When drug after drug failed, a teen hoped brain surgery could fix her daily seizures. Insurance denied it.
Cambrie Sharp, a 13-year-old girl, has struggled with daily seizures since she was four years old. Despite trying over 20 anti-seizure medications, her condition remains uncontrolled, leading her doctors to recommend deep brain stimulation surgery. However, her insurance denied coverage for the procedure, citing lack of FDA approval for pediatric use, leaving her family in a difficult position regarding treatment options.
- ▪Cambrie Sharp has experienced daily, uncontrolled seizures since she was four years old.
- ▪Her insurance, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, denied coverage for deep brain stimulation surgery, which her doctors recommended.
- ▪The treatment can cost up to $100,000, making it unaffordable without insurance coverage.
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Since she was 6 years old, Cambrie Sharp has had daily, uncontrolled seizures.Vanessa Valadez for NBC NewsCost of DenialWhen drug after drug failed, a teen hoped brain surgery could fix her daily seizures. Insurance denied it.Several weeks after NBC News reached out to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield about the denial, the insurer changed its policy to include coverage of deep brain stimulation for certain children. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 27, 2026, 6:04 PM EDTBy Ramon Taylor, Marina Kopf and Maggie VespaBrandi Sharp tends to find herself restless at night. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Her 13-year-old daughter, Cambrie, has uncontrolled seizures.
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