How Surest helped one woman navigate a breast cancer diagnosis

During a regularly scheduled mammogram in February of 2019, Lakesha Wise was given a diagnosis she never expected to hear. She had breast cancer.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be a terrifying and stressful journey. In a time when everything feels chaotic and overwhelming, having the ability to plan ahead and understand all your options can be something of a blessing. Lakesha said that was her experience with her Surest® health plan. 

“Having the ability to plan my care was a key factor in providing peace of mind for what was to come,” Lakesha said.

The Surest health plan offers cancer care coverage and resources to help, following a diagnosis. The Surest Clinical Advocacy team is also available to help with:

• Understanding important decisions about treatments
• Identifying quality in-network doctors and facilities
• Sharing preferences for care with doctors and other specialists on a care team
• Navigating Surest benefits to help understand the costs for services
• Learning about resources and support groups with other people going through a similar challenge
• Lakesha underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

“Surest was the reason why I feel confident in what I see in the mirror,” she said. “If I didn’t have Surest, I would not have had my revision surgeries because it would’ve been too financially overwhelming.”

Using the Surest app or website, consumers can consider the cost of their care options in advance and review variable copays, which may help people select care providers who are evaluated for safety, cost-efficiency and effectiveness. This upfront pricing also helps avoid billing surprises that, with a traditional health plan, might show up weeks or months after a service or procedure.

The result is that members, like Lakesha, may be able to pay 54% less out of pocket and receive more effective treatments from high-efficiency care providers. Using the Surest tools, Lakesha was able to plan for her treatment and care costs in advance.

“Any other plan, I would’ve been waiting to be billed,” she said. “So just knowing that ahead of time, this is what I need to pay, this is what I need to prepare for, and that’s it. The peace of mind that I got from that was just priceless.”

For more about the Surest health plan.