Background on Deron Wells

Deron Wells, a 59-year-old resident of California, is currently battling stage 4 lung cancer. As a devoted husband and father of three, Wells has been striving to secure a potentially life-saving double lung transplant.

Insurance Coverage Complications

Despite having received medical approval for a rare clinical trial at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Wells faced a significant hurdle when his insurance provider, Cigna, denied coverage for both the transplant and his necessary transport from UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.

Although Cigna initially authorized the procedures, they reversed their decision on the day of the scheduled transfer, citing that lung transplants are not standard care for cancer patients as part of their policy guidelines.

“The last option we have is for us to take him to Northwestern, period. I hope Cigna really understands the seriousness of the situation. We’re not just a number. We are talking about his life,” said Janet Savarimuthu, Wells’ wife.

Response and Community Support

In light of this denial, Wells’ family and friends have initiated an appeal and launched a public campaign to urge Cigna to reconsider their decision. A response regarding the appeal is anticipated shortly.

Alongside their efforts, the family has set up a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $37,000 as of Friday morning, aimed at assisting with the costs associated with the transplant.