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His insurer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, denied the claim, saying the ride was for "non-emergent transportation."

Despite multiple appeals and a letter from his surgeon, the denial has been repeatedly upheld by the State Health Benefits Commission.

Advocates say insurance denials often disproportionately affect people with disabilities, who face more barriers to care.

Days after Ed Heaton had surgery to repair his broken shoulder in May 2023, he was transported from a rehab facility in Essex County to his surgeon’s office for an exam.

Because Heaton has cerebral palsy and is paraplegic, his rehab facility had booked an ambulance so he could more easily be transferred from a bed to a gurney.

Moving him onto his medical scooter using a small crane called a Hoyer

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