Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal proceedings against Thin Blue Line Benefits Association, a Texas-based company, for allegedly operating without a necessary license and failing to pay medical bills for retired first responders in Ohio. The legal action seeks to block the company from conducting insurance business in the state.

A Franklin County judge granted Yost a temporary restraining order and appointed the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) as conservator in the case. This move aims to preserve the company's assets and protect public interests.

Yost emphasized, “In Ohio you can’t drive without a license, just as you can’t sell insurance without a license – there are consequences for both.” He accused the company of misleading first responders about their services, causing financial difficulties for policyholders.

The company's policies were intended to cover retirees until they become eligible for Medicare at age 65. However, by November 2024, Thin Blue Line reportedly ceased paying claims without notice, leaving its 3,400 Ohio policyholders with significant unpaid medical bills.

Policyholders have faced challenges contacting the company to resolve these issues. According to court documents, Thin Blue Line has been operating illegally by not securing an ODI license required for offering health insurance products in Ohio. The company is also accused of engaging in unfair and deceptive practices by failing to honor its insurance plans' terms.

The motion filed on behalf of ODI seeks to prevent Thin Blue Line from continuing its activities in Ohio. This includes selling insurance without a license, advertising health plans, enrolling new members, and collecting monthly premiums ranging from $778 to $3,005.

Yost highlighted the urgency of court intervention: “Each day that Thin Blue Line holds itself out as a health insurer...is another day of enormous harm to retired first responders.”

Policyholders are advised not to immediately terminate their policies but instead review their coverage details. Those affected should contact ODI’s consumer services division at 800-686-1526 for assistance.