On March 22, I was in the market for affordable health insurance and was contacted by a guy named "Ed" by phone. After listening to what he had to say about a company called I.R.G. Health Insurance, out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I was very attracted to the company's offer. (The lowest monthly cost I had heard all day.)
After hearing the coverage and benefits, I was told the first months premium would be $439.95 ($289.95 for the monthly premium and $150.00 application fee), I was told that the insurance was underwritten by CEO Health out of New York and I was getting a "group rate" is why it was so low. I told him I was very interested and would like to sign up. He told me to stay on the line for the "Verification Dept." and they would take care of me.
Within seconds, a man named Scott Schneider, (my "agent"... Ha ha) came on the line and told me he was the "Agent" in Ft. Lauderdale for CEO Health. He said he could set it up as an EFT on my bank account every month and that I would be receiving my "packet" within 7 - 10 business days. Like an idiot, I gave him my bank information while I was looking at CEO's website, (which, by the way, was very impressive) He told me if I had any questions, I could contact him anytime Mon. Thru Fri. At 877-640-1663 ext. 1. I thanked him and hung up waiting to receive my "policy" so I could read it over.
Two weeks went by and I still had not received anything from the insurance company. I tried to call Scott, at the 877 number he had given me an all I got was the phone company's "beep... Beep... Beep..." I went on-line to CEO's website and got their 800 number which I called and was led to another 800 customer service number. Which in turn, led me to IRG's number 914-428-6400, which led me NO WHERE!
Finally, on 5/7, going back to the "customer service" number, (Boy, it that a joke! I was on hold listening to their guitar music for over 23 minutes!) "Glenda" finally answered and sent me to the billing reps voicemail box. It was full and I was disconnected. I called back and stayed on hold another 21 minutes until "Karen" finally answered. I told her that I wanted to cancel the policy. I told her that I knew the $150 was non-refundable but I wanted my $289.95 put back into my account. She gave me the fax number and the on-line address where I could cancel my policy, along with my policy number. (Which this was the first time I even knew what it was.) She told me it could take "up to 30 days" for my refund... NO PROBLEM!
I faxed the cancellation letter and went online to the website she gave me and cancelled my enrollment. I did this on May 7 at 3:15 PM (I have the e-mail notice they sent me) The policy was cancelled effective May 1.
I STILL have not been refunded any money as of today, June 8. I have repeatedly tried to call "Scott" at 877-640-1663 and 954-640-1675 to no avail. Also, the "customer service" email address he gave me, gets sent back as "undeliverable". I called CEO healths' customer service number, 800-416-9907 in Ohio, again today. After being on hold, with that same music again, for over 22 minutes, "Lydia" came on the line and sent me to "Maria", a billing representative. I got her voicemail box. She did, however call me back about 45 minutes later to tell me she, "would have to send my inquiry to the billing department, (isn't that where she works?) and see what the problem is concerning my refund." By the way, that can take 3 to 7 days and she will have to call me back!"
I just want CEO Health to refund my money! This company is nothing but a "RIPOFF" and I hope this will be a warning for anyone looking for health coverage NOT to accept any offering from them. I have NO idea where my "agent" disappeared to since the last and ONLY time I've been able to talk to him, is when he was getting my bank information from me to EFT the premiums!
I feel that I may NEVER get my money back. Normally I'm pretty skeptical of phone calls trying to sell me something but I was "in the market" so to speak for health insurance and it sounded like a great deal. I hope this keeps any of you from making the same mistake I did. Even IF the website looks legit, I'll NEVER buy anything over the phone again!
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