A California breast cancer patient whose insurance company Health Net of California stopped paying for her chemotherapy treatments before they were completed has been awarded $9 million.

The ruling judge termed the actions of the insurer, Health Net of California, "reprehensible," just as the Los Angeles city attorney announced another lawsuit against Health Net on charges it illegally canceled claims from about 1,600 patients, according to the Associated Press.

The cancer patient, Patsy Bates, 52, had her chemotherapy payment benefits cut off by Health Net in 2004 after she had undergone only two treatments, the wire service reported. She was left owing her doctors almost $130,000. The insurance company had an incentive program for its reviewers, rewarding them for rejecting or eliminating benefit payments, the AP reported.

What you must do is be sure that you are not being bamboozled by your health insurance company. Remember the insurance company is in business to make money and minimize rates to their clients- namely your employer.The company (as clearly seen in this case) is not necessarily interested in keeping you alive. You might cost too much!

Smokers beware! Keeping you alive might cost too much! In the United Kingdom there are already hospitals that will not cover certain treatments for smokers as if smokers don't try to stop!