SF Firefighter Dies of Lung Cancer After Insurance Denial Sparks Scrutiny

Ken Jones, a 70-year-old retired San Francisco firefighter, died of stage-four lung cancer 14 months after diagnosis following a Blue Shield denial of some recommended treatments; after publicity, a Blue Shield physician arranged a revised coverage plan, though it remains incomplete. The case has prompted city officials to review insurance denials affecting thousands of city employees and retirees and to urge others denied treatment to come forward.