How AI Helped One Cancer Patient Get the Treatment She Deserved
What Patients and Caregivers Need to Know About Insurance Denials—and How to Fight Back
When you're facing cancer, the last thing you should have to worry about is fighting with your insurance company. But that’s exactly what happened to Stephanie Nixdorf, a stage 4 skin cancer patient from North Carolina.
Stephanie responded well to her cancer treatment—immunotherapy—but the side effects hit hard. She suffered from intense joint pain, making everyday tasks like walking up stairs or even opening a juice bottle painful and difficult.
Her doctors recommended a medication called Infliximab to help. But her insurance company, Premera Blue Cross, said no. Twice. Even though it had covered her cancer care before, they denied the new medication, saying it didn’t meet their guidelines.
Stephanie’s husband, Jason, was devastated—and angry. He didn’t feel like the insurance company saw them as real people. “No name, no face,” he said.
With nowhere else to turn, Jason tried something new: artificial intelligence (AI).
How AI Made a Difference
Jason found a doctor who had been working with AI tools to help patients write strong appeal letters to insurance companies. With the doctor’s help, Jason used an AI program to create a detailed, 20-page appeal letter. He included scientific information, personal stories, and sent copies to public officials.
Just 48 hours later, the insurance company approved the medication.
They even admitted that the original denial was due to a mistake in processing the policy. They apologized for making Stephanie wait nine long months to get the care she needed.
Tools That Can Help You Too
Now, AI tools are becoming more available to everyday people—not just doctors or tech experts. One of them, called Claimable, helps patients create appeal letters for over 70 types of medications. It only takes about 15 minutes and costs around $40.
These letters are built using your symptoms, diagnosis, and information from your insurance denial. Then the AI adds the scientific facts and emotional details that make your case stronger.
Why This Matters
If you or someone you love has been denied treatment by insurance, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal, and now there are tools that can help you do it more effectively.
AI might sound complicated, but people like Jason are proving it’s not just for tech experts. It's becoming a powerful way for patients and caregivers to take control, stand up for themselves, and get the care they deserve.
What You Can Do:
Read your denial letter carefully – Know what reason the insurance gave.
Talk to your doctor – Get a statement or recommendation that supports your need.
Try an AI tool like Claimable – It can help you write a strong, evidence-based appeal.
Send your letter to public officials if needed – Sometimes attention helps move things forward.
Don’t be afraid to speak up – You are more than just a claim number.
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
