NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennesseans shopping for health coverage are being urged to pause before signing up.

State officials are warning consumers that LifeX Research Corporation is not licensed to sell insurance products in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance says it has gotten reports that consumers were told they could obtain health coverage through LifeX by becoming LifeX employees. Officials say LifeX is not licensed to sell major medical health insurance in Tennessee.

Consumers were also reportedly told the coverage would be issued by a well-known insurer. State officials say that claim is inaccurate and that no licensed health insurers offering major medical coverage in Tennessee provide policies through LifeX.

Purchasing a health plan from a company that is not licensed to sell insurance in Tennessee could have disastrous financial consequences for unsuspecting consumers,” said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “Instead of providing coverage to help offset your healthcare costs, providers may not recognize your unlicensed plan, leaving you responsible for the full cost of care.

Officials say in other states, LifeX plans have also been associated with Benefit Health Plan, Inc. and Benefit Logistics Captive Insurance Company. Neither entity is licensed to conduct insurance business in Tennessee.

Protecting Tennessee consumers from deceptive practices is a top priority,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. “Our office will aggressively pursue scammers, and we encourage anyone who suspects fraud to file a complaint with our Division of Consumer Affairs.

State officials advise consumers not to provide personal or financial information to unknown callers without confirming they are licensed insurance producers representing companies authorized to operate in Tennessee.

Red flags include:

• A caller who will not identify the insurance company
• An agent who refuses to provide a license number
• Inability to review plan details before purchase
• Pressure to act immediately to secure a low rate
• A requirement to join an association or pay an application fee to enroll

For insurance-related questions or to file a complaint, consumers can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance at (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029, or visit tn.gov/commerce.

To report deceptive business practices, complaints can be filed with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs at tn.gov/consumer.