A TennCare Administrative Error Denies a Young Father and Cancer Patient a Bone Marrow Transplant

No family should lose access to care because of a system failure, and no individual should require legal intervention to receive the health benefits to which they are entitled under law. Charles B’s experience is demonstrative of the harm caused by these failures.

Charles, a husband and father, was diagnosed with an exceedingly rare and aggressive cancer at just 28 years old. Standard treatments were not sufficient. His medical team recommended an aggressive course of care: high-dose chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant.

Approval for a bone marrow transplant is a multi-step medical and insurance process designed to confirm that the procedure is necessary, safe, and covered. Hospitals will not proceed without insurance authorization. After months of waiting, Charles was approved for the transplant. His wife received this news on her birthday. The family was overcome with relief.

Their relief lasted one day. The approval was rescinded after Charles’ insurance coverage appeared inactive. Unbeknownst to the family, TennCare terminated Charles’ coverage. Without insurance authorization, the hospital could not proceed. Charles’ treatment was delayed for two months while his wife worked back and forth with TennCare to resolve the issue. During that time, Charles accrued significant medical bills and his health worsened.

As a last resort, Charles’ wife contacted the Tennessee Justice Center. Within three days, Charles’ coverage was restored. TJC later learned, and TennCare admitted, that the termination was caused by administrative error and was no fault of the family.

TennCare’s mistake cost this young father his life. By the time his coverage was reinstated, Charles was too weak to undergo the transplant. He spent the last few weeks of his life on hospice at home. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer, persevering with strength, dignity, and faith until the very end.

Charles passed away on January 10, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. May he rest in peace.