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Family Sues Aetna Over Denied Surgery for Daughter

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Aetna denied coverage for 12-year-old Vivian Hukriede's vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery, labeling it experimental and lacking long-term safety data.
The family, after multiple appeals, cites Vivian's pain and daily activity limits, with a $100,000 procedure whose timing is closing.
They filed a Colorado lawsuit to overturn the denial against Aetna.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vertebral body tethering in 2019, but many insurers, including Aetna, remain hesitant.

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Story summary

Aetna denied coverage for 12-year-old Vivian Hukriede's vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery, labeling it experimental and lacking long-term safety data.
The family, after multiple appeals, cites Vivian's pain and daily activity limits, with a $100,000 procedure whose timing is closing.
They filed a Colorado lawsuit to overturn the denial against Aetna.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vertebral body tethering in 2019, but many insurers, including Aetna, remain hesitant.