Cancer Patient Fights Insurance Over Denied At-Home Treatments

Andrew Dilldine's battle with cancer is complicated by his insurance provider's restrictions on crucial home care.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:29pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray image showing the intricate internal structure of a medical port and tubing, glowing against a dark background and conceptually representing the complex medical needs of a cancer patient whose insurance coverage is limited.An X-ray view of the medical port that provides a cancer patient's crucial at-home treatments, highlighting the complex technology that insurance providers often restrict access to.Huber Heights Today

A 47-year-old Ohio man named Andrew Dilldine is fighting his insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, over their denial of at-home treatments he needs for his cancer and other health issues. Dilldine's medical team prescribed regular nurse visits to change dressings and manage his port, but his insurance has limited these visits, forcing him to miss crucial treatments and spend thousands out-of-pocket.

Why it matters

Dilldine's story highlights the challenges many cancer patients face in navigating complex healthcare systems and insurance policies that can limit access to necessary care. His struggle raises important questions about healthcare affordability and the power dynamics between patients and insurance providers.

The details

In 2016, Dilldine's medical team devised a treatment plan that included regular IV fluid infusions administered through a port in his chest, requiring nurse visits to change dressings. Initially, his insurance covered 100 visits per year, but since 2024 he has had to constantly fight to extend these visits. The limitation has forced Dilldine to miss crucial treatments, adding to his already heavy burden. He has spent $15,000 out-of-pocket for uncovered treatments, leading him and his son to sell personal belongings to make ends meet.

  • Dilldine's treatment plan was established in 2016.
  • His insurance covered 100 visits per year until 2024.
  • Since 2024, Dilldine has been in a constant struggle to extend his insurance coverage for the necessary nurse visits.

The players

Andrew Dilldine

A 47-year-old man from Huber Heights, Ohio who is battling multiple health issues including lymphoma, carcinoid cancer, kidney injuries, Bell's Palsy, and sepsis.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Dilldine's insurance provider that has restricted coverage for the at-home treatments he needs.

Andrew Dilldine Jr.

Dilldine's young son who has had to sell his own toys to help his father make ends meet due to the financial burden of the uncovered treatments.

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What they’re saying

“I'm tired of the fight. I should be focusing on beating cancer, but instead, I'm spending hours on the phone, unsure if my treatments will be covered.”

— Andrew Dilldine, Cancer Patient

What’s next

Dilldine plans to continue advocating for his insurance coverage and exploring options to ensure he receives the at-home treatments his medical team has prescribed.

The takeaway

Dilldine's story highlights the need for greater transparency and patient advocacy within the healthcare system, as well as reforms to ensure cancer patients can access the care they need without facing financial ruin or having to fight their insurance providers.