Mark Cuban cuts heart transplant survivor’s drug bill to $300

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has stepped in to help a heart transplant survivor afford anti-rejection medication after her insurance made the drug financially out of reach. Payton Herres, 26, who received a heart transplant as a preteen, had been paying about $180 for a 90-day supply of everolimus. Last year, her insurer Elevance Health stopped covering the drug, and when coverage was later restored, the cost jumped to $1,000 for the same supply.

Herres shared her plight on Facebook, and the post went viral. It gained renewed attention after a story linked her to Mary Cutter, whose son's donated heart went to Herres. Cutter offered to pay for the medication. Cuban reacted on LinkedIn, calling the situation 'beyond incredible.' His pharmacy now supplies the drug for about $300 for a 90-day supply, with a nonprofit covering the cost.

Herres' case highlights broader problems with US health insurance. A 2024 IQVIA study found 70% of commercially insured patients were initially denied coverage for at least one newly prescribed branded medicine. A Commonwealth Fund survey reported that 21% of working-age adults with private insurance had experienced a denial for doctor-recommended medical care.