BUFFALO, N.Y. — If it were not for the Zoll LifeVest, Chris Walczak says he would not be here today.

“I am so grateful,” said Walczak, a father of two from Hamburg.

He went to Mercy Hospital for heart failure last November and was seen by Jonathan Zirna, a physician assistant with Trinity Cardiology.

After discovering Walczak had nonischemic cardiomyopathy — a condition that makes the heart weak, but not due to blockages — Zirna recommended the Zoll LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator that costs around $3,000 a month to rent for a recommended three months.

Walczak’s insurance, Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield, did not cover the device. Joy Auch, director of communications, told Spectrum News 1 in a statement:

"Because of federal privacy laws, we are not able to discuss the specifics of any individual's case or even confirm whether an individual is a member. 

Coverage for certain devices, including a cardioverter defibrillator, must meet specific clinical criteria as outlined in our corporate medical policy in order be covered. This is to ensure that the device is safe, necessary, and medically appropriate for the individual. 

When members have a concern, we encourage them to call us directly at the number on their member ID card. In general, consumers in New York State have the right to appeal an insurance coverage denial, including external review. We always encourage people to take advantage of those rights."

Before Walczak left the hospital, Catholic Health and Zoll had come together to make it possible for him to wear it home. In February, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that would have killed him without the vest.

Zirna and Walczak said they encourage all health insurance companies to cover the LifeVest for heart patients, despite the specifics of their condition, if it is recommended by physicians.

“I’ve seen it many times, but I’ve had four of my own patients in the past six years have sudden cardiac death and this vest was the reason why they were able to be alive,” said Zirna.