After decades of caring for Baltimore’s poor and uninsured children, Dr. Michael L. Zollicoffer, a second-generation Baltimore pediatrician, is himself refused treatment for an ever-advancing cancer diagnosis based on an outdated and unresponsive federal Medicare policy.
His plight is reflective of thousands of denials received by older adults annually from America’s so-called health care safety net, leading to worsening conditions and even death the most extreme cases. The campaign underscores a broader, troubling issue facing older Americans.
Despite Medicare’s role as a safety net for seniors, many are being denied access to critical, life-saving treatments due to limitations in coverage. According to recent studies:
- Approximately 10% of Medicare beneficiaries experience delays or denials of care due to coverage issues.
- The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older face financial hardships from medical costs, often forcing families into fundraising efforts or debt.
Friends and former patients are racing against the clock to support Zollicoffer in efforts to raise the nearly $200,000 estimated to meet urgent medical expenses through a GoFundMe campaign.
Meanwhile, Zollicoffer, or “Dr. Z” as he is affectionately known by his patients, has agreed to disregard his right to privacy regarding the personal financial challenge he is facing to shed light on this burgeoning national crisis.
“While I never thought I’d be in the position where I’d need this kind of help myself, I’m so grateful that so many that have come through my doors have turned the tables and are now helping me when I need them most. This is real humbling,” Zollicoffer said.
The GoFundMe campaign, which highlights growing concerns over gaps in health care access for seniors, has already received an overwhelming response, with over $25,000 raised within seven days, bringing the total to nearly $60,000. This GoFundMe campaign emerges amid concern over rising health care costs and record-breaking profits reported by major health care corporations.
Critics have pointed to the disconnect between the industry’s financial success and patients’ struggles to access affordable, life-saving treatments.
“Medicare’s denial of advanced cancer treatment for this patient is more than a personal tragedy — it’s a stark example of a national issue,” said Nicole Kirby, campaign spokesperson. “The system is failing too many seniors who need critical care, leaving families with nowhere to turn but to the generosity of their communities.”
“Every day, seniors in this country are forced to fight not only for their lives but also against a system that prioritizes profits over patients,” said family friend, Michael Haynie. “This campaign is a call to action — not just for one patient, but for the millions of families facing similar struggles.” he continued.
The campaign is being shared widely across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X to spark further conversation around health care equity and the need for systemic change. Supporters are encouraged to contribute, share the message, and advocate for improved access to care.
“Health care is a right, not a privilege,” emphasized Mr. Haynie.“No one – especially seniors—should face life-or-death decisions based on their ability to pay.”
For more information, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-dr-mike-zollicoffers-cancer-battle.
I came across this story as I was starting to research Medicare for myself, and have been trying to find out more information as to whether this was in any way preventable.. My first thought was he probably had a Medicare Advantage plan that denied treatment. But then I read more and find out his Part B had been terminated, but I can’t find any explanation for why or how he was not aware of this. Part B has a monthly premium. How was he now aware his Part B was terminated? Was he paying his premiums? If he was paying his monthly premiums, how can they say it was terminated? If he wasn’t paying his premiums, how was he not aware of that?