What We’re Reading: Insurance Company Denials, State Efforts to Limit COVID Vaccines

Lawyer Wins Against Insurance Company for Cancer Treatment

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana would not pay for the proton therapy to treat Robert Salim’s head and neck cancer, saying it was not medically necessary. But Salim, an attorney, and his doctor believed this form of radiation would cause few side effects that less costly radiation. They appealed, and lost. After several more appeals, Salim paid out of pocket to have the proton therapy at MD Anderson Cancer. After he recovered, he sued the insurance company. Four year later, Salim won his lawsuit, but is still waiting to recover the costs for his proton therapy. An article in ProPublica, explains his story.

Insurers Are Not Providing Patients Reasons for Denials

Federal law and regulations require insurance companies to provide patients with claim files and information on denial decisions. A story in ProPublica follow several people as they file appeals on denied claims and the problems they faced in getting claim files.

How Lawmakers Undermine Vaccine Efforts

A story by KFF Health News highlights state efforts to limit information and access to COVID-19 vaccines. New laws limit health department efforts about vaccines, and Florida has even issued a guidance against becoming vaccined.