California Department of Insurance Issues 14 Cease and Desist Orders to Protect California Consumers from Unlicensed Health Coverage – See the List and Next Steps to Take – Sierra Sun Times

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Last Updated: Saturday, 12 February 2022 09:56

Published: Saturday, 12 February 2022 09:51

February 12, 2022 – LOS ANGELES – The California Department of Insurance has issued a Cease and Desist Order against First Continental Life & Accident Insurance Company for illegally acting as an insurance company in the state and providing health coverage without the proper certification. The Department also served 13 additional Cease and Desist Orders on multiple entities and licensees that aided and abetted First Continental.

“When consumers purchase health coverage they should have full confidence that they have the coverage they are promised,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Transacting insurance without the proper licensing or certification is not only breaking the law, it is putting consumers at risk. My Department will continue to take action to protect consumers and stop illegal actions by companies and licensees.”

The Department launched an investigation after receiving information that California consumers were sold health plans underwritten by First Continental. The investigation uncovered allegations that between October 2019 and September 2021 consumers purchased health insurance plans underwritten by First Continental. Many of these consumers thought their policies included full medical coverage; however, when these consumers attempted to use the coverage they found the coverage was limited and did not cover the medical expenses they were led to believe when they purchased the policies.

First Continental did not have authorization at the time to transact insurance in California. First Continental was previously authorized to transact in California, but after failing to meet policyholder requirements the Department issued a Cease and Desist Order against the company in 2002. In June 2012, First Continental officially withdrew from the State of California and has remained without the proper certificate of authority to transact business in the state.

Consumers who have purchased health coverage through First Continental or any of the below entities or licensees should contact the California Department of Insurance at (323) 278-5000.

The Cease and Desist Orders were served against the following: 

First Continental
Administrative Concepts, Inc. – License #0C38805
Association for Better Health
Association Health Care Management, dba Family Care
Evolve Health
First Health Network
Get Me Care
National Association of Preferred Providers
Service Industry Trade Alliance
Matthew Deprey – License #0M50797
Curtis Garceau – License #4026934
Fabian Vergara – License #0M31165
Samantha Mabie – License #0L30001
Scott Russell – License #0N03621
Source: CA. Dept; of Insurance