The following statement was submitted to KMBC Friday:

"All of us at Coventry share a deep concern for Nathan Crabtree and his family. The treatment proposed is unproven and deemed experimental, a position re-affirmed by six different, independent, cancer specialists that evaluated this request. The family's health insurance policy, like most employer-provided policies, does not include coverage for experimental treatment.

We are saddened as well by the story about Tracy Pierce that aired (Thursday) night, but also disturbed by its many inaccuracies. The final benefit determination was made by the family's employer, a community-based hospital system, which is self-funded. As with any self-funded employer, benefits are established by, and final determinations are made by, the employer. We offer our sincere condolences to the family.

Both of these stories illustrate the challenges associated with experimental and investigational treatments, which are among the most difficult matters employers, health insurers, and our society face every day."

Francis S. Soistman
Executive Vice President
Coventry Health Care, Inc.