Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division: Trinity Healthshare Inc. Agrees to Consent Order

DES MOINES, Iowa, March 19 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release on March 18, 2021:

The Iowa Insurance Division today announced that Trinity Healthshare Inc. (now known as Sharity Ministries, Inc.) has agreed to a consent order that says Trinity will cease operations in Iowa on June 30, 2021, following charges that were filed against Trinity Healthshare Inc. and The Aliera Companies in 2020.

"While Trinity has denied the allegations, it has agreed to cease operations in Iowa. Trinity will continue to facilitate sharing among current Iowa members until June 30, 2021, so that members have sufficient time to find alternative options," Iowa Insurance Division spokesman Chance McElhaney said.

"Consumers who have purchased these products are eligible for the ACA special enrollment period open now through May 15. Consumers are encouraged to speak with licensed insurance agents who can help them determine what options may be available to them."

According to the statement of charges, Respondent Trinity, purportedly operated as a health care sharing ministry, acted as an unauthorized insurer by offering health care insurance products to Iowa consumers which were not approved for sale in Iowa.

It is alleged that Aliera marketed, offered, sold, and administered these plans on behalf of Trinity without being appropriately licensed. Both Aliera and Trinity are alleged to have utilized unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the offer and sale of these health care products. The other Respondents in this matter are not part of this settlement.