A family in Redwood City, California, has encountered unexpected financial difficulties after their daughter participated in a COVID-19 research study that they believed would be free. Maria Fraboni’s daughter, who contracted COVID-19 in 2022, received a call from Stanford Health Care’s Infusion Center shortly after her positive test result. The call explained that Stanford was conducting a study aimed at reducing COVID symptoms, adverse side effects, and long-term risks. The family was assured that the study, which involved three transfusions, would not incur any costs.
However, the Fraboni family was shocked to receive two bills from Stanford totaling over $6,900 several months later. Maria Fraboni expressed her distress, stating, “My heart was just breaking… I mean it’s a good chunk of money!” In an effort to resolve the issue, she contacted Stanford Health Care, where a patient relations manager indicated that the charges were attributed to the patient’s deductible.
Fraboni was taken aback by this explanation, especially since the treatment was initially presented as being free. Further complicating matters, an email from the manager indicated that under state law at the time, the COVID treatment should have been fully covered by their health plan. “She did confirm it should’ve been free. She told me that my daughter should file the claim with Cigna,” Fraboni recounted.
Despite submitting the necessary paperwork to Cigna on two occasions, Fraboni reported receiving no resolution. She described a frustrating experience characterized by unanswered calls and unresponsive emails. “I kept calling Cigna… I couldn’t get a live person,” she said.
In response to inquiries regarding the situation, Stanford Health Care stated that their patient relations team was actively working with the family. Fraboni’s daughter, facing mounting pressure from a collection agency, opted to pay a reduced bill of over $3,900 to alleviate the stress of the situation.
Cigna Healthcare later clarified their position, stating, “While California law required full coverage for COVID-19 testing and certain preventive services without cost-sharing in April 2022, it did not mandate full coverage for therapeutics, such as Veklury, at that time.” They noted that it was unfortunate some clinical trial teams may have provided inaccurate information about coverage.
Nonetheless, a notice from the California Department of Insurance contradicts Cigna’s statement, affirming that health insurers regulated by the state were indeed required to cover the treatment without charge at the time of the transfusions. “For me, it’s not about the money, it’s just the principle… her trying to do a nice thing that just turned into this nightmare,” Fraboni remarked.
After further communications, Stanford Health Care informed the family that they would process a refund for the amount paid, as a courtesy. They indicated that the family should receive notification within the next few weeks, confirming that there is no outstanding bill with the institution.
In an age where clinical trials are crucial for advancing medical knowledge, this family’s experience highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls that can arise within the healthcare system, particularly amid a pandemic.
