My life was irrevocably altered in 2022 with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Since then, I've navigated a grueling landscape of surgeries, chemotherapy, and adjuvant therapy, each step a battle fought with resilience and hope. However, the fight against cancer has been compounded by an equally frustrating and demoralizing battle with insurance companies.

Time and again, crucial treatment and monitoring screenings have been delayed, stalled in a bureaucratic limbo while insurance companies demanded "more clinical information" or simply waited for arbitrary approval. These delays, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, are unacceptable when dealing with a life-threatening illness. Even more infuriating are the outright denials, the cold assertion that recommended screenings, supported by diagnostic results, are "not medically necessary."

This is not a matter of financial inconvenience; it's a matter of life and death. When did insurance companies, driven by profit margins, acquire the power to overrule the medical expertise of doctors? When did they gain the authority to dictate what is "medically necessary" for a patient facing cancer, despite clear medical recommendations?

My experience is not unique. Countless individuals face similar hurdles, their health jeopardized by arbitrary decisions made by faceless entities. The stress and anxiety these delays and denials cause are immeasurable, impacting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.

I refuse to accept a system where insurance companies hold more power than the medical professionals dedicated to saving lives. I demand a system where patient care is prioritized over profit, where medical necessity is determined by doctors, not by algorithms or bottom lines. This is not just about my story; it's about the countless others whose lives hang in the balance, waiting for a system that puts patients first.

The Problem

Cancer survivors face lifelong health challenges, including the risk of recurrence and complications from treatment. Early detection and routine monitoring are critical to survival and quality of life. However, insurance-mandated pre-authorizations for necessary tests—such as MRIs, CT scans, and bloodwork—delay essential care, create unnecessary stress, and, in some cases, result in harmful consequences.

Our Demand

We urge lawmakers to pass legislation that eliminates pre-authorization requirements for medically necessary testing for individuals with a history of cancer. No cancer survivor should have to fight through bureaucratic red tape to access life-saving screenings.

Why This Matters

   •   Delays in testing can be life-threatening. Cancer recurrence or complications can worsen if not caught early.

   •   Unnecessary administrative barriers waste time and resources. Doctors and patients spend countless hours navigating insurance hurdles instead of focusing on care.

   •   Survivors deserve better. After enduring cancer, patients should not face additional obstacles to their health and well-being.

What We’re Asking For

We call on Congress and state legislators to introduce and pass a law ensuring that:

 1. Cancer survivors have automatic approval for medically recommended diagnostic tests.

 2. Pre-authorizations are eliminated for essential imaging, lab work, and follow-up screenings.

 3. Insurance companies prioritize patient health over cost-cutting measures that delay care.

By signing this petition, you stand with cancer survivors in demanding better access to timely, life-saving medical care.

Sign and share this petition to make a difference!