On 03/05/09 I called Association for Lifestyle Reform to find out if a Colonoscopy was covered and what the insurance code was. I asked what my portion would cost and I was told only my co-pay of $25.00 would be my cost. I had the procedure done. Then all the doctor and
hospital bills started coming in, all denied, stating procedure was not a covered item. Furious, I called ALR and was told that in December of 2008 that a "third party" had taken over my insurance and I would have to call them. I asked why they did not notify me and why when I called to find out if the procedure was covered, I was told it was and why was I not informed then. I called the "third party" and was referred back to ALR and was told "sorry for the misunderstanding".
There was "no misunderstanding"!!! I have been scammed and I am
furious AND I feel like I have no recourse. I canceled ALR. I now have no health insurance, because I don't know who I can trust and $6000.00 in medical bills that I am stuck with.

On 2/5/2009, I received a fax information sheet from Health Care Solutions. stating $0 deductible, PPO network for $199.00/month. Extremely hard to believe, I called the 888-441-5269 & spoke to a gentleman named Mike. He said he was from Sioux Falls, SD. He assured me I was guaranteed to be covered starting 3/1/2009 & within 7 to 10 business days, I would receive a 'welcome' packet stating all the particulars of the coverage. He also stated there was a $125 1-time enrollment fee & confirmed the $199/mo. cost. He also told me the coverage would be with Nationwide Healthcare.

1st, I did not get anything for 3 weeks. So, I called the same phone number. Mike was not there, but someone else gave me the phone number of the company who should have sent the information, 877-378-9240. I called this number & was assured they were a bit behind & would get the packet to me immediately after I gave her my confirmation number. My intention was to be able to look over the coverage before sending payment info. Needless to say, this did not happen.

2nd, I finally got the information packet which told me nothing about my coverage. It was a 'sample' brochure & had many choices for the types of coverages available. The cover letter explained I elected the $100.00 office visit with a $10 co-pay. After calling the company again, I then received a 'welcome' letter saying 'Dear Member . . . ALR provides its members educational information & access to a number of lifestyle benefits, including discounts on auto rentals, vations, . . & other benefits. . . you have access to and may enroll into various supplemental health programs. Enclosed you will find you ID card, summary of benefits & a free discount card if you have elected the health program.' Please note this letter is not signed by anyone. There was a schedule of benefits. It is not a $10 co-pay. All they will pay is $100 each visit up to 6 visits a year.

3rd, I proceeded to contact the company again. Spoke to a very helpful lady who told me to go to the WellDyneRx website & they would inform me on the process to fill prescriptions. The only useful info I got was their phone number. So, yes, I called & was informed I am not able to register on their website until I go to a pharmacy & fill a prescription. Once that happens, then I am allowed to get more info on their website. Wrong again. You have to call WellDyneRx to get ANY pricing info. By the way, they suppled me with a Rx discount card with my welcome letter. I was amazed to learn that one of my medications is less expensive by NOT using their discount card.

4th, fortunately the supplier of my medical equipment keeps in touch with me & I gave her the information on ALR. My medical equipment should be listed as 'durable medical equipment' or Rx. She called ALR & they informed her that they were not a health coverage company. They are an 'Indemnity Plan' with no network. She directed me to the State of California Insurance Commissioner website, Legal Information, Code #10176.61. She will submit a claim to ALR for supplies which I should receive next week & we will see what happens from there.