Scripps Says Blue Shield Cancer Treatment Coverage Decision Will Not Affect New Therapy Center

On Thursday, Scripps Health said that a recent decision by Blue Shield of California to reduce coverage of proton beam cancer treatment will not challenge the financial viability of the organization's $230 million proton therapy center set to open in October. Blue Shield said there is no evidence that the costly therapy improves outcomes. Scripps officials said that the proton therapy center is not likely to be a financial liability because it is fully funded by health group Advanced Particle Therapy. They added that they will make proton treatment recommendations to patients on a case-by-case basis.

• "Scripps: Proton Center Unchallenged by Blue Cross Move" (Sisson, U-T San Diego, 8/29).