Kenney Blewett, a 68‑year‑old resident of Kyle, Texas, died by suicide in June after delays in receiving a prescribed inhaled medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Blewett had long struggled with COPD, a condition affecting 16 million Americans that was linked to decades of smoking. He had recently lost 45 pounds and was rarely leaving home, with flare‑ups becoming more frequent earlier that year. His doctor wrote a prescription for a new inhaled drug to improve breathing, but the medication was not filled immediately. An email from Walgreens explained that an “insurance issue” was causing the delay.
Blewett was covered by Medicare, with an optional Part D plan through Wellcare Value Script and a Medigap plan via Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The drug was reportedly covered through Medicare Part B, yet there was no record of the prescription being billed. When his wife called Walgreens, an employee said the prescription required prior authorization, but it was unclear which insurer needed approval. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas declined to discuss specifics.
The case highlights a broader problem: nearly 70 percent of adults view insurance delays as a major issue, and 90 percent of doctors say prior authorization can impede care. While insurers pledged reforms in June 2025 and United Healthcare announced a 30 percent reduction in prior authorization requirements, the American Medical Association reports that more than a quarter of physicians have seen adverse events linked to the process. The American Health Insurance Plans organization acknowledges that the fragmented system still needs improvement. For those in the U.S. needing mental‑health support, 988 is a free, confidential crisis line available 24/7.
