My aunt who is very ill, was sold a hospitalization "membership" from CDBA. Although there are disclaimers in the paperwork stating that this is not a basic health insurance policy, the letter accompanying the membership cards says "You can start accessing your insrance benefits as of the effective date show on your ID card." This company accepted her check and once they received doctors' bills, told her that they had made a mistake and this policy was not available to her in KY. The materials accompanying the "plan" only referenced being unavailable to those in CT, FL, NJ, OR and WA. One of their representatives told her that this was their mistake so they would be responsible for any doctor bills incurred during her coverage period. Other representatives have said they are unaware of this statement with regard to my aunt's account. She has been told that her refund check has been mailed only to be told by someone else that they needed more information to process the refund.
Sounds like a rip off to me, too!