West Virginia Man Dies After Insurer Denies $50K Cancer Treatment

Eric Tennant, a 58-year-old dad in Stage 4 of a rare form of cancer, had been a candidate for a relatively new treatment that could potentially shrink a tumor in his liver with ultrasound waves instead of surgery. His oncologist recommended the treatment, called histotripsy, but his health insurance company deemed the potentially lifesaving treatment "not medically necessary," according to reporting by KFF Health News (1) and NBC News (2). Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Robert Kiyosaki this 1 asset will surge 400% in a yearAnd begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ Robert Kiyosaki this 1 asset will surge 400% in a yearAnd begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ Taxes are going to change for retirees under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ — here are 4 reasons you can’t afford to waste time Taxes are going to change for retirees under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ — here are 4 reasons you can’t afford to waste time Four appeals to Tennant's insurer — the Public Employees Insurance Agency of West Virginia, which partners with UnitedHealthcare — were denied. The treatment would have cost the Tennant family $50,000 out-of-pocket. "The insurance company's decision did not simply delay care. It closed doors," his widow, Becky, told KFF Health News (1). After KFF and NBC contacted the insurer about the denial, the decision was reversed — but it was too late. Tennant's condition had deteriorated to the point where he was no longer a candidate for the treatment. He died last September. But this isn't a rare occurrence. It's the result of a process in the health care system called prior authorization, which requires health care professionals to get approval before a treatment, service or drug qualifies for payment. Almost all enrollees (99%) in Medicare Advantage require prior authorization for some services (3). While the process was designed to limit fraud and control costs, it's instead become "a confusing maze that denies or delays care, burdens physicians with paperwork, and perpetuates racial disparities," according to KFF Health News (4). KFF reports that it's "heard from hundreds of patients in recent years who claim that they or someone in their family has been harmed by prior authorization" (5). A survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that almost 1 in 3 (31%) physicians say prior authorizations are often or always denied. More than 1 in 4 (29%) report that this has "led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care," including permanent impairment, disability or even death (6). The vast majority (93%) of patients who require prior authorization face care delays, while 82% end up abandoning the recommended course of treatment (6). In some cases, health insurers may generate profits by denying high-cost care while still collecting premiums, according to a 2024 U.S. Senate subcommittee investigation. The report points to UnitedHealthcare, Humana and CVS, which each denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care between 2019 and 2022 "at far higher rates than they did for other types of care" (7). Read More: Here’s the average income of Americans by age in 2026. Are you keeping up or falling behind? There's also concern that insurers using AI to make automated decisions will lead to more prior authorization denials (8). To address these issues, a voluntary initiative was announced last year among a group of health insurance companies, aimed at speeding up the review process and making it easier to navigate (9). But, since the initiative is voluntary, it has its limitations. And, as a KFF poll shows, few Americans think their insurer will follow through (10). At a state level, more than 30 states have passed laws in an attempt to better manage prior authorization (11). Appealing a health decision Half of insured adults (51%) have been required to get prior authorization before receiving a treatment, service or medication they needed in the previous two years, according to a KFF poll. Among all insured adults, close to 3 in 10 (29%) say their insurer has delayed or denied their prior authorization claim (10). The problem is you may not realize you require prior authorization until you're denied treatment. To protect yourself against denials, check if the treatment, service or drug requires prior authorization (the list can change) and ensure all of your documentation is in order. You can also ask your doctor's office if they use ePA (electronic prior authorization), which can speed up the review process over fax or phone. More than 8 in 10 denied prior authorization appeals were overturned between 2019 and 2024, according to an analysis of Medicare Advantage data by KFF (12). You'll need to file an appeal within 180 days of the denial, but if your health issue is urgent, you can ask for an external review alongside your internal review (13). But that's still no guarantee. For the Tennant family, four appeals were all denied. It wasn't until after the case gained media attention that the insurer stepped up — and by then it was too late. If you're in a similarly urgent situation or having trouble navigating the process, you may want to consider seeking help from consumer advocacy groups such as the Patient Advocate Foundation (14). Many states also offer free consumer assistance programs that can help with appeals (15). Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — are you doing the same? Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — are you doing the same? BlackRock warns buying and holding the S&P 500 isn’t enough for retirement. Why they’re saying this approach could provide a ‘paycheck for life’ BlackRock warns buying and holding the S&P 500 isn’t enough for retirement. Why they’re saying this approach could provide a ‘paycheck for life’ Robert Kiyosaki issues grim warning for baby boomers: many could be ‘wiped out’ and homeless ‘all over’ the country Robert Kiyosaki issues grim warning for baby boomers: many could be ‘wiped out’ and homeless ‘all over’ the country Turning 50 with $0 saved? Good news, you’re actually entering your prime earning years. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast Turning 50 with $0 saved? Good news, you’re actually entering your prime earning years. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines. KFF Health News (1),(4),(5); NBC News (2); KFF (3),(10),(12); American Medical Association (6),(8); U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (7); National Health Law Program (9); NPR (11); HealthCare.gov (13); Patient Advocate Foundation (14); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (15) This article originally appeared on Moneywise.com under the title: West Virginia dad dies waiting for $50,000 cancer treatment his insurer ruled 'not medically necessary' This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.