A Utah man battling a rare degenerative disease has been denied life-saving equipment by UnitedHealthcare, despite his doctor's recommendation and urgent health needs, according to a report.
Ryan Berube, diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at a young age, has been defying life expectancy predictions for over two decades, according to KSL.
As his condition has progressed, his specialized wheelchair no longer meets his medical requirements, causing him pain, discomfort, and a heightened risk of fatal pressure sores.
Despite his doctor and a seating specialist prescribing a new, custom chair to address his evolving needs, UnitedHealthcare has twice denied the claim, citing outdated policy thresholds, the news outlet reported.
"A new chair would make all the difference," Amanda Berube, Ryan's wife, said. "I just don't understand how he can't get what he needs to just function."
Berube's current wheelchair, more than five years old and reportedly beyond repair, fails to support his scoliosis and prevents basic functionality, like keeping his arm stable on the controller.
"The proposed chair meets the basic standard of care for non-ambulatory patients with DMD, and anything less will negatively affect his health," Dr. Russell J. Butterfield, Berube's doctor, wrote to UnitedHealthcare.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare has stated they will investigate the case.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
