Eric Dane courageously addresses the critical issues of health care in Washington, D.C. as he bravely navigates his personal battle with ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The 52-year-old acclaimed actor, who recently revealed his diagnosis to the public, participated in a pivotal hearing led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to shed light on the troubling practice of health insurance companies reducing prior authorizations, which can delay necessary care.
“Some of you may recognize me from popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy where I portray a doctor, but today, I stand before you as a patient,” Eric expressed to the audience with sincerity.
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He elaborated, “When the diagnosis arrives and you learn that you’re unwell, your entire life is thrown into turmoil and uncertainty. Adding further unpredictability through unnecessary prior authorization processes for patients and their families is simply unacceptable.”
“Any initiative that can provide patients with more certainty and reduce delays in their treatment is a noble pursuit,” he emphasized. “I consider myself fortunate to have the resources to access exceptional care, but not everyone shares this privilege. I commend the insurance sector for collaborating with officials from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and HHS (Health and Human Services) in making these positive changes. Today’s discussion is dedicated to those who seek quicker answers, greater certainty, and renewed hope for recovery.”
Watch the compelling speech below.
In addition to his advocacy work, Eric recently shared news of his new relationship with the public.
The former star of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Eric Dane, participated in a significant news conference in Washington regarding the crucial topic of health insurance prior authorization. He was joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pic.twitter.com/BrmzjNTulq
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) June 24, 2025