THN President applauds FTC, State enforcement officials for crackdown on insurance scammers

Betty Heiman, Founder and President of Transparent Health Network (THN), praised the announcement made today that the FTC and State enforcement officials will crackdown on scammers who target uninsured, unemployed and uninsurable individuals by peddling fraudulent medical discount plans. These plans, according to government officials, are marketed as health insurance but possess few or none of the features either of insurance or of actual plans.

“At Transparent Health Network, we're moving in precisely the opposite direction, and we're pleased that the FTC and state officials have recognized the need to distinguish the fraudsters from the real, legitimate providers of quality service.”

Transparent Health Network is based on the concept that health care fees should be fully transparent -- so patients know how much needed services will cost before incurring the expense. Today, Ms. Heiman called for greater examination of medical discount plans that use confusing language and tactics to market their products, unfairly victimizing the uninsured and underinsured at a time when they are often struggling to cope simultaneously with their own health problems or those of a loved one, as well as paying the bills.

"It's gratifying to see regulators clamp down on unscrupulous companies that are taking unfair advantage of the growing number of uninsured by providing discount cards whose promises are hollow," Ms. Heiman, said. "At Transparent Health Network, we're moving in precisely the opposite direction, and we're pleased that the FTC and state officials have recognized the need to distinguish the fraudsters from the real, legitimate providers of quality service."

From its inception, THN has clearly stated on its website (www.transparenthealthnetwork.com), marketing and membership materials that it is not insurance. It is a health care access plan that advocates for the uninsured, by negotiating reduced rates on their behalf, and offering them a simple means of accessing affordable health care. Members pay a low monthly fee for access to the provider network and contracted fee schedules which are posted on the website, where anyone can access them. Members can clearly see what they're getting when they sign up and can get a cost estimate for common services before seeking care.