Dad with Stage 4 Cancer Dies After Insurance Denies Tumor-Shrinking Treatment

Eric Tennant's family says the $50,000 out-of-pocket cost for the recommended histotripsy procedure was deemed 'not medically necessary' by his insurance provider.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:29pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structure of a human liver, with a large, glowing tumor visible against the darker surrounding tissue, conveying the medical challenges faced by the late Eric Tennant.An X-ray view of the tumor that ultimately claimed the life of Eric Tennant, whose insurance provider denied coverage for a potentially life-extending treatment.Bridgeport Today

Eric Tennant, a 58-year-old mining safety instructor from Bridgeport, West Virginia, died in September 2025 after his health insurance provider denied coverage for a tumor-shrinking histotripsy treatment recommended by his oncologist. The treatment could have potentially extended Tennant's life, but the $50,000 out-of-pocket cost was deemed 'not medically necessary' by his insurance. Multiple appeals were unsuccessful, and Tennant's condition worsened until he was placed on hospice care.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges patients and their families face when insurance companies deny coverage for potentially life-saving treatments, even when recommended by medical professionals. The practice of 'prior authorization' has been widely criticized for delaying or denying care, with some studies showing it has led to serious adverse events, disabilities, and even deaths.

The details

In early 2025, after more than two years of chemotherapy, Tennant's doctors determined he was a good candidate for histotripsy, a new treatment that could target the tumors in his liver with ultrasound waves instead of surgery. However, Tennant's insurance provider, the Public Employees Insurance Agency of West Virginia which partners with UnitedHealthcare, denied the request, stating the treatment was 'not medically necessary.' Multiple appeals were unsuccessful, and the out-of-pocket cost for the Tennant family would have been around $50,000.

  • In early 2025, Tennant's doctors determined he was a good candidate for histotripsy.
  • Last year, Tennant was placed on hospice care.
  • Tennant died in September 2025.

The players

Eric Tennant

A 58-year-old mining safety instructor from Bridgeport, West Virginia, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer that attacked his bile ducts before spreading to other parts of his body.

Rebecca Tennant

Eric Tennant's wife, who heard about the histotripsy treatment and brought the idea to her husband's doctor.

Public Employees Insurance Agency of West Virginia

The health insurance provider that initially denied coverage for the histotripsy treatment, stating it was 'not medically necessary.'

UnitedHealthcare

The insurance company that partners with the Public Employees Insurance Agency of West Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“He wasn't afraid to die, but he didn't want to die. And you could tell the last day that he was fighting it big time.”

— Rebecca Tennant, Eric Tennant's wife

What’s next

After the initial denial, the Tennant family briefly considered tapping their retirement savings to cover the out-of-pocket cost for the histotripsy treatment. However, a few months later, after KFF and NBC News contacted the health insurance agencies with questions about the denial, the decision was reversed. By that point, it was too late, as Eric's condition had worsened and he was no longer a candidate for the treatment.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issues with prior authorization and insurance denials for potentially life-saving treatments, even when recommended by medical professionals. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare system to ensure patients receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.