purchase the plan. Anyway, back to MEGA/NASE, just READ the brochure carefully and compare. You can also do to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website to review the companies complaint ratios (VERY high in Kansas and Missouri where I work). http://www.naic.org Again, READ the policy you are reviewing and don’t rely on the hype of the MEGA agent. They are now also using the name Health Markets. Tom M in Kansas City
1:57 pm on July 31st, 2007
Hope this is of help
Frances
UICI (NASE,AFS)Announces Settlement Reached in Association Group Litigation
May 14, 2004 12:08:00 PM ET
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas, May 14 — UICI (the “Company”) today announced that, without acknowledging any fault, liability or wrongdoing of any kind and subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, it has agreed to settle a substantial number of its pending “association group” lawsuits.
In particular, UICI, The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company and Mid- West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee (UICI’s principal insurance subsidiaries), together with the National Association for the Self Employed, Inc., Alliance for Affordable Services and Americans for Financial Security, Inc. (the principal membership associations that make available to their members the Company’s health insurance products), have executed and expect to shortly file in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas a definitive Stipulation of Settlement and Release agreement contemplating, among other things, the full and final settlement of a class action case originally filed in Mississippi and a representative action originally filed in California challenging the relationship between UICI’s insurance companies and the membership associations.
Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, MEGA and Mid-West have agreed to include enhanced disclosures in their marketing and sales materials with respect to the contractual relationships between UICI and the insurance companies, on the one hand, and the associations, on the other hand, and MEGA and Mid-West have also agreed to enter into an injunction with respect to certain business practices. In addition, members of a to-be-certified nationwide class of current and former MEGA and Mid-West insureds and current and former members of the associations will be entitled to relief in the form of free insurance coverage for a period of months under a personal accident policy to be issued by a UICI subsidiary (covering, among other things, accidental death and out-patient and hospital costs incurred as a result of specified accidents) and discounts on association membership fees. The settlement also contemplates the payment of attorneys’ fees to counsel for the plaintiff class. The proposed settlement does not contemplate a release of specific claims by individuals for insurance coverage benefits.
The Company believes that the terms of the settlement as contemplated by the Stipulation of Settlement and Release will not have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. As previously disclosed, in the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded a $25.0 million charge associated with the reassessment of loss accruals established for the lawsuits that are governed by the settlement and for all other pending “association group” cases to which the Company and its insurance companies are currently a party.
The settlement of the to-be-certified class action litigation is subject to preliminary approval of the terms of the settlement and certification of a nationwide plaintiff class by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas; mailing notice of the settlement to members of the plaintiff class; and final approval of, and granting of a final judgment by, the Court. There can be no assurance that these conditions to effectiveness of the settlement will in fact be satisfied.
Separately, the Company has also agreed, without acknowledging any fault, liability or wrongdoing of any kind, to settle an association group case pending in state court in Texas and an association group case pending in Federal court in California. As the Company has previously disclosed, the Company has also recently executed agreements fully and finally resolving, without admitting liability, all of the Company’s association group litigation brought on behalf of individual claimants in the state of Mississippi. All of these cases have been resolved on terms that will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
UICI, MEGA and Mid-West continue to be parties to certain other pending “association group” cases in other states, and the Company continues its ongoing efforts to bring such cases to a successful resolution. The Company currently believes that resolution of those cases will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
CORPORATE PROFILE:
UICI (headquartered in North Richland Hills, Texas) through its subsidiaries offers insurance (primarily health and life) to niche consumer and institutional markets. Through its Self Employed Agency Division, UICI provides to the self-employed market health insurance and related insurance products, which are distributed primarily through the Company’s dedicated agency field forces, UGA-Association Field Services and Cornerstone America. Through its Group Insurance Division, UICI provides tailored health insurance programs for students enrolled in universities, colleges and kindergarten through grade twelve and markets, administers and underwrites limited benefit insurance plans for entry level, high turnover, hourly employees. Through its Life Insurance Division, UICI offers life insurance products to selected markets. UICI’s stock is included in the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 Index. For more information, visit http://www.uici.net .
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995:
Certain statements set forth herein or incorporated by reference herein from the Company’s filings that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity to satisfy its obligations; changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets, and interest rates; competitive, regulatory or tax changes that affect the cost of or demand for the Company’s products; health care reform; the ability to predict and effectively manage claims related to health care costs; and reliance on key management and adequacy of claim liabilities.
The Company’s future results will depend in large part on accurately predicting health care costs incurred on existing business and upon the Company’s ability to control future health care costs through product and benefit design, underwriting criteria, utilization management and negotiation of favorable provider contracts. Changes in mandated benefits, utilization rates, demographic characteristics, health care practices, provider consolidation, inflation, new pharmaceuticals/technologies, clusters of high- cost cases, the regulatory environment and numerous other factors are beyond the control of any health plan provider and may adversely affect the Company’s ability to predict and control health care costs and claims, as well as the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Periodic renegotiations of hospital and other provider contracts coupled with continued consolidation of physician, hospital and other provider groups may result in increased health care costs and limit the Company’s ability to negotiate favorable rates. In addition, the Company faces competitive and regulatory pressure to contain premium prices. Fiscal concerns regarding the continued viability of government-sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid may cause decreasing reimbursement rates for these programs. Any limitation on the Company’s ability to increase or maintain its premium levels, design products, implement underwriting criteria or negotiate competitive provider contracts may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation in their states of domicile and the other states in which they do business under statutes that typically delegate broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to state insurance departments and agencies. State insurance departments have also periodically conducted and continue to conduct financial and market conduct examinations and other inquiries of UICI’s insurance subsidiaries. State insurance regulatory agencies have authority to levy monetary fines and penalties resulting from findings made during the course of such examinations and inquiries. Historically, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries have from time to time been subject to such regulatory fines and penalties. While none of such fines or penalties individually or in the aggregate have to date had a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, the Company could be adversely affected by increases in regulatory fines or penalties an/or changes in the scope, nature and/or intensity of regulatory scrutiny and review.
The Company provides health insurance products to consumers in the self- employed market in 44 states. A substantial portion of such products is issued to members of various independent membership associations that act as the master policyholder for such products. The two principal membership associations in the self-employed market for which the Company underwrites insurance are the National Association for the Self-Employed (”NASE”) and the Alliance for Affordable Services (”AAS”). The associations provide their membership with a number of benefits and products, including health insurance underwritten by the Company. Subject to applicable state law, individuals generally may not obtain insurance under an association’s master policy unless they are also members of the associations. UGA agents and Cornerstone agents also act as field service representatives on behalf of the associations, in which capacity the agents act as enrollers of new members for the associations and provide field support services, for which the agents receive compensation. Specialized Association Services, Inc. (a company controlled by the adult children of the Chairman of the Company) provides administrative and benefit procurement services to the associations. A subsidiary of the Company generates new membership sales prospect leads for both UGA and Cornerstone for use by the enrollers and agents and provides video and print services to the associations and to Specialized Association Services, Inc. In addition to health insurance premiums derived from the sale of health insurance, the Company receives fee income from the associations, including fees associated with the enrollment of new members, fees for association membership marketing and administrative services and fees for certain association member benefits. The agreements with these associations requiring the associations to continue as the master policyholder and to make the Company’s insurance products available to their respective members are terminable by the Company and the associations upon not less than one year’s advance notice to the other party.
Articles in the press have been critical of association group coverage. In December 2002, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) convened a special task force to review association group coverage, and the Company is aware that selected states are reviewing the laws and regulations under which association group policies are issued. The Company and its insurance companies are also subject to several lawsuits challenging the nature of the relationship between the Company’s insurance companies and the associations that have made available to their members the insurance companies’ health insurance products. While the Company believes it is providing association group coverage in full compliance with applicable law, changes in the relationship between the Company and the membership associations and/or changes in the laws and regulations governing so-called “association group” insurance (particularly changes that would subject the issuance of policies to prior premium rate approval and/or require the issuance of policies on a “guaranteed issue” basis) could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition, results of operations and/or business of the Company.
UICI press releases and other company information are available at UICI’s website located at http://www.uici.net .
5:40 pm on August 1st, 2007
Hello. I recently interviewed for a position as a sales agent for NASE. It sounded like a dream job - complete autonomy plus a company and product that I could believe in… Now, after reading all of these negative comments, I am seriously having my doubts. I had a feeling it was too good to be true. With that said, does anyone know of any companies that offer similar services that does have the integrity that they purport to have?
5:06 pm on August 2nd, 2007
Lisa,
The insurance industry can be very rewarding if you enjoy sales and helping people. Do your background research on the company or agency you are considering going to work for just as you might if you were going to purchase a product from them. If you don’t know where to start looking for this type of job, I would suggest a couple website for trade groups in the business (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors or Association of Health Insurance Advisors to name a few). Check with the local chapter in your area to see if they know of anyone hiring and/or contacts. If you are in the Kansas City area, you can contact me. Good Luck! Tom M in Kansas City
6:23 pm on August 2nd, 2007
Hi Lisa,
I interviewed with MEGA/NASE/Cornerstone/Midwest Life of TN/Affordable Health/etc. 7 years ago. I ALMOST took the job. Boy am I glad I didn’t!!! Now that I’ve been in the business (helping people find affordable health insurance) for 7 years and running my own company the last 4 1/2, I have come across a lot of other deceptive practices and agents. I’ve also, though, run across a lot of very good, honest, reputable companies and agents. What state do you live in? I’d be happy to at least let you know about a few other opportunities out there. Then, at least you’ll be able to compare. Feel free to go to my website if I can help in any way. Hope I can help.
6:31 pm on August 2nd, 2007
Our website is http://www.HealthQuotesUSA.com if you’d like a few opportunities to compare with MEGA/NASE. Thanks
12:59 pm on August 6th, 2007
Thanks everbody for your input. I was just surfing the web last week looking for insurance and three days later received a call from NASE. I was told by the agent that they are a not-for-profit group and they try to help those that are self employed. The agent gave me a brief run down of the plan wich sounded great. Obviously it is great ~ for them! But I’m going to let him keep his appointment with me for next Sunday (8/12). By doing so I will accomplish one of two things: (1) enlighten him as to the crappy scamming insurance he is partaking in selling by printing off all of your comments and sharing them with him or (2) waste the greedy chump’s time by stringing him along right straight through lunch and dinner. If nothing else he will at least miss his appointments for the rest of the day and hopefully those potential clients will blow the bloody company off. So, thanks again everyone….Looks like I’m going to have a fun evening this coming weekend.
P.S. Please keep this blog up so that others can be spared of NASE’S trashy business practices.
9:44 pm on August 6th, 2007
I recently attended a NASE conference and had the opportunity to meet my sales agent collegues from across the country.
One of the speakers actually brought up your blog post and displayed a screenshot in his PP presentation. (this one: http://justagirlintheworld.com/nase/)
He also encouraged us to visit these URLS from google searches (where your blog post appears high in rank).
NASE Class Action
NASE Fraud
NASE Scam
All this in an effort to gather recommendations on what NASE can do to combat negative PR like this.
Just wow. Thought I’d share. (prefer to remain anon, pls.)
8:44 pm on August 8th, 2007
Its so interesting to read all this bashing. Please tell me what company gives you life insurance and a hospital payment for illness/injury plus 119 other benefits that have saved my company alot of money.Thats the Nase - the Health Insurance is Mega a separate and distinct company - the plan is Care One and its a catastrophic plan. I know insurance and the people that have been burnt were shopping on price, but blame the agent when the claims
aren’t paid. Only a dumbazz agent would sell a
cheap plan it cuts his commission. By the way,
look up any Health Insurance company and you will find complaints / lawsuits . Lawyers are even on here plying thier trade of being a tick.Shame shame
6:01 am on August 10th, 2007
When you read the 1 out of 20 people who defend NASE/Mega, they NEVER eplain how their plans actually work. Here are 7 SIMPLE questions to ask of ANY health insurance plan, whether it be Blue Cross, Humana United Healthcare, Mega/Nase, etc.:
1) Is the deductible yearly or “per occurrence”?
What if 2 “big” things happen in the same year? Make sure it is yearly! ALL honest plans are yearly, not per occurance
2) Is there a separate deductible for surgeries?
ALL honest plans do not have another deductible for hospital stays or surgeries.
3) What is the maximum benefit a day for a hospital stay?
In 2005, the average hospital stay was over $3,000. ICU was over $11,000 a day. If your plan only pays “up to $600 a day”, it is a terrible plan.
4) What is the maximum benefit for surgeries?
What if you need a $50,000 surgery? What about $200,000 surgery? If it only “pays up to $20,000 per surgery” that wcould be a disater.
5) What is the maximum benefit for prescriptions?
What if EACH Rx costs $300 a month? If the maximum benefit is only $2,000 a year, you may want to know this.
6) Is there a separate charge for covering cancer or diabetes?
An honest plan, always includes this. A bad plan charges extra or won’t cover cancer/diabetes at all!
7) Is the lifetime maximum per person only $1 million?
A good plan has $2 million or more of lifetime benefits per person. One incident can cost $1 million! If the lifetime Max is $1 million, don’t buy it.
One last question EVERYONE should ask before buying ANY health insurance plan from Mega, Blue Cross, Humana, etc.: If I were to spend 5 days in the hospital ($15,000) and needed a $100,000 surgery, how much would I need to pay out of my pocket. With an honest insurance plan, you will be able to get an EXACT ANSWER in writing.
The bottom line is: MAKE SURE YOU GET THE ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS IN WRITING. Do not rely on the answers ANY OTHER WAY! Hope this helps.
6:29 am on August 10th, 2007
I’d like to ask ANY NASE/Mega defender: Are your plan details posted on the internet??? I can find Blue Cross, Humana, United Healthcare, Assurant, etc. details (what the plans actually cover and for how much) online. Where can I go online to see IN WRITING what your MEGALIFE/Midwest health insurance plans actually cover??? Do you post how much your health insurance plans cost???
4:54 pm on August 10th, 2007
If your plans are so great , why are you on here whining about NASE ? The plan I have has a stop
loss and is a 5 million dollar plan. Time/Assurant was just on NBC getting blasted for recending policies when people get sick, Anthem is being
fried for doing the exact same thing in Calif.
Not to mention what the association does for sick clients like pay cash to them to offset out
of pocket, does yours ? NO
Take your lame azz marketing elsewhere.
2:05 pm on August 11th, 2007
I’m an independent agent in Wisconsin. I’ve cleaned up several messes that NASE created. Their plans are what they are, they are not bad, they are not great. If a hospital/surgical or limited benefit plan is what you are looking for, then that’s fine. The problem comes from inexperienced agents that follow deceptive training techniques from the company. Plus, they only represent NASE/Mega Health, where an independent agent represents you, while shopping all the insurance companies to find you the best fit for price, benefits and comfort level. I will not say, call me if you are interested, but I will say this..call an independent agent if interested in health insurance, espcially one that is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters that keeps their code of ethics in mind when heling you find insurance.
11:51 am on August 12th, 2007
Steve is wrong, the plans are not limited or basic. They are catastrophic coverage - 5 million to be exact. I’m suprised how other agents come on here to bash on Nase. They all are experts though, and have a better deal for you. Yeah I bet they do.
8:13 pm on August 18th, 2007
I am amazed that people actually believe the crap that is posted on sites such as this. They only exist to allow someone to carry on their agenda.
If you want true, non-biased info about an insurance company don’t read this propaganda. Contact the Dept of Insurance in your state and request the complaint index on several companies that operate in your state. You will see that ALL companies get complaints, but that the MEGA plans through NASE have fewer complaints than most companies. Most of the posts here are from agents that can’t compete against MEGA based on the plans they sell, so they lower themselves to slamming MEGA. Remember, ins agents earned their reputation!!
I too have had my insurance through MEGA/NASE for many years and have used it many times. It always does exactly what it is supposed to do.
Most importantly, you have to read your policy as soon as you receive it after being approved by the ins company. If you don’t like what you see, cancel it and get something else. If you don’t read it and you later find that it doesn’t perform as expected, it’s your own fault for being so irresposible.
7:23 pm on September 2nd, 2007
Hi Everyone,
I’m an insurance broker in WA state with over 25 years experience selling health insurance.
Here in the state of WA, we got lucky…sort of. Our insurance commissioner ordered NASE/Megalife/Midwest to stop selling their “limited indemnity” policies in April 2005 and forced them to sell true “Major Medical”, which is the standard in the industry.
So they complied but found every which way to stick it to their policyholders anyway. Their own agents have shown me their plans and what I saw was this: In addition to large decutibles (which are normal these days), their clients may not be aware that AFTER the deductible is met, the “co-pays” begin. Normally, a co-pay is instead of a deductible and is considered a good thing. But with NASE, they are in addition to it, and for some procedures they are $250 and up for EACH separate procedure or service.
And if that’s not bad enough, their 80% plan has a $20,000 “out of pocket” maximum, per person. That means that in addition to the co-pays and deductibles, the insured has to keep paying 20% of everything until he is out yet ANOTHER $20,000, per person, not per family!
And the price they charge for these policies is more than most catastrophic plans offered by the “Blues” in WA state, (Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Lifewise of WA and Group Health, our HMO), which have both lower deductibles and only $5000 (or less) out of pocket max’s for a similar or smaller price.
So leave it to NASE to continue to rip people off, and not adequately explain to the client what they’ve gotten themselves into. Very sad!
Even sadder is that I get 2-3 calls a month from NASE customers who’ve lost thousands of dollars, filed bankruptcy, etc, all because they believed their NASE agent and didn’t read their policies until they needed medical care.
Nina
11:27 pm on September 3rd, 2007
Ok everyone who bashes the NASE/MEGA Life and Health insurance company. Here is the Deal every individual insurance company is the same. if you are looking for an individual health insurance and want your rates to increase because you got cancer or had a serious illness or dont get a letter from another company to move you over to a new and better insurance plan thats beacuse its individual insurance. No matter who you go with you need to go with an Group Insurance Company, the NASE is an Association Group that then contracts with MEGA to have insurance, just like if you got it through your employer, here is the main diffrence, NASE offers everything group, like real Dental and Vision insurance not just a discount plan, Your rates will not go up do to any type of usage. I dont think i would personally care how many deductibles i would have, 1 or 3 but i would hate have my insurance company drop me or raise my rates up astronomicly, The NASE with MEGA will not do that. And if you are self employeed you probally do not have workers comp on you, think about it if you dont have workmans comp at work and you get hurt you think your individual insurance plan i