RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz just announced they’re working with major insurance companies to eliminate and streamline preauthorizations.
RFK shared a story from a physician friend:
“A patient from New Jersey suffering from severe heart failure was transferred to New York Presbyterian Hospital for a lifesaving transplant.”
“The patient urgently needed a mechanical heart pump, a device essential to sustain their life during the wait.”
“The insurance company had approved the heart transplant but then denied authorization for the mechanical heart pump, deeming it unnecessary.”
“The decision created a perplexing contradiction. The patient was cleared for a transplant and not for the critical device needed to keep him alive.”
“With the patient in the Operating Room and his life at stake, the medical team was faced with a profound ethical challenge.”
“Should they adhere to the insurance company's denial, which would likely lead to the patient's death, or take action to save the patient's life knowing it could result in legal or professional consequences.”
“The medical team chose to prioritize the patient’s survival in planting the mechanical heart pump.”
“This decision allowed the patient to live long enough to receive a successful heart transplant.”
“My friend, the doctor, was then sued by the insurance company… That lawsuit was dropped.”
“There are many situations in this country where that ethical decision for one reason or another would not have been made, and people lose their lives because of prior authorization.”