Zephyrhills resident Madeline Rogers was just trying to live her best Florida life—walking her dog, enjoying the sunshine, and not having her colon burst like a water balloon. But life had other plans.
“Your Guts Could Explode”
After a brutal 2022 diverticulitis attack (which she describes as “eating a broken glass bottle and letting it shred your insides”), doctors warned her: “Hey, if you don’t get this fixed, your colon might go full ‘Florida Man’ and detonate like a firework.”
So, naturally, she scheduled surgery. But in true Florida vs. Insurance fashion, her insurer hit her with the ultimate denial trifecta:
- “Nah.”
- “Still nah.”
- “LOL, no.”
Undeterred, Rogers paid $26,000 upfront—just to get admitted—because nothing says “healthcare system” like coughing up a down payment before someone slices you open.
The $150K ‘Surprise’ (That Wasn’t a Surprise)
Post-surgery, the insurance company sent her an Explanation of Benefits that basically read: “Congrats on not dying! Here’s a bill for $150K. Also, thoughts and prayers.”
Rogers, channeling the spirit of every Floridian who’s ever fought an alligator for a Publix sub, launched two appeals and a peer-to-peer review. The response? Crickets.
Until…
The I-Team Steps In (Because Apparently, That’s What It Takes)
Two days after the ABC Action News I-Team got involved, the lady’s insurance company suddenly remembered they do cover life-saving surgeries. Shocking!
Their official statement? “We take our responsibility seriously.” (Translation: “We take our responsibility seriously… when reporters call us out.”)
The Moral of the Story?
If your insurance denies you, just remember: A Florida woman fought back—and won. Now, if you’ll excuse Madeline, she has a dog to walk and a colon that’s not plotting mutiny.
Stay strong, Florida. And maybe keep a reporter on speed dial.