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Family battles insurance company for surgery coverage
NBC News· 2025-08-21 02:00
Insurance Claim Denial & Approval - Etna initially denied coverage for Nala White's back surgery, deeming it not medically necessary [5] - The denial persisted through the appeal process [5] - Etna approved coverage for Nala's back surgery only after NBC News inquired about the case [6][8] - The approval was communicated verbally to the surgeon [7] Financial Implications & Public Perception - The family raised over $33,000 through GoFundMe to fund the surgery themselves [7] - The family is still working to get fully reimbursed for the surgery costs [10] - The family believes Etna reversed the denial due to potential negative publicity from the "Cost of Denial" series [8][10] Patient Experience & Healthcare Access - Nala White suffered from degenerative disc disease since the age of 15, experiencing severe pain [2][3] - Multiple specialists recommended surgery for Nala [4] - The case highlights the challenges patients face when dealing with insurance companies regarding medical necessity and coverage [5]