After more than 40 years of hard work, John and his wife, Anne, were looking forward to the same things many people hope for in retirement: spending time with their children and 10 grandchildren, traveling, and enjoying hobbies.
As they transitioned into their Medicare years, they quickly learned what many retirees do: navigating Medicare can feel like a full-time job. After spending their careers with employer-sponsored insurance, suddenly they were the ones responsible for choosing coverage. They spent a year with another Medicare Advantage plan before that plan discontinued coverage in their area. The choice of where to go next was simple.
“Select Health has been our provider for many, many years,” John says. “We were very familiar with them and happy to get back to participating under a Select Health Medicare Advantage plan.”
A life-altering diagnosis
In April 2024, Anne went in for a routine annual mammogram. Neither she nor John expected anything other than the usual “all clear.” But a call came and additional imaging was needed. Then a biopsy. And then the news no one wants to hear.
Anne had breast cancer.
“In an instant, we were in uncharted waters,” John recalls. “We’ve never been there or done that.”
The logistical questions started flooding in. “Where do we go for care? How do we find all of the right doctors in-network that will work together? How does this all fit?”
The couple lived only a few miles from Intermountain Medical Center, so it made sense to choose doctors that were close to home and part of their plan network. They began to meet with surgeons and oncologists to establish treatment plans and care.
Anne’s six months of weekly chemotherapy infusions started within a few weeks. John recalls it being a difficult and challenging time. “We didn't know where she was going, how she would deal with it, or how we would handle it,” he says. “But each week, we just went through the process.” Those first six months went as well as they could.
But when she started the second regimen with a change in chemo drugs, Anne faced some scary complications. She developed blood clots in her lungs, and with an already compromised immune system, had to be hospitalized for more than a week. Her team of oncologists collaborated with thrombologists to determine the best course of action.
For several days, he says they wondered if they’d ever get to the end of this scary complication. But Anne was strong, and she “bounced through.”
Back to the treatment plan
After her blood clot scare, Anne resumed chemo.
John remarks that Anne was a popular patient with the infusion nurses. “My wife has a positive personality, and when the nurses saw my wife coming and they'd say, ‘We want Anne! We want Anne!’” He says, “They all wanted to be the nurse to infuse Anne because she has such a positive attitude—the nurses just loved her.”
After Anne completed chemotherapy, she took a month to regain strength before undergoing surgery at LDS Hospital with a breast cancer surgeon. Recovery was followed by 40 days of radiation therapy—five days a week.
But Anne stayed positive, pushed through the pain, and now she’s in recovery mode.
Today, scans and imaging are clear. Anne meets with her oncologist quarterly and will gradually shift to less frequent follow-ups over the next several years.
Their experience with health insurance
While Anne battled cancer, John says he didn’t have to worry about coordinating treatments and approvals with their insurance company.
“We never had to worry about any of the bills, any of the questioning, no resistance from Select Health to question any of the billing processes or procedures, " he recalls.
Like many families experiencing major health events, they hit their annual out-of-pocket maximums each year.
“Some people spend their retirement money on cruises,” John explains. “We spent our cruise money on healthcare costs until we reached the out-of-pocket maximums. But what I have is a wife that’s in good health. It’s a small price to pay.”
What life looks like today
Today, John and Anne are back to enjoying retirement. Between grandchildren’s sports games and recitals, volunteer work, and consulting, life is full again.
Looking back, John expresses gratitude for Anne’s care team and the having a health plan they could trust.
“We couldn’t be happier with the care we received and not having to worry about how we’re going to pay for things,” he says. “The Select Health plan was excellent in providing both information and coverage in Anne’s case.”
Find a health plan that works for you
When life takes an unexpected turn, make sure your health insurance plan is on your side. From Medicaid to employer plans, Select Health offers health insurance plans for folks in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho. Review our health insurance plans to see available options.
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The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
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