Apple News Today - Episode Summary

Title: Few People Appeal Rejected Medical Claims. It’s Often Worth It
Host: Shemitah Basu
Release Date: February 20, 2025

1. U.S. President Donald Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: 00:05 - 02:27

In the episode's opening segment, Shemitah Basu discusses President Donald Trump's surprising assertion that Ukraine is partly to blame for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking during a press conference on February 20, 2025, Trump claimed responsibility for not ending the war earlier, stating, “Three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal for Ukraine that would have given him almost all of the land” [01:07]. This rhetoric has further strained relations between the U.S., NATO allies, and Ukraine, especially as both Ukraine and NATO officials were already dismayed by their exclusion from recent peace negotiations held in Saudi Arabia.

President Trump's comments included an incorrect statement about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's domestic approval rating, falsely citing it at 4%, whereas recent polls indicate it stands above 50%. In response, President Zelenskyy accused Trump of echoing Kremlin propaganda, stating, “We understand that it is coming from Russia... unfortunately lives in this disinformation” [02:06].

Furthermore, retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump's envoy for Ukraine and Russia, arrived in Kyiv to engage with Zelenskyy, aiming to understand Ukraine's needs for peace talks with Russia. Concurrently, NATO convened its second emergency meeting of the week, addressing challenges to the alliance's foundational principles established in 1949, amid growing doubts about U.S. leadership among European members.

2. Legal Turmoil Surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams

Timestamp: 02:27 - 07:18

Shemitah Basu shifts focus to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who remains in his position despite mounting calls for his resignation following the Department of Justice (DOJ) decision to drop federal corruption charges against him. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Beauvais justified the DOJ's withdrawal by alleging that the prosecution was politicized and that the case was a distraction from Adams' duties, including cooperation with former President Trump's immigration policies [02:27].

The DOJ's unusual courtroom strategy, with Beauvais appearing alone without support from lower-level prosecutors, has sparked significant backlash. Notably, eight DOJ veterans and most of the Public Integrity Division's senior leadership have resigned in protest. Concurrently, Adams faces internal turmoil, evidenced by the resignation of four top deputies from his administration.

Katie Honan, a senior reporter for City, an online news outlet covering New York, provides insights into the unprecedented nature of the situation. She explains that Governor Kathy Hochul possesses the authority to remove Adams under the state charter and is considering this option. Additionally, the City Council can form an “Inability Committee” — a novel and never-before-utilized body — to potentially oust the mayor [05:41 - 06:21].

Honan attributes Adams' reluctance to resign to his political ties with President Trump, who is actively seeking to have the charges dropped to maintain his influence in New York City politics. With Mayoral primaries scheduled for June and the general election in November, Adams has hinted at the possibility of switching parties to run as a Republican if he remains in office. Honan remains cautiously optimistic about Adams' political viability, noting his effective campaigning and relatable messaging, which resonates with many voters [06:34 - 07:18].

3. The Importance of Appealing Denied Health Insurance Claims

Timestamp: 07:18 - 10:44

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the often-overlooked process of appealing denied health insurance claims. Basu highlights that while health insurers process over 5 billion claims annually, approximately 17% are denied, equating to around $850 million each year. Despite less than 1% of patients appealing these denials, research indicates a high success rate of about 75% for those who do [07:18 - 08:07].

Julie Wernow from the Wall Street Journal elaborates on the barriers preventing individuals from appealing denied claims. These include feelings of futility, intimidating paperwork, misplaced trust in insurers' decisions, and the overwhelming stress associated with medical issues [08:01 - 08:29]. Wernow shares the poignant story of Emily Beck, a young girl who developed an inflammatory brain disease following a COVID-19 infection. Her family's struggle to secure coverage for a necessary and costly infusion therapy underscores the emotional and financial burdens faced by many [08:29 - 10:25].

Through persistent appeals and comprehensive documentation from healthcare providers, the Beck family ultimately succeeded in obtaining the necessary treatment from UnitedHealthcare, a victory that brought immense relief and hope [09:49 - 10:25]. Wernow offers practical tips for those considering an appeal: thoroughly research insurance coverage, meticulously document all communications, and act swiftly to meet appeal deadlines [10:25 - 10:44].

4. Additional News Highlights

Timestamp: 10:44 - 12:15

Shemitah Basu briefly touches on several other pressing news stories:

• Hostage Remains Returned by Hamas: Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including young children and the elderly, as part of an accelerated exchange with Israel. This follows the earlier release of their husband and father, Yarden Bibas [11:16 - 12:15].

• Immigration Updates: New ICE data reveals that 41% of detentions under the Trump administration involve individuals without criminal convictions or pending charges. Additionally, the administration has ceased a program providing legal representation to nearly 26,000 immigrant children, many of whom are unaccompanied or lack legal guardians [12:15].

• Hockey Championship Rematch: The United States and Canada prepare for a rematch in the four nations Face Off Tournament after a chaotic initial game marked by multiple fights. The Athletic provides analysis and predictions for the championship showdown [12:15].

5. Upcoming Features and Conclusion

Timestamp: 12:15 - End

Basu concludes the episode by promoting upcoming content available on the Apple News app, including a narrated article from The Atlantic examining the significant social shift of reduced interstate and intracity migration among Americans over the past fifty years. She encourages listeners to stay tuned for future episodes and additional stories [12:15 - End].

Key Takeaways

• Trump's Blame on Ukraine: President Trump's recent remarks have exacerbated tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and NATO allies, with significant implications for international relations and peace negotiations.

• Mayor Adams' Legal Crisis: New York City's Mayor Eric Adams faces unprecedented political and legal challenges following the DOJ's controversial decision to drop corruption charges, leading to significant administrative resignations and potential removal from office.

• Health Insurance Appeals: Despite high success rates, the vast majority of denied health insurance claims go unappealed due to emotional, logistical, and informational barriers. Persistent appeals can lead to favorable outcomes, as demonstrated by the Beck family's experience.

• Broader News Coverage: The episode also provides updates on international hostage situations, immigration policy changes, and upcoming sports events, ensuring listeners are well-informed on a variety of critical issues.

For more detailed reporting and additional stories, listeners are encouraged to visit the Apple News app and explore the latest articles and features.