Patient Dies by Suicide After Insurance Delays Prevented COPD Medication

A patient's suicide linked to insurance delays in COPD medication. Explore the healthcare crisis and policy challenges.

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Kyle, Texas — A man with chronic lung disease died by suicide after his prescribed medication was delayed due to an insurance issue, according to a report from KFF Health News.

Kenney Blewett, who had lived with lung disease for over a decade, experienced worsening symptoms this year that left him struggling to breathe. His wife, Cindy, described the flare-ups as the most terrifying moments of his life, which became more frequent and severe over time.

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Blewett’s pulmonologist prescribed a new medication in June to manage his COPD, but the prescription faced a delay due to an insurance-related holdup at Walgreens. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the medication was never filled, and Blewett died by suicide just days later, leaving his family questioning whether timely access to treatment could have changed the outcome.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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