What happened to Leah Kovitch after she found a tick on her leg?

Leah Kovitch, a resident of Brunswick, Maine, found a tick on her leg in late April 2025 and later developed a sore calf muscle. She sought medical attention, including a telehealth consultation and a visit to a walk-in clinic, where staff found a second tick and confirmed Lyme disease.

Why did Leah Kovitch's insurance company deny coverage for her walk-in clinic visit?

Leah Kovitch's insurer, Anthem, denied coverage for her walk-in clinic visit because she had not obtained a referral or prior authorization, as required by her plan.

How did Leah Kovitch resolve the issue with her insurance company?

After initially being denied coverage, Leah Kovitch appealed the decision and even obtained a retroactive referral from her primary care doctor. However, her appeals were unsuccessful until KFF Health News contacted Anthem, at which point the company acknowledged a "billing error" and agreed to cover the entire $238 cost of the appointment.

Home / Health / Tick Bite Leads to Insurance Denial Nightmare for Maine Woman

Tick Bite Leads to Insurance Denial Nightmare for Maine Woman

16 Nov

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Summary

Leah Kovitch's insurer denied coverage for her walk-in clinic visit after a tick bite
Clinic found a second tick and confirmed Lyme disease, but insurer refused to pay
Kovitch had to appeal the denial and eventually received a full refund

In late April 2025, Leah Kovitch, a resident of Brunswick, Maine, discovered a tick on her leg after spending time in her local meadow. By Monday, her calf muscle had become sore, prompting her to seek medical attention. Kovitch first consulted a telehealth doctor recommended by her insurance plan, who prescribed a 10-day course of doxycycline and advised her to see a doctor in person.

Later that day, Kovitch visited a nearby walk-in clinic, where staff found a second tick on her body and confirmed that one of the ticks had tested positive for Lyme disease. Clinicians then prescribed a stronger, single dose of the medication. Kovitch said the prompt treatment likely prevented her from becoming "really ill."

However, Kovitch's insurer, Anthem, denied coverage for the walk-in visit, citing a lack of prior authorization. Kovitch attempted to appeal the decision, even obtaining a retroactive referral from her primary care doctor, but her efforts were unsuccessful. It was not until KFF Health News contacted Anthem that the company acknowledged a "billing error" and agreed to cover the entire $238 cost of the appointment.