FAIR PRACTICES COLUMN

by Helen Williams

There is a class action suit settlement pending over the Metropolitan Life insurance practice of overcharging non-Caucasians for policies. The class action filed alleging that Metropolitan agents selling door to door charged higher rates for African Americans and other non-Caucasians from1901 to 1972. A settlement was worked. If you owned, were insured under, or were paid death benefits from these policies you may be eligible to get settlement benefits. If one of your deceased relatives had one of these policies you may be able to make a claim for his or her settlement benefits.

If you think you, or a deceased relative, may be part of the proposed settlement you should call (800) 960 2381 and ask for a complete notice package. The notice package includes detailed information as well as the form you will need to submit a claim for settlement benefits.

You will need to do this right away, because all claims must be submitted by April 23, 2003 to be part of the class action settlement.

Do you want to know the latest news in the civil rights community? Visit www.civilrights.org. Three government sites most popular for civil rights activist are www.eeoc.org, www.opm.org and www.firstgov.gov for all federal government questions.