Washington Commissioner Tells Thin Blue Line to Stop Selling Unlicensed Coverage

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer ordered Thin Blue Line Benefits to stop selling insurance in Washington after investigators found the company had been operating without the required state license,.

The OIC began investigating the Texas-based company in July after receiving a complaint about an unprocessed health-insurance claim. The agency then identified 41 additional complaints from retired state and local law enforcement officers.

Thin Blue Line claimed the plan was structured as a self-funded Employee Retirement Income Security Act program for members of the National Fraternal Order of Police, but investigators said it did not meet ERISA requirements. The OIC said the company is not licensed to sell insurance in Washington and has also been ordered to end operations in Arizona and Ohio.

The OIC said affected Thin Blue Line members may be able to enroll in coverage through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

Topics Washington