The death of retired San Francisco firefighter Ken Jones from lung cancer has reignited calls to reform Blue Shield coverage. - Jones died on Saturday after a four-month battle with Blue Shield, which denied his oncologist's recommended treatment twice.
- Former SFFD chief Jeanine Nicholson believes Blue Shield expedited his death. - Oncologist Matthew Gubens said delays in approval allowed tumors to grow.
- Blue Shield will now assign dedicated care managers for complex claims, and Protect Our Benefits is pushing for further reforms.