Firefighter Drops Blue Shield to Get Denied Cancer Care

Ken Jones hopes switching to basic Medicare will allow him to receive immunotherapy treatment.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Veteran San Francisco firefighter Ken Jones, 71, has discontinued his insurance coverage with Blue Shield as part of a plan to receive the immunotherapy his former insurer previously denied under his Medicare Advantage plan. Jones was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last year, which his doctor believes is linked to his 17 years working as a firefighter. Jones is now enrolling in basic Medicare in hopes the federally administered insurance program will cover the cost of his immunotherapy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges firefighters and other first responders can face in getting coverage for cancer treatments, even when their illness is likely linked to occupational hazards. It also raises questions about the role of private insurers in denying potentially life-saving care and the need for greater oversight and patient advocacy.

The details

Jones, a 71-year-old veteran San Francisco firefighter, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last year. His oncologist believes the cancer is linked to Jones' 17 years of exposure to smoke and ash while on the job. Blue Shield, Jones' former insurer through his Medicare Advantage plan, previously denied coverage for the immunotherapy treatment his doctors believe could help slow the progression of his cancer. In response, Jones has decided to drop his Blue Shield coverage and enroll in basic Medicare, hoping the federal program will approve the immunotherapy.

  • Jones was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last year.
  • Blue Shield denied coverage for Jones' immunotherapy treatment.
  • Jones has now discontinued his Blue Shield coverage and enrolled in basic Medicare.

The players

Ken Jones

A 71-year-old veteran San Francisco firefighter who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last year, which his doctor believes is linked to his 17 years of exposure to smoke and ash while on the job.

Blue Shield

The private insurer that previously denied coverage for Jones' immunotherapy treatment under his Medicare Advantage plan.

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What they’re saying

“Ken Jones, who spent 17 years as a San Francisco firefighter, is asking government officials to intervene after his city-provided insurance plan declined to approve a new course of treatment Jones's oncologists believe would help slow down the progression of his stage 4 cancer.”

— Ken Jones, Veteran San Francisco Firefighter

What’s next

Jones is hopeful that by switching to basic Medicare, the federal insurance program will approve the immunotherapy treatment his doctors believe could help slow the progression of his Stage 4 lung cancer.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges first responders can face in getting coverage for cancer treatments linked to occupational hazards, and the need for greater oversight and patient advocacy when private insurers deny potentially life-saving care.