Released: 7-20-05

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators shut down a Chalmette insurance producer yesterday on charges of falsification of health insurance applications, says Commissioner of Insurance Robert Wooley.

Henry Thomas Jones (58) is accused of creating false health insurance applications for clients whose legitimate applications were denied because of their previous medical history. He allegedly created false policies for the individuals, without their knowledge or consent, using slightly different names and personal information so that the applicants could be approved for coverage. These fraudulent applications, along with premium payments, were submitted to the insurance company in June, November and December of 2004.

Department of Insurance records show that Jones held a life & health license from 1968 until yesterday’s action. At various times in the past he was licensed to sell property and casualty, fraternal, and variable annuity insurance coverage. His last address on file with the Department of Insurance is 2910 Paris Road, Chalmette.

Wooley urges consumers who feel uneasy about any insurance-related transaction to call the Department of Insurance Fraud Unit at 225-342-4956 or, toll free, 1-800-259-5300. If callers don’t want their names used, they can request that their involvement be kept confidential.

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