Father passes away due to health insurance delaying coverage for cancer treatment, claiming it wasn't necessary: Report

A West Virginia man passed away after his health insurance delayed coverage for a recommended cancer treatment, sparking new state legislation aimed at speeding up approval for critical medical procedures.

A 58-year-old man from Bridgeport, West Virginia, died after his insurance provider delayed coverage for a recommended cancer treatment. The delays occurred despite medical advice and family support for the procedure, which was considered potentially beneficial for his condition. The case has since played a role in the passage of new state legislation aimed at revising the process for treatment authorization for insured patients.

Medical Background and Diagnosis

In 2023, Eric Tennant was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer originating in the bile ducts. At the time of diagnosis, the cancer had already metastasized throughout his body. Tennant underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy over the next several years, which were reported as physically taxing and left him weakened, although the treatments slowed cancer progression.

Proposed Treatment and Insurance Authorization Issues

In early 2025, medical professionals recommended histotripsy, a non-invasive procedure using ultrasound waves to reduce the size of the largest tumor in his liver. The family viewed the treatment as a way to extend Tennant’s life and improve comfort, though it was not expected to cure the disease. Tennant’s health insurance was provided through the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency, administered by UnitedHealthcare. Between February and March 2025, multiple requests for coverage were reportedly denied, with the insurer citing the procedure as not medically necessary.

The family pursued multiple avenues to secure approval, including submitting medical records, expert opinions, and formal appeals. They also reached out to state representatives for assistance. According to the family, insurance reconsideration occurred only after the case gained media attention, and coverage was reportedly approved in May 2025. At that time, the estimated out-of-pocket cost for the procedure was approximately $50,000.

Condition Decline and Outcome

By the time approval was granted, Tennant’s condition had worsened to the point where he was no longer eligible for the procedure. He passed away in September 2025 at the age of 58 due to cancer-related complications. His wife stated that the insurance delay removed the opportunity to receive the treatment during a period when it could have been effective. She emphasized that while a cure was not expected, the family had hoped for extra time and improved quality of life.

Insurance Response

UnitedHealthcare stated that there is no definitive evidence that histotripsy is more effective than alternative treatments, and its impact on survival or recurrence is uncertain. The company expressed sympathy for individuals facing serious medical decisions but declined to comment further on the specific case. The Public Employees Insurance Agency noted that it follows UnitedHealthcare guidelines for treatment authorization and provided no additional statements.

Legislative Response

The case contributed to the introduction of West Virginia House Bill 4965, designed to reform insurance approval procedures for public employees’ health plans. Key provisions include allowing patients approved for a treatment plan to pursue medically appropriate alternatives of equal or lower cost without seeking new approval, establishing specific response timelines for insurers, and providing accelerated review periods for urgent medical cases. The bill was introduced by Delegate Laura Kimble, who stated it aims to reduce delays during critical medical decisions. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the legislation into law on March 31, 2025, with an effective date of June 10, 2025. Supporters of the law have emphasized that it ensures patients are not required to restart approval processes when switching to comparable treatment options already deemed medically appropriate.

Sources:

• CNN
• NBC News
• ABC News
• Dad Dies After Health Insurance Delays Coverage for New Cancer Treatment, Claims It Wasn’t ‘Medically Necessary’: Report