A cancer patient, preparing for a potentially life-saving double lung transplant, faced a last-minute denial of insurance coverage. Deron Wells, 59, a married father of three, was set to move from a hospital in Los Angeles to a clinical trial for the transplant in Chicago.
“That’s devastating for me,” he shared, mentioning his struggles with breathing in an interview. “It’s 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.
While lung transplants are not typically the go-to treatment for lung cancer, Wells’ wife, Janet Sabarimchu, described the potential transfer to Northwestern Medicine for clinical trials as “the last option we have.”
“I hope Cigna really understands the seriousness of the situation. We’re not just numbers. We’re talking about his life,” she emphasized regarding her husband’s fight against stage 4 lung cancer.
In response to the coverage denial, Cigna Healthcare stated that their compensation guidelines are grounded in national clinical standards aimed at optimizing patient outcomes. The company did not provide any immediate additional comments on the matter.
Wells has filed an appeal regarding the decision and awaits feedback from the insurance company. “I hope Cigna will reconsider; it’s not over yet, so I’m trying to stay positive about this,” he remarked.
In the meantime, friends and family have launched fundraisers to help cover the cost of the surgery.
