The Louisiana Supreme Court reviews a case involving Blue Cross and Blue Shield and a breast cancer reconstructive surgery center, where a jury previously ordered the insurer to pay more than $420 million for allegedly underpaying claims.
The case, which has drawn attention from breast cancer survivors, doctors, and state insurance leaders, was appealed after the initial verdict, and an appellate court called for a new trial. Both parties then requested the Supreme Court to weigh in.
Rachel Giammolva, a breast cancer survivor, registered nurse, and reconstructive surgery patient, attended the Supreme Court proceedings Tuesday to support other women who share her experience.
“I can’t tell you how much this means to the women that go through breast cancer,” Giammolva said. “This is not something that we choose. It’s not a tummy tuck or a breast enhancement. This is life-saving, beautiful services that make us feel whole. We lose a part of ourselves as breast cancer patients.”
James Williams, an attorney representing the surgeons and hospital, said the doctors chose not to charge patients for procedures that Blue Cross and Blue Shield allegedly refused to cover.
“One of the more painful things that came out during the trial is when Blue Cross told the jury, ‘This money may be owed, but don’t get it from us. Make them get it from the patients,'” Williams said. “So, if the verdict isn’t upheld, then they put my clients in the unenviable business position of either getting it from the breast cancer women they saved or eating it.”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield seeks to have the case dismissed entirely. Williams said the Supreme Court will now decide whether to reinstate the jury’s verdict, a decision that could take weeks or months.
READ MORE:Louisiana Supreme Court hears $420 million breast cancer surgery case
