His Doctor Said Watch. Insurers Said 'Untreated Cancer.' — SkimNews
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- Eight life insurers rejected Chicago journalist Howard Wolinsky in 2013, citing "untreated cancer" for his Gleason 6 (Grade Group 1) prostate cancer that his University of Chicago urologist had recommended monitoring via active surveillance with PSA tests, biopsies, and MRIs.
- Wolinsky went from paying $184/month for $600,000 in term life to paying the same premium for just $100,000 in universal life coverage.
- Two Gleason 6-patient insurance brokers assessed a hypothetical 64-year-old with a new diagnosis and prior heart attack and estimated he could land in Table 6 — roughly 150% above standard rates, turning a $1,000 annual premium into $2,500.
- One broker said insurers might postpone underwriting decisions 3-5 years waiting for stable PSA results, during which the applicant ages into higher rates.
- One broker said insurers "haven't caught up" to the medical consensus that Gleason 6 prostate cancer rarely escapes the prostate with stable PSA.
- Wolinsky brought the insurance problem to the American Urological Association's Insurance Roundtable earlier in 2025.
Why it matters: Men on active surveillance for Gleason 6 prostate cancer can lose standard-rate life insurance — brokers estimate 150% rate hikes or 3-5 year postponements for those following their oncologist's advice. The underwriting label "untreated cancer" financially penalizes compliance with the standard of care.
Ask SkimNews
