LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The story of a Louisville woman denied cancer medication was a key part of testimony before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday.
Some of the nation's top health care insurance executives were questioned on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers putting them in the hot seat over rising costs.
The case involves Pharmacy Benefit Managers, who are essentially middle men in the prescription drug supply chain. PBMs manage prescription drug plan benefits for insurers.
Andrea Kelley said that without her medication, her cancer could come back. But she's being denied approval for it.
Lawmakers say her case is part of a pattern of denials that put patients at risk.
"Despite being stable on the medication for a year, United Healthcare is now denying Andrea her Lupron injection and Vioza medication, according to her doctor," Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, said. "These denials are actively increasing, as you imagine, and you understand they're actively increasing Andrea's chance of cancer recurrence. This isn't about convenience or cost, this is about whether her cancer comes back."
Right now, a bipartisan spending bill includes some provisions to reform PBMs, but it still faces significant hurdles to passing.
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