By Amanda Hara
Published: Apr. 4, 2024 at 10:18 AM EDT
‘Such a victory!’ Insurance denied a ‘life-saving’ treatment for their son, so a TN family found another path to coverage
Cigna denied a treatment called IVIG that had been helping treat their son for PANDAS, a condition that can include a sudden and extreme change in personality, tics, abnormal movements and rage.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Middle Tennessee family said their son is finally getting what they describe as a life-saving treatment. Cigna denied their coverage claim, but because Laura and Corey Wall both work for the Metro Nashville Police Department, they were able to bypass the insurance company and go straight to the Metro Benefit Board for help.
Their 9-year-old son Jameson has a condition called PANDAS. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) affect one in every 200 children across the country, according to the PANDAS Network. Symptoms usually arise following an infection like Strep and can include a sudden and extreme change in personality, tics, abnormal movements and rage.
Cigna denied a treatment called IVIG that had been helping Jameson’s symptoms. Then, the insurance company denied appeals. That’s when WSMV first began reporting on the story. Laura shared video showing what she called Jameson’s spiral towards physical danger, not just to the people around him, but for himself.
Gabriella True
