Insurance Company Refuses to Pay: Cancer Patient Suffers

Cyril Strezo is having a heck of a time getting his health insurance provider to cover him for cancer treatment. Since being diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus, Strezo has led an entirely different life than what he was previously used to. Not only is he fighting for his life, but he and his family are also fighting with the insurance company to provide coverage.

Strezo, a 58 year old male, has health insurance through UniCare. But even though the insurer has paid for a large amount of his medical bills, they have denied certain drugs that have been deemed experimental. While this is common with some insurance companies, doctors are usually able to petition the insurer to make an exception. Unfortunately, Strezo and his doctor's have had no such luck.

At this point, Strezo is three weeks behind his chemotherapy schedule because UniCare will not cooperate due to a company policy that excludes experimental drugs. While there are other drugs that can help to treat his cancer, which has also spread to the liver, they are not nearly as effective as the ones that are being considered experimental.

Without the help of his insurance company, the experimental treatment will cost Strezo approximately $12,000 month. With treatment expected to last anywhere from two to six months, it is obvious that Strezo and his family will be putting themselves in a difficult financial situation.

Unfortunately in this case, it does not seem as if UniCare is going to make an exception despite the fact that the experimental drug is the best option for Strezo. Even with the help of the doctor's, as well as documented proof that the drugs are effective, the insurer is not budging. Instead, they are simply sending denial letters time after time.