“Euphoria” actor Eric Dane said he is grateful and privileged to have financial stability amid his ongoing battle with ALS, but warned that many other American families are not.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum spoke at U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hearing to discuss the Monday, June 23 announcement that several health insurance companies plan to simplify and reduce prior authorizations over the next year and a half.
UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente were among the companies that aim to streamline the common process of vetting requests before allowing doctors to bill for medical services or prescriptions.
In April, the 52-year-old San Francisco native revealed he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. At Monday’s press conference, Dane applauded the insurance industry for coming together to offer other ALS patients “more certainty, faster answers and more hopes for recovery.”
“Some of you may know from TV shows such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ which I play a doctor, but I am here to today to speak briefly as a patient,” he said. “When that diagnosis hits and you find out that you’re sick, your life becomes filled with great uncertainty. And the worst thing we could do is add even more uncertainty for patients and their loved ones with unnecessary prior authorization.”
Prior authorization has criticized by many doctors and patients who argue the practice routinely delays or denies care, according to various surveys and government oversight reports. The newly unveiled changes could impact 257 million Americans who are covered by private commercial insurance, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans.
“Anything we can do to give patients more certainty with fewer delays is a worthwhile endeavor,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate and have the means to access great care. I am lucky. Not everyone is in the same position.”
Eric Dane says right arm has ‘completely stopped working’
Last week, Dane shared that his ALS has progressed to the point that his right arm has stopped functioning.
“I have one functioning arm,” he told Diane Sawyer on a June 16 “Good Morning America” interview. “My left side is functioning. My right side has completely stopped working.”
The actor said he expects just a few more months before “I won’t have my left hand either,” which he called “sobering.” And while he luckily has not had any issues walking, he added that he’s also “worried” about his legs.
Dane is arguably best known for playing played the plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy” on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 to 2012. He is also expected to reprise his role as Nate Jacob’s father Cal Jacobs in the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”
Contributing: Ken Alltucker and Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Eric Dane explains why he feels ‘lucky’ amid ALS battle
