Eric Tennant’s Battle with Cancer and the Devastating Impact of Prior Authorization
For nearly three years, Eric Tennant fought a courageous battle against cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts that had spread throughout his body. Enduring rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, biopsies, and hospitalizations, Tennant remained hopeful and determined to overcome the disease. However, his journey was marked by setbacks and challenges that ultimately led to a tragic outcome.
In early 2025, Tennant was recommended for a new procedure called histotripsy, which utilized ultrasound waves to target and potentially destroy the largest tumor in his liver. This innovative treatment offered a glimmer of hope for Tennant and his family, who were eager to explore every possible option to combat the cancer. However, their hopes were dashed when Tennant’s insurer refused to cover the procedure, citing it as not medically necessary.
The denial of coverage for histotripsy shed light on the detrimental impact of prior authorization, a bureaucratic process that delays or denies care to patients in need. Despite the mounting evidence of harm caused by prior authorization, there is a lack of oversight and accountability in tracking its negative effects on patients and their families.
Tennant’s case exemplifies the heart-wrenching consequences of insurance denials and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing life-saving treatments. His family was left devastated by the realization that the procedure could have potentially extended his life if approved in a timely manner. The emotional and financial toll of navigating the healthcare system weighed heavily on the Tennant family, as they grappled with the uncertainty of their loved one’s prognosis.
In the midst of their struggles, a ray of hope emerged when the Public Employees Insurance Agency reversed its decision and approved coverage for histotripsy. However, it was too late for Tennant, as his health had deteriorated to a point where the procedure was no longer a viable option. The agonizing wait for approval and subsequent denial underscored the inefficiencies and complexities of the healthcare system, leaving the Tennant family with lingering questions and regrets.
On September 17, surrounded by his loved ones and their dogs, Eric Tennant passed away in a hospice bed set up in his dining room. His wife, Becky, held his hand as he took his last breath, a moment filled with both sorrow and awe. Despite the pain of his loss, Becky found solace in the peaceful expression on Eric’s face in his final moments, a reminder of his enduring spirit and resilience.
As the Tennant family grapples with their grief and the void left by Eric’s passing, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of bureaucratic barriers in healthcare. The need for greater transparency, accountability, and compassion in the healthcare system is evident, as families like the Tennants continue to face barriers to accessing vital treatments and care.
