PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) has issued a cease and desist order against Thin Blue Line Benefits Association, LLC (Thin Blue Line), a Texas limited liability company, for operating as an unlicensed insurer in Arizona.
Numerous complaints received by the Department alleged that Thin Blue Line was not paying claims for medical services and was unresponsive to inquiries from consumers and health providers.
Investigations by the Department showed that the company sold health plans to retired law enforcement and fire personnel. Policies were advertised to “fill the gap” between their retirement from duty and their eligibility for Medicare at the age of 65. However, by November 2024, without any notice, the company reportedly ceased paying medical claims, leaving many policyholders with unpaid medical bills.
“In Arizona, you can’t sell insurance without proper licensure, or a lawful exemption,” said DIFI Interim Director Maria Ailor. “This company has misrepresented its product and illegally conducted insurance transactions.”
Thin Blue Line’s status as an unlicensed insurance entity limits the legal authority of the Department to further advocate on behalf of Thin Blue Line’s consumers and their unpaid medical claims. The Department, however, emphasizes the urgent need for further action. “Consumers who have paid their monthly premiums need to have their claims paid,” Ailor said.
Consumers are encouraged to review the health insurance resources from the DIFI webpage https://difi.az.gov/consumer/i/health. Those with questions regarding Thin Blue Line, can contact the Department’s Consumer Services Division at (602) 364-3100 or online at difi.az.gov.
