Federal regulators are cracking down on companies that deceptively market medical discount memberships and limited benefit plans as comprehensive health coverage.
The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against two companies – Innovative Partners LP (doing business as Innovative Health Plan and Healthcare Plan) and American Collective LP (doing business as ACLP Health Plan) – alleging they misled consumers who bought plans in 2026.
Consumers who bought one of the plans may have to pay almost the full cost of treatment for doctor or hospital visits. More than 900 Virginians were affected, according to the court-appointed receiver in the case.
If you believe you’ve been affected by deceptive marketing practices, call Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace for one-on-one help enrolling in a high-quality health plan. Consumers who can demonstrate they were impacted by deceptive marketing practices may qualify for coverage immediately.
Documents such as letters or emails from the companies, proof of 2026 payments to the companies, or a notice from the court-appointed receiver or FTC that they have been impacted by deceptive marketing practices can be used to verify eligibility to enroll in Marketplace coverage.
The Customer Assistance Center can be reached at 888-687-1501 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All plans sold by Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace offer comprehensive health coverage.
The Marketplace is overseen by the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission. It’s the only place where Virginians can get help paying for coverage and qualify for savings on their monthly premiums.
“If your family needs reliable health coverage, the Marketplace is the best place to find it,” said Keven Patchett, executive director of Virginia’s Health Benefit Exchange. “Marketplace plans provide coverage you can count on.”
For your protection, if you’re buying your own health insurance and are unsure about information provided to you over the phone or are concerned about a website, you can call the Bureau of Insurance at 877-310-6560 or email [email protected] before you enroll.
You can use these resources whenever you have a question about your health coverage that’s unrelated to Marketplace coverage.
