Ohio Judge Bars Thin Blue Line Insurance from Operating in State
A Franklin County judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Thin Blue Line Benefits Association, a Texas-based insurance company. The order, granted on June 25, prevents the company from operating in Ohio, collecting premiums, or enrolling new members. Why? Allegations of fraud, unpaid claims, and operating without a license.
Who Is Thin Blue Line?
Thin Blue Line marketed itself as a lifeline for retired first responders. Police officers, firefighters, and their families. The company promised to fill the gap in health insurance coverage for retirees under 65 who aren’t yet eligible for Medicare. Sounds good, right? But things took a turn.
What Went Wrong?
According to The Columbus Dispatch, the company allegedly failed to pay medical claims for over 3,400 policyholders. Some customers were left with unpaid bills exceeding $100,000. Imagine retiring after years of service, only to face mounting medical debt. That’s the reality for many.
Thin Blue Line also collected monthly premiums ranging from $778 to $3,005. Yet, by November 2024—just two months into the plan year—allegedly it stopped paying claims. Customers were left scrambling. Bills piled up. Calls for help went unanswered.
Legal Action
The Ohio Attorney General’s office and the Ohio Department of Insurance filed a lawsuit on June 24. They accused Thin Blue Line of operating without proper licensure and engaging in deceptive practices. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to stop the company’s operations and appoint the Department of Insurance as conservator to manage its assets.
Attorney General Dave Yost didn’t mince words. “In Ohio, you can’t drive without a license, just as you can’t sell insurance without a license—there are consequences for both,” he said.
The Fallout for Policyholders
The impact on retired first responders has been devastating. Many are now in financial distress, unable to pay for medical care. One retired firefighter reportedly has over $300,000 in unpaid claims. Another policyholder, the spouse of a retired police officer, received bills for a major procedure that the company failed to cover.
Policyholders are being urged not to terminate their policies without proper guidance. For more information, please see the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund.
What’s Next?
A hearing for a permanent injunction is scheduled for July. In the meantime, Thin Blue Line claims it plans to exit the market by the end of 2025.
The Role of the Ohio FOP
The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) had an exclusive marketing agreement with Thin Blue Line. The union began working with the company in 2023. Complaints started rolling in late 2024. After months of trying to resolve the issues, the FOP terminated its relationship with the company in May 2025.
Jay McDonald, president of the Ohio FOP, expressed frustration. “We’re glad the Attorney General brought this lawsuit. We look forward to having this issue resolved so our members get what they paid for and have their medical claims covered,” he said.
What Should Policyholders Do?
If you’re insured with Thin Blue Line, don’t panic. The Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund advises against changing plans or dropping coverage without clearance for a special enrollment period. Complaints can be filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s office or the Ohio Department of Insurance.