The Human Cost of Coverage Gaps, Pt. 1

Pattie McCluskey had long relied on her doctors at the Mount Sinai Health System—until an insurance dispute with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield suddenly threw that care into jeopardy. In this episode of The Vitals, Pattie shares what it means when a patient with an established care team must confront disruption around appointments, medications, and procedures already tied to her health, daily life, and well-being.  

Guest host Dr. Raja Flores speaks with Pattie about the real-world consequences patients face when longstanding medical relationships are disrupted: the stress of navigating dozens of calls to the insurance company, the fear of losing life-saving treatments, and the confusion and frustration that arises when medical procedures are inexplicably disrupted by insurance negotiations.  

Together, the pair discuss what happens when access to trusted specialists becomes uncertain, how patients can advocate for themselves in times of hardship, and why continuity of care remains so critical—especially for those with chronic medical conditions. 

If you’re a Mount Sinai patient with Anthem insurance and need more information, please visit this website: keepmountsinai.org 

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🎧 Subscribe to The Vitals and explore more podcast programming from Mount Sinai for expert conversations on the biggest issues in medicine, research, and patient care: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCT7BA-HcHliU8QIXyuk_74L_uH0gyKGt

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