Thousands of retired Arizona first responders face an urgent search for new health coverage as Thin Blue Line Benefits Association ceases operations Sunday, leaving many with unpaid medical bills totaling thousands of dollars.
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions opened a 60-day special enrollment period allowing affected retirees to obtain marketplace coverage after issuing a cease and desist order against the unlicensed insurer in July.
Sonia Boirum, whose husband Mark is a retired Phoenix police officer, said mounting unpaid claims forced her to avoid seeking medical care. “I’m afraid, so that’s why I stopped going to the doctor,” she said. The couple estimates they owe approximately $10,000 in medical bills after Thin Blue Line stopped paying claims eight months ago.
She noted one provider has attempted collecting payment since December. “They’ve been trying to bill the company since Dec. 6, 2024.”
State regulators found Thin Blue Line collected nearly $6 million in premiums from approximately 4,700 Arizona members while operating without proper licensing. The company marketed gap insurance to retired first responders not yet eligible for Medicare, requiring membership in the Fraternal Order of Police.
The National FOP, which prominently displayed its logo on Thin Blue Line materials, terminated its licensing and marketing agreement July 18, one day after the cease and desist order. Larry James, National FOP general counsel, acknowledged members’ financial hardships.
“We have tried to work with Thin Blue Line to make sure as much as possible that members will get paid,” James said. When pressed about the organization’s responsibility to members harmed by the arrangement, he responded, “Well, like any product or contract that the FOP enters into or any entity enters into, there are no guarantees.”
Investigation reveals Thin Blue Line’s CEO now offers similar coverage through MOTU Health to retired officers in Washington, Oregon, and Texas, marketed to Northwest FOP members. James declined to comment on the new venture, saying, “I can’t speak to that.”
Through legal counsel, Thin Blue Line stated it continues paying outstanding claims despite delays caused by “claims systems issues” and administrative transitions. The company confirmed coverage ends August 31, with policyholders receiving nonrenewal notices in coming weeks.
The company advised providers to submit outstanding claims documentation and pledged cooperation with state regulators to ensure policyholders receive needed healthcare and providers receive payment.
The special enrolment period offers affected first responders a pathway to new coverage, though many face uncertainty about recovering thousands in unpaid medical expenses accumulated during their time with the now-defunct insurer.