Knox County breast cancer patient receives help she needs

Knox County breast cancer patient receives help she needs

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- There's a new development to a report by 6 On Your Side about a Knox County breast cancer patient caught in a battle over insurance. As of Friday, Debbie Adams is going to get the help she needs to cover medical expenses.

After a breast exam in early September, doctors discovered cancer and within weeks she had a mastectomy.

Last Thursday, when 6 On Your Side first talked with Debbie, she was getting different information about what to do to continue her state health coverage.

As a technician for a veterinarian office in East Knox County, Debbie's health insurance with the state's CoverTN program was limited to $25,000. The CoverTN policy designed for small business operators doesn't cover major medical expenses.  

So, Debbie faced reconstructive surgery, the bill for her mastectomy, and therapy with no insurance.

When she tried to sign up for the state's breast and cervical cancer program through TennCare, she received conflicting information about her eligibility.

Nashville and Knoxville heath officials gave different directions for her follow.

A few days after our story aired, Debbie was called to the Knoxville Health Department.

She now has paperwork to prove she qualifies for TennCare.

"They have decided to backdate my eligibility from my original date of application, which was on August 31st. And I should be enrolled in the TennCare program. As of now, I have this letter that shows my eligibility, this is what I give the doctor in the interim," Debbie said. 

"Hopefully, we're going in the right direction. I hope that this serves as a model for the future," she added.

The Tennessee Health Care campaign in Nashville worked closely with Debbie, guiding her through the hurdles in seeking health coverage.

To be eligible for the state's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program under TennCare, women must meet income eligibility guidelines, either have no insurance or insurance that doesn't pay for these services.