UnitedHealthcare said inpatient brain injury rehabilitation was not medically necessary and offered a skilled nursing facility instead, according to a denial letter.
UnitedHealthcare denied coverage for rehabilitation therapy for Peyton Alvarez, labeling him "Rancho Level 3 but medically stable" and deeming inpatient care not medically necessary.
In April, Peyton, a mechanic for PSA Airlines, suffered a traumatic brain injury after crashing his motorcycle on Perimeter Road while wearing a helmet.
The Shepherd Center accepted Peyton for intensive rehabilitation, but UnitedHealthcare suggested a skilled nursing facility as a "middle ground," arguing physician approval does not guarantee medical necessity.
Trina Alvarez, his mother, vowed "I can't stop fighting for my son," while the family explores out-of-pocket payment options for treatment.
According to the International Brain Injury Association, one million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries annually, with 80,000 inheriting related disabilities reflecting the significant long-term support required.