Patient died by suicide after insurance delayed medication: report

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Patient died by suicide after insurance delayed medication: report Kenney Blewett’s wife said her husband was hopeful the medication would work but said, ‘I wish we had the chance to find out’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A Texas man died by suicide in June after reportedly suffering delays in getting access to crucial medication. Kenney Blewett, of Kyle, Texas, was experiencing breathing issues caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, KFF Health News reported Friday, a condition affecting 16 million Americans that was tied to Kenney’s decades of smoking. He had recently lost 45 pounds and had rarely left the house, experiencing more and more frequent flare-ups earlier this year, his wife Cindy Blewett recalled. His doctor wrote him a prescription for a new inhaled medication to improve his breathing, but the prescription wasn’t filled immediately and he received an email from Walgreens explaining that there was an “insurance issue” causing the delay. "He was hopeful that it would work," Cindy told KFF Health News. "I wish we had the chance to find out." Kenney had previously attempted suicide years ago and had struggled with his mental health for a long time, she noted. He wrote in a note that his health was too poor to continue living. But Cindy said she wonders whether Kenney would still be alive if his flare-up on June 7 had been prevented, adding that she still has questions about the medication delay. When she called Walgreens, an employee reportedly told her the prescription needed “prior authorization,” a rule that requires medical providers to get permission from health insurance companies before receiving treatment. Still, it was unclear to Cindy which insurer needed prior authorization. Kenney had been on Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors and people with disabilities. He had an optional Part D plan, which helps people pay for drugs through pre-approved private insurers. He also had a Medigap plan that paid for other out-of-pocket costs. The Part D plan was using Wellcare Value Script and the Medigap plan was through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The drug was reportedly covered through Part B – but the government apparently had no record of the prescription being billed. A spokesperson for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas told The Independent on Friday that the company does not discuss the specifics of member inquiries. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is committed to expanding access to quality, cost effective care at all stages of life,” the insurer said. The Independent has also reached out to Cindy Blewett, Walgreens, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Wellcare Value Script’s parent company Centene for comment on the report. The Blewetts’ story may sound familiar to many Americans who have experienced insurance delays. A West Virginia father died of cancer in September 2025 after his health insurance coverage for a possible treatment was reportedly delayed, KFF Health News reported last year. Nearly 70 percent of adults deemed them "a major problem," in a January poll from non-profit KFF. Health insurers pledged to overhaul prior authorization in June 2025 – less than a year before Blewett’s death. It’s unclear how much improvement has been made since then – though insurance provider United Healthcare said it would eliminate 30 percent of prior authorization requirements starting Thursday. Companies have made progress but still need to do more, Chris Klomp, who oversees Medicare for the Trump administration, told The New York Times in May. More than 90 percent of doctors said the practice delays access to care and negatively impacts patient outcomes, a May survey from the American Medical Association found. More than a quarter said prior authorization led to an adverse event for a patient. AHIP, an industry trade group in Washington, D.C., told The Independent that the organization couldn't speak to individual patient experiences but recognizes that "more needs to be done to fix the fragmented and complex nature of our healthcare system." If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in the U.K. and experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments