Blue Shield Denies Cancer Treatment for Retired San Francisco Firefighter
For 17 years, Ken Jones fought fires in San Francisco.
His new battle is cancer and the insurance company that has denied covering his treatment.
"It came up so quickly. Yesterday, we were at the UCSF infusion center ready to get this treatment that we have been waiting for, a while for, and his doctor realized that at that time, the treatment wasn't approved. Today, we should be home recovering, building strength for the next treatment, and we are doing this," Helen Horvath, Ken Jones' wife told abc7 news.
Jones was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer last year.
While family members and fellow firefighters testified at a recent hearing with the San Francisco's Health Service Board, begging them to intervene with Blue Cross.
Jones' daughter, Rachel, said: "Today I'm forced to stand here and beg because an insurance company decided that profits matter more than the life of a man who spent his career protecting this city."
Former San Francisco Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson is hoping this fight helps other firefighters and her friend, Ken Jones.
"This is a fight, not just for Ken Jones, but for all firefighters in the future who may need lifesaving treatment. They are killing him."
Blue Shield took over from UnitedHealthcare, insuring many San Francisco city retirees, including firefighters.
"Most of the people are retired -- 60, 80, 90 years old -- when they get a denial, they say, 'Oh, I guess that is, and they give up," said Fred Sanchez with the Protect our Benefits, watchdog for San Francisco City and County retiree benefits Protect our Benefits.
In statement Blue Shield said in part: "Blue Shield values our relationship with the City and County of San Francisco and we are committed to working closely with the Health Service Board to address any issues that are raised by members."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.