A most cancers affected person who was able to fly midway throughout the nation for a doubtlessly life-saving double-lung transplant has mentioned he was denied insurance coverage protection on the final second.
Married father of three Deron Wells, 59, mentioned he was getting ready to be moved from a Los Angeles hospital for the clinical-trial transplant in Chicago on Friday when he realized that his healthcare supplier, Cigna, denied protection for the process after initially approving it.
“It’s devastating to me,” he informed ABC 7, struggling for breath.
“I’m really sad that my life is in the hands of these decision-makers who seem to make these decisions in such a cold way,” he added.
Lung transplants aren’t a normal therapy for lung most cancers, ABC 7 famous.
Nevertheless, Wells’ spouse, Janet Savarimuthu, mentioned that transferring to Northwestern Drugs for the medical trial was “the last option we have … period.”
“I hope Cigna really understands the seriousness of the situation. We’re not just a number. We are talking about his life,” she mentioned of her husband, who’s battling stage 4 lung most cancers.
Cigna Healthcare defended the choice, saying: “Our coverage guidelines are grounded in national clinical standards to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.”
The corporate didn’t instantly reply to a request for additional remark Monday.
Wells has appealed the choice and is awaiting an replace from the insurance coverage firm.
“I’m truly hoping that Cigna will change its tune and will have a positive outlook on this because I’m not done yet,” he mentioned.
Wells’ family and friends have since launched a fundraiser to pay for the surgical procedure.
