Can Someone Be Too Old for Medical Treatment?
A patron wants to know if there are stipulations that torn tendons in her shoulder will not be treated because she is too old. She is 80 and this is what her doctor told her.
Answer
In the US you can't be denied treatment for being too old, some screenings are recommended or covered differently at certain ages, but essential treatment can't be denied. This Myth originated from a chain emails being passed around the internet. The only one who can deny treatment for a covered benefit is the insured. Insurers can deny a claim, or not pay past an allowed amount, or not pay out-of-network, but any denial can be appealed.