Department protects thousands of Californians from the illegal sale of health care plans
News: 2024 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Department of Insurance investigation has resulted in an Order to Cease and Desist and a monetary penalty against Jericho Share after it was discovered the company was illegally selling health insurance products to thousands of California consumers.
During the investigation the Department interviewed several California residents that became Jericho Share members in 2021 and 2022 and experienced problems regarding coverage for medical issues and cancellation of their membership.
The investigation found Jericho Share is not currently licensed or authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to act in any capacity regarding the transaction of insurance in California.
The company sold misleading lookalike health plans marketed as “health care sharing ministries” that do not comply with California laws put in place to protect consumers. These plans were marketed as cheaper alternatives to traditional coverage when, in reality, they do not provide comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions and other coverage as required by state and federal laws.
The investigation and resulting order will require Jericho Share to pay a monetary penalty of $10,000 and permanently discontinue operations in the State of California.
The Department urges consumers who purchased products from Jericho Share to contact Covered California at (855) 295-4357 or online at www.coveredca.com, to determine if they have experienced a qualifying life event that entitles them to a special enrollment opportunity.
Consumers are also encouraged to contact the Department of Insurance’s Hotline at (800) 927-4357 to learn about their options or to file a complaint if they were faced with unexpected costs or other problems with Jericho Share, or any other health care sharing ministry.
Media notes:
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
