Consumer Alert: Nevada Division of Insurance warns Nevadans about Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA)

Carson City, NV March 11, 2019

The Nevada Division of Insurance (Division) is encouraging consumers to be on the lookout for a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement also known as (MEWA) sold to hundreds of employers nationwide as AEU Holdings LLC Employee Benefit Plan.

The U.S. Department of Labor took legal action against AEU Holdings LLC, AEU Benefits LLC and Black Wolf Consulting Inc., seeking for the defendants to pay more than $50 million in unpaid participant health benefit claims and to stop the sale of such plans.

“Nevada consumers should be aware of this failed MEWA to avoid becoming victims in case they encounter a sales pitch,” said Insurance Commissioner Barbara D. Richardson.

It is estimated that the MEWA covered approximately 14,000 participants and beneficiaries. These consumers worked for more than 560 employers in 36 states.

If any consumers in Nevada purchased this MEWA or if someone has tried to sell them such a product, they are encouraged to contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration (“EBSA”) at https://www.askebsa.dol.gov or 866-444-3272. If consumers have any questions or concerns, the Division also encourages them to contact the Division of Insurance at www.doi.nv.gov or by calling the Division’s toll-free number: (888) 872-3234.

About the Nevada Division of Insurance

The State of Nevada Division of Insurance, a Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, protects the rights of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $14 billion insurance industry. The Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. In 2018, the Division investigated more than 3,100 consumer complaints and recovered over $8.4 million on behalf of consumers. For more information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV.

 

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Contact

Yeraldin Deavila
DOI PIO
775-687-0772