ComplaintsforUnified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  06/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I believed that I was reveiving health insurance from this company, which I had signed up for on July 17th 2023. The policy did not go into effect until 8/1/2023. I was initially charged a fee of $369.95 for the first month of the policy, which was reduced to $269.95 monthly for the remainder of the policy. I initially purchased this policy, because I was lied to over the phone, by an insurance agent who was impersonating a government employee, claiming to work for Healthcare.gov. The number that I was called from was **************; My caller ID marked the number as "Healthcare," and the agent, *************************, identified himself as a government employee. I had just filled out an application on Healthcare.gov, as I was previously uninsured and looking for insurance, so I believed him. As I have recently discovered, the policy which I have is not, in fact, legally considered insurance in compliance with the minimum standards of the ************** Act. I have enrolled in a new policy with a different company, but have not been able to contact anyone from UCA regarding cancelling the current policy, despite sending emails and attempting to call the listed help line number. I will soon be charged for another month of "service." Considering the fact that I was lied to over the phone, and that the agent had impersonated a government employee in order to deceive me, I would like to be refunded for what I have paid towards the policy, which I purchaed under false pretenses because of blatant deception, as well as not be charged in the future due to me wanting to cancel the policy.

  

  Business response

  07/09/2024

  Dear ****************,

  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint.  We thank you for giving us the feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on 07/17/2023 through your individually licensed agent.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information. We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on 07/17/2023.  This signed document was emailed to you on 07/18/2023 for your records.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled, and a full refund is issued. 

  It is documented that on 07/17/2023 the same day that you signed up, you also signed into the online fulfillment portal. This portal provides our members with all the information that is included in your plan.  It provides all the benefits,payment, fulfillment, and certificate information and much more.

  The first time you sign into the online fulfillment portal it gives a pop-up message that states this is not a major medical insurance and that it does not meet the minimum requirements by the *************** Act (ACA). You accepted the pop-up and proceeded with your membership. If you did not want to accept this you could have called us as our phone number is posted on all our materials including the on-line fulfillment portal, the welcome email, the welcome letter that is mailed to you, and on your banking statement.It is also documented that you accessed this online fulfillment portal on 11/27/2023, 06/29/2024 and 07/01/2024.

  On July 1, 2024, it is documented that you called into the member services department and requested to cancel your plan.  You stated the reason you were cancelling was because you were getting coverage through your employer.  We processed your cancellation, you have a paid through date of June 30, 2024, and no further monies have been taken from you.

  Your file also states that on July 17, 2023, the day you were enrolled that you did not qualify for a (ACA) special enrollment period,and you attested to the fact that you had no life changing events in the last 60 days of enrollment.

  At this time, we feel that we provided you with all the proper information and that you are not entitled to a refund. We regret that you had a challenging experience and, if you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact ******************************* at *********************.  We wish you all the best.

  
  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  06/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Refrencing Unified Healthcare Association Member ID#: ********** As of March 15th 2023 I found out that this company has been charging me since about March of 2023. At the time I was unemployed and newly on Covered **********. (This is how I know I didnt sign up for this.). Somehow this "insurance" company got my information. They charged my card, but to see the card you have to make an account. I made an account like a fool to see the charge. At this point its been about four months; I am under the impression it has to do with my Covered California and then my grandfather ends up ill in the hospita. I lived at the hopital for months after taking care of him and transitioning him back to home. Fast forward to about March/April and I have realized this is not an insurance company. They are not covered **********, and now Im too far in to get any help from Discover. Im barely getting back on my feet. These people ran me in circles trying to get any information. The only proof they could provide was that I "signed" a paper. They sent me a one paragraph document with my name typed on it. I had them cancel any further payments when I realised there was a problem April 2024. Interestingly enought now by 'cancellation' date has been pushhed back to january. While I do benefit in that they are apperantly (not counting my eggs) refunding me for this year (2024), I find this incredably strange. They are backdating my cancellation date. When I did property management this was a very illegal thing to do. Discover card wont help given the time frame so I am reaching out to you. I understand if nothing can be done refund wise wut if you could prevent this from happening to someone else I would be happy.

  

  Business response

  06/21/2024

  Dear ********************,

  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint.  We thank you for giving us the feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on 03/14/2023.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information. We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on 03/14/2023.  This signed document was then emailed to you the next morning to the email address that is on file.

  On 03/15/2023. we see that you signed into your online fulfillment portal and accepted the pop-up that states that this is not a major medical plan, nor does it meet the minimum standards required by the *************** Act (ACA).  You could have chosen not to accept this and called us at the number provided on the portal. It is not necessary to create an account, as our contact information is always provided.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled, and a full refund is issued.

  In addition, we do email a monthly payment receipt to the email address on file.

  On 05/02/2024 our members service department received a call requesting information on the file. Because this person was not the member, was unable to verify information, and not an authorized speaker on the file we were unable to provide any information for the safety of our member. It was during this call that we were advised that a dispute was going to be placed with Discover credit card.

  On this same day we received an email from the member asking to add an authorized speaker, to cancel the plan and requested a full refund.The file shows that on this same day a supervisor and member were speaking, and that the supervisor explained to the member that she was not eligible for a refund but as a courtesy she would refund the May payment.  The plan was cancelled, and May payment was refunded.  Your paid through date then reverted to 04/30/2024.

  On 05/09/2024 we received a chargeback from Discover credit card for the months of Feb, Mar, and Apr.  When a dispute is processed, a provisional refund is issued to the card holder, until the dispute is settled.  The dispute was closed in our favor, monies were returned to our account and your paid through date is 04/30/2024.

  If you have any questions or would like to speak with us,please contact ******************************* at **********************.  Wishing you all the best.

  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association 

• Initial Complaint

  05/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was looking for health insurance. Right at the end, I realized it said things like ****** in life insurance. They'd given me the wrong fake contract!!! When I went back to cancel, it was only a message saying I was good to go then that disappeared. These people are going to take ****** out of my account today. Please help!

  

  Business response

  05/20/2024

  Dear **********************,
  
  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint. UCA takes every complaint very seriously and we would like to do a full investigation. Please note that UCA does not market or sell insurance of any kind, these products are sold by individual licensed agents. However, we need more information to conduct our investigation as we are unable to find your records in our system. Weve tried to reach  you but have not heard back so that we can provide assistance.

  
  Please contact ******************************* at ********************** so that she can address this immediately.

  
  Sincerely,

  
  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  05/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up for health insurance. When I received the text from Care Connect along with my other insurance texts I believed it was part of my insurance. I unwittingly signed up. I've tried to contact company twice.

  

  Business response

  05/10/2024

  Dear Me. ************,
  
  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received the cancellation letter that was sent to the BBB.

  UCA has cancelled your plan and sent you a cancellation email. Your cancellation # is 411064653.

  
  If you have any questions or would like to speak with us,please contact ******************************* at **********************. 

  
  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  December 2023 Client was shopping on the *** marketplace. The phone rang and a person told Client they were a *** marketplace health insurance agent. Client was informed Client would be receiving an ***-minimum health insurance plan with BCBC, not ***********. Client has never heard of *********** ********** ******* is not an health insurance provider, as it states at the bottom of the first "card" and "policy" statement Client finally received in March 2024. Client did not approve transactions with ***********. *******s representative(s) held themselves and ******* to be ***-approved marketplace insurance provider during the one telephonic transaction. Furthermore, Client did not approve monthly charges as Client wanted to review the ***-approved BCBS card/coverage policy first when Client received the health insurance card. Client wanted paper bills since Client did not solicit the phone call.Client was informed by ******* that the card and policy would be delivered to Client within the first week of January. No documents were sent to Client in January 2024 or February 2024. Client did not receive the paper bills and did not approve monthly reoccurring charges for those months.On or about February 12, 2024, Client made contact with ******* and inquired about the undelivered documents. ******* told Client the initial card and policy was sent to the wrong address. ******* promised to resend the documents. During the call, Client inquired again the purchased healthcare plan was ***-compliant and was informed it was. This was not true. In March 19, 2024, Client finally learned ******* committed fraud and sold false services. Client contacted ******* and cancelled the plan. ******* sent Client the cancellation confirmation notification email but refuses to issue refund.

  

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  Dear **************,

  
  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint.  We are sorry to hear about your experience and we thank you for giving us feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously and we are conducting a full investigation.

  
  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on 12/15/2023. These plans are sold only by independent licensed agents. On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information to ensure that you are fully aware of these benefits. This document clearly states that this is not an *** compliant plan and is not subject to the minimum standards required by the *************** Act. It also states that you agree to be automatically billed on the calendar day of your effective date each month. It is noted that you read and signed this document on 12/15/2023. In addition, this e-signed document was emailed to you on 12/16/2023 for your records.

  
  Please note that the e-signature document also shows that you signed off that you were offered an *** compliant plan by your independent licensed agent, but you elected to not take it because the monthly cost was too high.

  
  As a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled,and a full refund is issued.
  Your file shows that on 02/12/2024 you called the customer service department. At this time, it was explained to you that this was not an *** compliant plan.  You did not cancel the plan. You also asked about receiving your cards and packet containing the plan information. It was explained that we emailed the information to the email address that is on file and your welcome letter and cards were mailed to the postal address on file.  You stated that you were traveling and requested that we send the documents to another address,which we immediately fulfilled.

  
  On 03/19/2024 you called the customer service department to cancel the plan stating the plan did not meet the *** requirements. Your plan was canceled. An email was sent to you confirming that your plan was cancelled and that no refund was due as you were outside your 30-day refund period.

  
   If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact ******************************* at **********************.  We wish you all the best.

  
  Sincerely,

  
  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  To Unified Caring Association --I am seeking a full refund of $569.85 the premiums paid for the insurance policy in the fall of 2023 due to manipulative advertising and the subsequent discovery that the coverage is grossly insufficient. Upon enrollment with Unified Caring Association, I was led to believe that the insurance policy offered could serve as a viable alternative to a major medical plan. The representations made during the sales process strongly suggested that the coverage provided comprehensive protection for various medical expenses. The coverage provided by Unified Caring Association is severely lacking. The insurance covers minimal expenses, leaving me exposed to significant financial risk in the event of any substantial healthcare needs. As a result, I have refrained from utilizing the insurance altogether, rendering it essentially useless to me. Moreover, I am deeply troubled by the manipulative tactics employed during the sales process, which created a false impression of the adequacy of the coverage. The suggestion that BalanceCare could replace a major medical plan without adequately disclosing its limitations constitutes a deceptive business practice and has resulted in financial detriment and undue stress for me. In light of these circumstances, I hereby demand a full refund of $569.85 for all premiums paid for the *** insurance policy. I believe that I am entitled to restitution for the misrepresentation of the coverage and the consequent financial burden incurred due to reliance on misleading advertising. I expect a prompt response to this complaint and a commitment to promptly process the refund request. Failure to address this matter satisfactorily will leave me with no choice but to pursue further action to protect my rights as a consumer. Please acknowledge receipt of this complaint and provide details regarding the steps that will be taken to resolve the issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, *************************

  

  Business response

  05/06/2024

  Dear ********************,

  
  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint.  We thank you for giving us the feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  
  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on Oct. 02, 2023.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information.We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on Oct. 02,2023. Also, you did sign off in the document that you did not have a qualify life events in the past 60 days. UCA emailed you a copy of this signed document on Oct. 03, 2023, for your records.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be canceled, and a full refund is issued.

  
  It is documented that we tried several times to contact you regarding your plan, left messages explaining why we were calling, and provided our contact information. We never received a call back.   On November 2, 2023, you called regarding your benefits. Our customer service representative explained how the plan and benefits work.

  
  The next call was received on November 15, 2023, and it was regarding your benefits. The customer service representative explained that the plan you chose was not ACA compliant. It was explained that that you could purchase an ACA plan through the marketplace and have an effective date of Jan.01, 2024 as open enrollment had begun.

  
  On Nov. 17, 2023, you called into the customer service department and requested to cancel your plan. You stated that you purchased another medical plan that also was not ACA compliant. Your cancellation was processed and it was explained that you were past your 30-day refund period, so no refund would be given. Your plan was going to stay effective until December 2, 2023 and then it would terminate. 

  We regret that you are upset but we do not feel that a refund needs to be provided. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact ******************************* at **********************. 

  Sincerely,

  Unified Caring Association

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Uca add on has been charging my account ***** for the past few month, i did not authorize this company to take money out of my account

  

  Business response

  04/17/2024

  Dear ********************,
  
  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint. UCA takes every complaint very seriously and we would like to do a full investigation. However, we need more information to conduct our investigation as we are unable to find your records in our system. Weve tried to reach you but have not heard back so that we can provide assistance.

  
  Please contact ******************************* at ********************** so that she can address this immediately.

  
  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I LOST my HC coverage after 30+ years when my Husband passed in November 2023. Minutes after signing on to the *** (Healthcare.gov) I was bombarded with harassing like phone calls and text from various entities offering Premier healthcare plans from the ***. I selected ************ because they told me I would be provided premium health care, optical & dental! I had ignored many of my health issues (broken tooth, spine/hand issues) for 18mo while caring for him so I was so relieved I would be able to go immediately to the doctor to get some help. I went to the doc only to find out when I went to place the claim, I didn't have a REAL **************** Plan to cover the cost!!! By that time, I had TWO days to sign up for coverage AGAIN with the ***. Long/Short *** denied saying I was out of enrollment window!! Got nurse navigator, appealed, then denied bc my husbands ********* had stopped & they said I didn't make enough! Told me to see out ************* I don't want to be on welfare! These people are EVIL, LYING, SCAMMING FRAUDS! *BALANCE CARE *UNIFIED CARING ASSOCIATION I see similar complaints going back years! WHY hasn't any thing been done about them?!? I never would've thought going onto a government site I would need to check the Better Business Bureau to make sure they were legit! I've been without healthcare now for over three months. This is beyond heartbreaking as a grieving widow. My quality of life has diminished and I suffer greatly with pain every day.

  

  Business response

  03/07/2024

  Dear Ms. *********************************** (UCA) has received your complaint. We want to thank you for taking the time to speak with us and we appreciate you giving us the feedback on what transpired.  UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on Dec. 18, 2023.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information.We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on Dec. 18,2023.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled, and a full refund is issued.

  In addition to sending your **signature prior to purchase, the signed copy of the **signature was emailed to you the next day, a welcome email was sent, and a welcome letter was mailed through the *****  UCA takes these precautions because the plans are sold by independent licensed agents, and we want to make sure all our members know exactly what they purchased.

  After our conversation and understanding the circumstances,I am happy that we were able to come to an amicable agreement.

  The UCA takes pride in our members services and only want the best for our members.  We regret that you had a challenging experience. Naturally, we feel upset when we hear that an agent did not give the correct information. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact ******************************* at *********************.  We wish you all the best.

  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association

  Customer response

  03/11/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  

  It's my understanding they are no longer allowing BALANCE CARE to sell their products. My complaint was with ************* however since the product sold was as a UCA product, that is where the Nurse Navigator told me to start. 

  ****** was very compassionate and took time to listen. I was told I would receive a full refund. My issue was sent to the top. A gentleman named **** called me to apologize for the heartache it caused me under such already strained circumstances and, confirmed that ************ was no longer a vendor to sell their products.  

  I will be looking at additional add-on coverage for optical and dental from UCA because I believe they do truly care about their customers. 

  Thank you,

  ******

  
  

  
  

  

  Business response

  03/27/2024

  Dear Ms. **********

   

  Thank you for this heartfelt response. UCA is also happy that we were able to come this mutual agreement. 

  We would just like to confirm and assure you that the agency who sold you the ************ plan is no longer selling any UCA products including the ************.

  Please remember that if you have any questions or need any further assistance you may reach out to ******************************* at **********************. 

   

  Sincerely,

  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  02/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was given two different health care insurances two months in a row and neither were taken by my PCP. They swore up and down my doctor took it. The second time they said they were giving me ********** Blue Shield and it was actually ************* I never heard of it. My doctor ****** take it and it is not what I signed up for. I was lied to and tricked. I want my money back

  

  Business response

  02/21/2024

  Dear ********************,

  It was such a pleasure speaking with you this past week.  Unified Caring Association (UCA)received your complaint, and we thank you for taking time out of your busy day to give us the feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  During our phone call you expressed how the plan does not fit your needs and that you wanted to cancel this product. You stated that in the past two months you were provided with the same type of medical plans, but they are not what you wanted.

  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on 01/09/2024.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information. We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on 01/09/2024.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled, and a full refund is issued.
  As I explained on our call, I am unable to help with any products that are not ours or that we do not service. On the one product that was with UCA I am very happy that we were able to come to a happy resolution.

  If you have any questions or would like to speak with us again, please contact ******************************* at **********************.  Wishing you all the best in your future.

  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association

• Initial Complaint

  02/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  End of 12/23, I purchase health insurance via ACA. agent told me $13I = balance after tax credit applied. I pay first month for my **** health insurance. few days later, get random email from "care connect" looks like spam b/c I never heard of them, and email specifically say it NOT health insurance, not ACA, not r/t health anything, and subject "limitations and preexisting illness." This NOT ACA, so assume spam. BUT they have my name, so reply,to tell them I never signed up for whatever scam they selling, and to go away. I block them. then I billed feb.2024 for $131, and I get "confirmation" online from "care connect"!? I also get paper invoice in the mail from real insurance company- for how much?? FOR $ZERO b/c tax credit covered all insurance. NO "left over balance" I realize "care connect" scammers have my cc info and I am NOT paying for my health insurance, like I was told! It is ************ cant call, so am forced to "register" on "care connect" to find out who they are and what they billing me for?! fyi_ they also call themselves "unified caring association" of course theres No way to cancel and I cant get cc info OFF. also cant find ANY real information like when I signed up ( I didnt) who sign me up or WHAT I PAYING FOR! consider: if/when I need to pay REAL insurance bill, (copay/deductible etc) invoice says it go direct to **** care.so..again. that is my insurance bill! " I am nurse, I educate patients to fight against "medicare"advantage" =another scam. the point is that I am very aware of this ****, and I NEVER wld hve agree to sign up for any extra"limited/pre-existing" BS, had the agent said one word to me w/slightest HINT that another company was to be involved. this worse than scam, this straight up LIE to me. I furious!! already flagged cc charge, already email demanding money back and CANCEL etc.. agent who lied to me shld be fired except I am sure they all do this, which is shameful and disgusting!!!!

  

  Business response

  02/07/2024

  Dear ******************,

  Unified Caring Association (UCA) has received your complaint.  We thank you for giving us the feedback on what transpired. UCA takes every complaint very seriously, and we are doing a full investigation.

  We have reviewed your file, and it is recorded that you signed up on 11/30/2023.  On this day you were sent an e-signature document that lists all the benefit information. We send this document so that our potential members are fully aware of the benefits. It is documented that you read and signed this document on 11/30/2023.

  However, as a reassurance, we do provide our members with a 30-day look period. If for any reason they are not satisfied, the policy can be cancelled, and a full refund is issued.
  

  Our office is open Mon-Fri from 9:00am until 7:00pm EST. UCA received the cancellation email that was sent on Saturday 02/03/2024 on Monday morning 02/05/2024.  Your plan was immediately cancelled, and a full refund was issued.

  We regret that you had a challenging experience and, as mentioned, we will look into this immediately. Naturally, we feel upset when we hear that a member is unhappy, and we hope that we have addressed all your concerns and that you are happy with the outcome. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please contact ******************************* at **********************. 

  
  Sincerely,
  Unified Caring Association

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩