Thousands of San Francisco firefighters and their families are rallying behind a retired firefighter who had his cancer treatment denied by Blue Shield, the city's insurance provider. Ken Jones, a former firefighter who served in the city for decades, was recently told that he didn't qualify for cancer treatment through the city's health plan due to a technicality.
Jones' story has sparked an investigation into other cases of firefighters being denied cancer treatment by Blue Shield. The city's mayor has vowed to support firefighters and get to the bottom of the issue. In fact, about 5,000 city employees and retirees are insured by Blue Shield, making this a major concern for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the city.
As it turns out, Jones isn't alone in his struggle. Three other retired firefighters are also being denied cancer treatment by Blue Shield. According to Tony Stefani with the Cancer Prevention Foundation, firefighters have a 14% higher chance of dying from cancer compared to other patients.
The city's Health Service Board has launched an investigation into these cases, with Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Connie Chan sending a letter to the San Francisco Health Service System expressing their outrage over Blue Shield's decision. The board is now vowing to utilize every tool at its disposal to hold Blue Shield accountable for denying cancer treatment to firefighters.
The dispute revolves around the fact that Blue Shield is required by law to follow medical policy established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). However, the insurance company claims that it must also adhere to FDA guidelines and evidence-based guidelines from organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage among firefighters and their families. The city's firefighters union has stated that they will "always have your back" when it comes to health care, and the mayor has vowed to support them in their fight for justice.
As the investigation continues, Jones' family is holding out hope that he will receive the cancer treatment he deserves. With multiple cases emerging, it seems clear that this issue won't go away anytime soon – and that the city's firefighters will continue to fight for what they believe is rightfully theirs: access to quality health care and justice in the face of an unyielding corporation like Blue Shield.
Jones' story has sparked an investigation into other cases of firefighters being denied cancer treatment by Blue Shield. The city's mayor has vowed to support firefighters and get to the bottom of the issue. In fact, about 5,000 city employees and retirees are insured by Blue Shield, making this a major concern for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the city.
As it turns out, Jones isn't alone in his struggle. Three other retired firefighters are also being denied cancer treatment by Blue Shield. According to Tony Stefani with the Cancer Prevention Foundation, firefighters have a 14% higher chance of dying from cancer compared to other patients.
The city's Health Service Board has launched an investigation into these cases, with Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Connie Chan sending a letter to the San Francisco Health Service System expressing their outrage over Blue Shield's decision. The board is now vowing to utilize every tool at its disposal to hold Blue Shield accountable for denying cancer treatment to firefighters.
The dispute revolves around the fact that Blue Shield is required by law to follow medical policy established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). However, the insurance company claims that it must also adhere to FDA guidelines and evidence-based guidelines from organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage among firefighters and their families. The city's firefighters union has stated that they will "always have your back" when it comes to health care, and the mayor has vowed to support them in their fight for justice.
As the investigation continues, Jones' family is holding out hope that he will receive the cancer treatment he deserves. With multiple cases emerging, it seems clear that this issue won't go away anytime soon – and that the city's firefighters will continue to fight for what they believe is rightfully theirs: access to quality health care and justice in the face of an unyielding corporation like Blue Shield.
This just doesn't add up... how can a retiree be denied cancer treatment just because it doesn't exactly fit into these technical guidelines? shouldn't we be talking about saving lives here? what's the actual evidence that says this 14% higher chance of dying from cancer is true? have we seen the data to back that up? i'm not convinced that Blue Shield is acting in good faith, especially with all these cases piling up... it's time for some hard-hitting investigations and real transparency, imo 
I cant even imagine how scary it must be for Ken Jones and his family, especially with all these other cases coming out now 
. It's just not right that a company as big as Blue Shield can deny lifesaving treatment to people who have risked their lives to protect others 
. The fact that firefighters are 14% more likely to die from cancer is just devastating 
. Our city should definitely be supporting these brave men and women, and holding Blue Shield accountable for its actions 
. It's heartbreaking to think about Ken Jones having to go through this alone when he has a whole community of fellow firefighters who care about him 
.
Cancer treatment should be available to everyone, regardless of the insurance policy. 
And it's not just Ken - 3 other retired firefighters are going through this too? 
That's just terrible. 
We need to make sure that no one is being denied life-saving treatment because of a technicality. 
We can't let an insurance company like that get away with denying people's cancer treatment. 
it's like, come on blue shield, you gotta do better than this 
...it's like they're being pushed aside when we know that firefighters have a higher chance of getting cancer anyway 
, I just hope Ken gets the treatment he needs soon 
. And it's great to see the mayor and the firefighters union standing up for them 
.
. We need to hold them accountable and make sure these brave men and women get the care they deserve 
Anyway, gotta give props to the city for finally taking action, though. 14% higher chance of dying from cancer, huh? Guess you could say Blue Shield is really 'cancer-ious' when it comes to treating their employees... 
. This isn't about politics, it's about people's lives 
I mean, I get it, laws and regulations are important, but shouldn't Blue Shield be covered by those same rules? 
It's just not right that these firefighters and their families are having to fight for something they've earned 
The city needs to step in and ensure these firefighters get the care they need before something terrible happens. 
. The fact that 14% of them are more likely to die from cancer is already a huge risk, and now we're telling them that we can't cover the treatment? 
. I'm glad the city's Health Service Board is taking this seriously and fighting back for our firefighters' rights 
. And yet they're still trying to argue with the city over this? It's just so frustrating 
. I'm all for holding Blue Shield accountable, but let's not forget who they're really targeting here – our brave men and women in uniform 
. Ken Jones' story needs to get some serious attention, ASAP 
. And to all the firefighters out there struggling with cancer and insurance denials: don't give up hope 
. The city's got your back