A federal court in Florida has temporarily halted the operations of a group of companies and individuals accused by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of running a deceptive telemarketing scheme involving health care plans. The FTC alleges that Top Healthcare Options Insurance Agency Inc (THO) and 11 associated defendants misled consumers seeking comprehensive health insurance, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in harm.
According to the FTC’s complaint, these defendants targeted consumers online with websites advertising plans such as “Affordable Care Act Plans,” “Obamacare Health Insurance Carriers,” and “2024 Obama Care Plans.” However, these sites were allegedly used by lead generators to collect personal information from consumers and sell it for telemarketing purposes. When contacted, consumers were steered away from genuine comprehensive coverage toward limited benefit plans or medical discount memberships that offered far less protection than promised.
The FTC claims that the defendants falsely marketed their products as equivalent to comprehensive health insurance or PPO plans, promising substantial coverage for specific needs and low out-of-pocket costs through copays or deductibles. In reality, buyers were left exposed to significant medical expenses.
“Health insurance is one of the most important and costly purchases consumers buy for themselves and their families,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Whether shopping for groceries or healthcare, affordability is front-and-center right now in consumers’ decision-making process. This makes ensuring they have all the information necessary to make informed choices even more important.”
The complaint accuses the defendants of violating both the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) and the FTC Act. The court has issued a temporary restraining order against them while seeking refunds for affected customers and other relief measures.
The list of defendants includes Top Healthcare Options Insurance Agency Inc; Golden State Advisors Insurance Agency LLC; Top Healthcare Solutions LLC; Direct Health Solutions Insurance Agency, LLC; Prime Healthcare Solutions Insurance Agency LLC; Premier Services Group Hub LLC; Elevation Media Group LLC; Sargent Financial LLC (doing business as WeMake Media LLC); Ramz Media Marketing LLC; Tiffanie Gonzalez; Ramzey Hassoun; and Richard Sargent.
The Commission voted 2-0 to authorize staff to file this complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The seal on this case has since been lifted.
FTC staff involved are Tammy Chung, Jason Moon, and Nicole Conte from its Southwest Region.
The agency continues its work promoting competition while protecting and educating consumers about frauds such as these. The FTC reminds people it will never demand money or threaten individuals regarding consumer issues. More information can be found at consumer.ftc.gov or by reporting scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
