CONTACT FOR MEDIA: Eva Smith-Carroll, Department of Insurance, 800-595-6053, Ext. 4253

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2002

State gets restraining order to halt sale of unauthorized health insurance

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Department of Insurance has obtained a restraining order against a Florida man that the agency alleges has been marketing health insurance to Kentuckians without proper authorization, Insurance Commissioner Janie A. Miller announced today.

Judge William L. Graham of the Franklin Circuit Court issued the restraining order on Friday, June 21, against E. John Reinhold of West Melbourne, Fla., doing business as American Evangelistic Association, Christian Care Ministry, and Medi-Share. Reinhold is restrained from doing unauthorized insurance business in Kentucky.

The insurance coverage was marketed through a Web site.

Insurance officials stressed that Kentucky residents who have a policy with Medi-Share do not have insurance coverage. They might have to pay their own medical bills if the company fails to meet its financial obligations. These policyholders should immediately seek other health coverage.

Consumers with questions may call the Department of Insurance toll free at 1-800-595-6053 and ask for Consumer Protection and Education. The TTY line for the deaf or hard-of-hearing is 1-800-462-2081.

Information about health insurance options, HMOs and Insurers Authorized to Write Health Benefit Plans in Kentucky, and Consumer Alert: Unauthorized Health Plans and "Sharing" Programs are available online under the Health Insurance and Shoppers Guides section on the Free Publications page at the DOI Web site -- http://doi.ppr.ky.gov/kentucky/