CHARLESTON, S. C. (WCIV) -- Raymond Johnson's story sparked a national debate and he is not alone. A North Charleston man says he too battled breast cancer without health insurance, and was denied medicaid through a federally funded program for breast cancer patients because he's a man.
Salim Hasan says he was taking a shower two years ago when noticed something strange. "Just when I was toweling off that night something said look in the mirror and I saw this double nipple staring back at me," he said.
Days later, Hasan was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. He had a job and health insurance during chemotherapy and surgery, but when he was about to undergo radiation, he lost both. So he applied through the state for a federally funded medicaid program for breast cancer patients. The letter he got back said he was denied.
"All I can say is I was denied on the basis of being a man," said Hasan. He couldn't believe his eyes, and was so angered that he ripped up the letter.
Fast forward from 2009 to 2011-- and once again Hasan is stunned. He saw the face of 26 year old Raymond Johnson. ABC News 4 first brought you Johnson's story last week, as he underwent chemotherapy. He has a job in construction, but can't afford health insurance. He applied to the same medicaid breast cancer program with the same outcome. He was denied because he's a man.
"Right now I'm just stuck with these bills and trying to find a way," said Johnson.
Today Salim Hasan's tumor is gone. Like Raymond Johnson he received care and financial help from Roper Saint Francis Hospital. The father of 14 year old twins feels blessed, but is angry someone else has to go through what he did.
"How much longer is it going to correct this issue?" said Hasan.
ABC News 4 has reached out to several lawmakers since our story first aired. Congressman Tim Scott's office says he is aware of the situation and is trying to come up with a solution.
Senator Lindsey Graham's office told us last week they may be able to help if Raymond reaches out to them personally.
Congressman Jim Clyburn represents Raymond's district in Cross. ABC News 4 has made calls to his office, but have yet to hear back.
We did speak with Sandra Park, a staff attorney for the National ACLU Women's Rights Project. She calls the federal law that created the program discriminatory. "The federal law ignores the fact that men get breast cancer too." She also says it violates the Affordable Care Act, meant to prevent discrimination in health care.
Salim Hasan and wife Barbara says change is overdue. "I hope and pray that they will change this so that everyone will have a chance," said Barbara Hasan.
If you would like to help give support to Raymond Johnson, you can call Susan Appelbaum at the Charleston Cancer Center at 843-576-1353.
