Past Contest Entries

“Just Let Me Die”

After insurance repeatedly denied a couple’s claims, one psychiatrist was their last hope.

This report examines how insurance denials can block access to mental health care, highlighted by a case in North Carolina where coverage was refused after suicide attempts. Although patients can appeal and request independent reviews, very few do. Those reviews hinge on determinations of “medical necessity,” and their decisions are final and binding for insurers.

Place:

Honorable Mention

Year:

  • 2025

Category:

  • Consumer/Feature (large)

Affiliation:

ProPublica

Reporter:

Duaa Eldeib