Seattle Woman Fights for her Life and Insurance Coverage l Washington Lawyer

Type: Insurance Coverage Dispute

Date: October 7, 2009, 10/07/09

Location: Seattle, WA

Outcome: Partial Coverage

Alyssa Olsen is not only battling CVID (common variable immune deficiency), a genetic disorder that leaves her extra vulnerable to bacteria and viruses, she is also battling an insurance coverage dispute with Regence Blue Shield Washington.

Olsen was given two to three years to live, unless she underwent a bone-marrow transplant that could save her life. 

The transplant costs $400,000 but Regence denied the treatment because there isn’t proof of a high rate of success.   

Olsen appealed twice to Regence and was denied both times, so she filed an appeal and through friends, contacted the media.  36 hours after the story aired on KOMO 4 News, Dr. Joseph Gifford, Regence’s Medical Director, invited Olsen to his office. 

Regence told Olsen that coverage of her transplant was approved for $200,000, but that leaves Olsen with $200,000 left to pay for her procedure, scheduled for November 10. 

Family, friends and strangers have donated $13,000 to Olsen.

We hope for a rapid recovery for Alyssa and that she continues to receive an outpouring of support from her community.

According to the Health Affairs Journal, about half of all bankruptcies filed in the U.S. are due to medical expenses.

If you have coverage disputes with your insurance company, you should speak with an experienced Seattle insurance dispute lawyer.