Trinity Healthshare to Stop Operating in Iowa After ‘Unauthorized Insurer’ Charges

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Trinity Healthshare Inc. (now known as Sharity Ministries Inc.) has agreed cease operating in Iowa on June 30, 2021, the state insurance division reported.

The Iowa Insurance Division says Trinity has agreed to cease operations in Iowa following charges that were filed against Trinity Healthshare Inc. and The Aliera Companies in 2020. According to the statement of charges, Trinity purportedly operated as a healthcare sharing ministry, acted as an unauthorized insurer by offering healthcare insurance products to Iowa consumers which were not approved for sale in Iowa.

It is alleged that Aliera marketed, offered, sold and administered these plans on behalf of Trinity without being appropriately licensed.

Both Aliera and Trinity are alleged to have utilized unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the offer and sale of these health care products.

The other respondents in this matter are not part of this settlement, the division said.

“While Trinity has denied the allegations, it has agreed to cease operations in Iowa. Trinity will continue to facilitate sharing among current Iowa members until June 30, 2021, so that members have sufficient time to find alternative options,” Iowa Insurance Division spokesman Chance McElhaney said in a media release. “Consumers who have purchased these products are eligible for the ACA special enrollment period open now through May 15. Consumers are encouraged to speak with licensed insurance agents who can help them determine what options may be available to them.”

Source: Iowa Division of Insurance

Topics Carriers Iowa

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