As a stage III melanoma cancer survivor, Faye has experienced the dangers of delays in access to tests and treatment firsthand. After she was diagnosed in 2012, Faye’s health insurer repeatedly denied the scans her doctor ordered, which delayed her treatment by a full month and a half. “This extra delay seriously put my life at risk as I could have developed additional tumors during that time,” Faye shared.
Every time her scans were denied, Faye’s doctor had to appeal through the insurance company. Faye estimated that about 75% of the time, the appeals passed, and her scans were finally approved. Both the waiting and the delays made her anxious and scared.
“Cancer patients such as myself are already fighting for our lives. We cannot afford to wait on insurers to approve tests or treatments ordered by doctors—as those delays can cost us precious, lifesaving time.”
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