| Consumer Alert Regarding Health Care Benefits -- American Benefit Plans (ABP) |
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| April 11 update: for the latest on ABP, please see Web-site for Texas Appointed Receiver, Robert Loiseau at: www.texasreceiver.com. |
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| The following was mailed to consumers participating in this plan on March 20, 2002 |
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| The North Carolina Department of Insurance has received information that you and/or your employer may be depending on an entity called American Benefit Plans (ABP) for your health care benefits. |
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| ABP is headquartered in the state of Texas and is not licensed as a health insurance company in North Carolina. It appears to be affiliated with United Employers Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (UEVEBA). |
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| This letter is to notify you of ongoing legal action against ABP and UEVEBA in the State of Texas. On March 6, 2002, the state District Court of Travis County, Texas issued a temporary restraining order against ABP, UEVEBA, and other defendants, and the Court appointed the Texas Commissioner of Insurance as Temporary Receiver for ABP, UEVEBA, and other defendants. The Court also appointed Robert Loiseau as the Special Deputy Receiver. On March 19, 2002, the District Court of Travis County issued an interim temporary injunction and order continuing the appointment of the Temporary Receiver. A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for May 28th. |
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| The Court's Orders authorized the Temporary Receiver to secure and take control and possession of property and assets belonging to ABP and other defendants and the Court authorized the Temporary Receiver to administer the operations of ABP. The Temporary Receiver is authorized to exclude any and all persons from the premises of the Defendants, including but not limited to, Defendants' agents, employees, officers and directors, at the Temporary Receiver's sole discretion. The Temporary Receiver is also authorized to continue the operation of any bank accounts of the Defendants, or to close such accounts, at the Temporary Receiver's sole discretion. |
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| It is very important that the Temporary Receiver be informed of all outstanding ABP claims. The Temporary Receiver can be contacted at 1-800-551-4650 or (512) 263-4650. |
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| This notice is provided in the interest of giving you and your employer this important information about your health care benefits provider. If you have any questions, you may call the Consumer Services Division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 1-800-546-5664. |
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