Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers must cover individuals regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, some insurance plans are not bound by the ACA’s protections for consumers.

Lisa Brundridge encountered this issue firsthand. She was shocked when her health insurance provider denied coverage citing a pre-existing condition as the reason. This situation unfolded as part of a broader issue in the realm of insurance in America.

Following a surgery to remove a spinal tumor, which was proceeding successfully, Brundridge received distressing news. Her health insurance declined to cover the costs associated with the operation and the necessary medical tests, totaling nearly half a million dollars. Such denials can leave patients in overwhelming financial distress, highlighting a critical issue within the healthcare system.

This account is part of NBC News’s series, “The Cost of Denial,” which investigates insurance practices in the U.S. If you face challenges with unexpected expenses or coverage denials across health, home, or auto insurance, contact them at [email protected].