Retired San Francisco firefighter dies from lung cancer after Blue Shield denies treatment claims
ABC7 Bay Area • • health
Key Points:
- Ken Jones, a retired San Francisco firefighter diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, passed away 14 months after his diagnosis at the age of 70.
- Jones was involved in a dispute with Blue Shield, the Fire Department’s insurance carrier, which denied coverage for some of his recommended cancer treatments.
- After public attention, Blue Shield agreed to cover a modified treatment plan, though it remained incomplete, highlighting ongoing issues with cancer treatment coverage for firefighters.
- The case has prompted an investigation into similar denials, with city officials urging other city employees and retirees insured by Blue Shield to report any treatment denials.
- Firefighters face a significantly higher cancer risk, with experts noting a 14% higher mortality rate and a 65% lifetime chance of contracting some form of cancer within the profession.