This is rather lengthy but I had report via email to BBB of Fla and although I was out 419.85, they admitted finally they should not have charged me with the last month and reimbursed only 139.95. So they still kept the other amount because I cancelled after the 30 day window. However I still feel they should be shut down instead of a small admission on the part of the BBB of Florida more or less stating 'Enter at your own risk'. The following is the page pulled from Better Business Bureau site.
BBB of Southeast Florida
2924 North Australian Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 842-1918
HEALTHCARE ADVANTAGE, LLC
861 SW 78th Ave. Suite #200
Plantation, FL 33324
View Location Map
Original Business
Start Date:
3/1
Principal: David Dimlich, Principle Contact
Local Phone Number: (954) 453-7450
Fax Number: (954) 453-7709
Membership Status: This company is not a member.
TOB Classification: Health & Medical (General)
Additional
TOB Classification (s):
Credit Services
Occupational Health-Nursing Services
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
Nature of Business
This company offers a discount health program for a monthly fee ranging from $44.95 to $139.95.
Customer Experience
This company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due unanswered and a pattern of complaints concerning misrepresentation in marketing practices and refund issues. Consumer complaints allege they were lead to believe this company offers PPO Health Insurance instead of a Discount Health Program. Customer complaints allege they are experiencing delays in getting refunds for the 30-day money back guarantee. Other complaints allege difficulty in finding Health Care Providers and Pharmacies in their local area that accepts the Discount Program. The company has resolved some complaints presented by the Bureau however, the Bureau did not receive a response to other customer complaints. The company has failed to correct the underlying reason for the complaints.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Additional Business Names
Healthcare Advantage.
Additional Telephone Numbers
(800) 454-1722
(800) 454-1755
(800) 819-8505
(866) 320-9415
(954) 315-1362
(954) 453-7450.
Additional Addresses
1868 N University Drive Suite 304, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33322.
Company Management
Caroline Bonds, Vice President
Daniel Disgdiertt, COO
Rene Luis, President
David Dimlich, Principle Contact.
Government Actions
On July 1 the Kansas Attorney General filed suit against defendant Healthcare Advantage for alleged violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and the Kansas Discount Card Act.
The suit alleges defendants made misleading, deceptive or representations as to the discounts available through the use of the card and that consumers received no material benefit because local healthcare providers did not accept the card. The company is also alleged to have taken unauthorized payments from consumers and told consumers that its program was insurance when it was not.
The suit also alleges that defendants failed to register an in-state resident agent with the Secretary of State's Office and failing to maintain a surety bond or account in the amount of $50,000.
The lawsuit is seeking civil penalties of $10,000 for each violation and an additional $10,000 for each violation involving elder or disabled Kansans and that Healthcare Advantage be permanently enjoined from these practices and pay damages and fees. The case is pending.
Additional File Information
Healthcare Advantage's refund policy states that should a member decide to cancel within the first 30 days, they will receive a 100% refund of their first month's membership excluding the enrollment fee.
Educational/General Comments
Every year businesses lose millions of dollars to con games and fast-talking promoters through a wide variety of different schemes. But, businesses can protect themselves if they are constantly wary of schemers. Use common sense in all your business dealings. Clearly, not all strange sales or promotions represent schemes against businesses, but ask questions of unfamiliar service or sales personnel, telephone promoters or charity appeals. A business, which gathers all the facts, should be able to separate the scheme from the honest transaction.
If you are in doubt about a business proposition, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides the following suggestions:
-Refuse to make commitments with unknown persons, especially over the telephone. Ask that all advertising propositions charitable appeals, requests for biographical information, and sales pitches of any type be made in writing.
-When dealing with publications, insist on verifiable circulation figures, details of publication dates, name (s) of publishers, number of paid subscribers, and sample copies.
-Institute strict controls in the accounting department. The handling of invoices, for example, should be centralized and authorization should be closely checked.
-Keep a list of regularly used publications as protection against schemers who claim that your company previously has used the publication.
-When asked to donate to various causes, find out the full name, address, and purpose of the charity and ask for a copy of the organization's latest financial statements. Make checks payable to the charity itself, not to an individual solicitor.
-Compare the prices and quality of products with other suppliers if you are offered a deal from an unknown salesperson.
If a possible con artist approaches your employees, if you want to find out more about a certain business proposition, or if you have a complaint, always contact the BBB.
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
Report as of: 4/8
Copyright: 2005 BBB of Southeast Florida
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment.information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.
Helping Consumers and Business to Maintain an Ethical Marketplace
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