J. Kenton Parsons
GRETNA – A national healthcare insurance provider is being sued by a local woman who was allegedly refused health insurance after she contracted breast cancer.
Carol W. Brannon filed suit against Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 17.
Brannon claims she received health insurance from Humana on Jan. 7, 2011 for herself and her three children and immediately began to pay a $313.35 per month premium. The plaintiff alleges that she was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 3, 2011 and that she underwent chemotherapy treatments for the condition until August 2011 at which time she found Humana had allegedly denied coverage for her chemotherapy treatments. The plaintiff asserts that the defendant claimed their actions were due to an improper application that excluded a pre-existing condition.
The defendant is accused of wrongful denial of coverage.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for severe stress, anxiety, fear the potentially deadly diagnosis would not be properly treated, payment for all insurance coverage, payment of medical expenses related to cancer condition, statutory penalties and attorney's fees.
Brannon is represented by J. Kenton Parsons of Baton Rouge-based Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff & McCollister, ALC.
The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre, Jr.
Case no. 720-211.