Santa Monica, California – A man in Southern California was gearing up to travel across the country for a crucial double lung transplant when his insurance company turned him down.
Deron Wells is facing stage 4 lung cancer.
His three husbands and his father are joining the fight against the insurance company.
“It’s really disheartening that my life relies on decision makers who seem to handle these choices in such a detached manner,” Wells remarked.
The 59-year-old and his family claim that Cigna had approved him for a procedure that would allow him to be moved to Northwest Medicine in Chicago for a clinical trial involving the double lung transplant.
However, as they were about to leave UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center on Friday, Cigna denied coverage for both the implantation and the medical transfer to Illinois.
“Our last option is to get him to the northwest. I just hope Cigna grasps the severity of this situation. We are not just numbers; we are talking about a life,” his father expressed.
Lung transplants are generally not the typical treatment for lung cancer.
“Our compensation policies are grounded in national clinical standards aimed at achieving the best possible results for patients,” stated Cigna Healthcare.
Wells was also in the process of appealing this decision, and a friend had initiated a funding campaign to assist with the life-saving transplant.
“Deron deserves this opportunity, and we’re fighting hard to make sure he receives it,” said his friend, Scott Kern.
The once energetic and healthy father insists that the battle for his life isn’t over yet.
“I’m really hoping Cigna will reconsider, and this fight isn’t finished. I believe we can end on a positive note,” Wells said.
Wells was expected to receive a response regarding his appeal by Thursday.
