Their Insurance Didn’t Want to Cover This Family – Then the Audience Stepped In

Last week, Russell Cruzan II and Michelle Budnik-Nap joined Glenn on radio Monday to share an update on their son Russell Cruzan, who suffers from the same debilitating genetic condition that Charlie Gard had.

According to the Michigan couple, their insurance company didn’t want to cover the baby’s appointment with a mitochondrial specialist in Boston because Priority Health thought a nearby geneticist was sufficient for Russell’s care. Known as “Bubby,” the baby has mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, a rare degenerative genetic condition that affects organs and muscles. While there is no known medical cure, medical specialists have been able to improve quality of life for children with the condition.

The insurance company’s Facebook page blew up with lots of comments following the couple’s interview on radio Thursday. Dad Russell Cruzan had the latest update on Monday morning: Priority Health’s medical director is now handling the case, and the family is moving forward with the company to work out covering the baby’s initial appointment with a specialist.

The family should have an answer for their case by Wednesday, he said.

GLENN: Hmm.

I believe it was on Friday, we had Russell Cruzan on. His son is Bubby. Bubby is a newborn, less than a year old, who has been diagnosed with the same disease that -- oh, shoot, now I've forgotten his name.

STU: Charlie Gard.

GLENN: Charlie Gard has had in England. When we first had him on, we just talked about how the family is and everything is going on. Insurance was fine.

Last week, we found out that their insurance company is not going to cover a -- a doctor's appointment or allow them to go out of state because, "You've got a geneticist." Well, no.

The geneticist in the state says, "I'm not an expert in this. There's one guy that is an expert. And the baby needs to see an expert." This isn't like -- this can't be solved in -- at a doc in the box. We need a specialist on this.

So we found out that they were trying to get an appointment. By the end of the day, I think the fundraiser that we started in the morning was up to $40,000. And -- and we were also looking for information about the insurance company on what the insurance company was going to do, whether they would reconsider.

I got this note: Glenn, Thursday after we got off the phone, Priority Health called me and said that it was indeed denied. Their case. But I needed to file an appeal as fast as possible. He then said that their Facebook was blowing up with all kinds of comments.

I tried to file the appeal, but the email server was down, perhaps from all of the emails and comments from your awesome supporters. They then called me this morning, I think this was Friday and said: Don't worry about the appeal right now. The medical director is now handling our case and is going to talk to geneticist. And they're trying to see if they can get this approval done for us. Thanks so much for all of the help from your listeners. We'd be lost without you guys.

Russell, welcome to the program.

RUSSELL: Hey. How's it going?

GLENN: Good. What a rollercoaster this is.

RUSSELL: Yes, it is.

GLENN: Okay. So tell us what has happened.

So I really want to provide a free commercial for Priority Health, you know, and let people call in, like you, who have had, you know, problems where they've solved it. Are they going to solve this problem, do you think?

RUSSELL: I'm really hoping they do. It sounds like, after Thursday, it sounds like they started backpedaling a lot.

GLENN: Okay.

RUSSELL: They're like -- I mean, all the negativity they were getting and everything. They did tell me, come Wednesday, they'd have an answer for me. And they did talk to our geneticist and the one we're trying to go see.

GLENN: Great.

Well, here's what we would like to do: And you can -- you can offer this. You know, when they decide that they are going to, you know, show the -- you know, cover Bubby and -- and -- and make sure that he can go to a geneticist and the insurance company recognizes, of course, that, you know, they don't know more than the actual experts in the field, that they're there to cover and write checks, not to make diagnosis or health care calls. I'd love to have their representative on to be able to give them the accolades and point out that this is an insurance company that, you know, has a heart and is doing that.

And if they choose not to cover -- you know, they said by Wednesday, let's stay in touch. When they come back, if they choose not to cover, I'd also like to give them free advertising. And we'll pick a day. And I just want to hear from just those people who have filed, you know, for things and then had Priority -- what is it? Priority Health?

RUSSELL: Correct.

GLENN: Yeah, that had Priority Health turned them down, but then correct -- I'm sure -- I'm sure there's tons of stories where they filed and everything went fine. It was all corrected.

So whatever your story is with Priority Health, I'm going to give you an opportunity to have a nationwide audience. And we'll dedicate the entire show to Priority Health, to show -- we'll have the listeners and people who actually have Priority Health explain what a wonderful health care company and provider this provider is.

Everything else good, Russell?

RUSSELL: Yeah, everything else is going great.

GLENN: Good. Do you have the appointment set?

RUSSELL: Yes, we do. August 24th. They have agreed to let us pay out of pocket, which will be easily done now with all the support that we got from everybody after that show.

GLENN: What is it up to now? Do you know?

RUSSELL: Almost $57,000.

PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: Fifty-seven thousands. Well, that's good.

All right. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. And we'll -- you just keep in touch with me. And let's make sure that one way or another, everyone knows exactly how great Priority Health is.

RUSSELL: Sounds good. Thank you very much.

GLENN: You're welcome. Thank you.

If we just used our power for good, as opposed to evil.

PAT: Uh-huh.

GLENN: What we could accomplish.

JEFFY: That's what I tell myself, looking here at PriorityHealth.com.

GLENN: Oh, you know what, you can write to them on their Facebook page. They love it.

STU: Well, you're optimistic though on the way they're going to handle this. Right?

GLENN: I am. I am.

PAT: Well, who wouldn't be? I mean, surely there can't be too many stories from Priority Health customers where things have gone bad, right?

JEFFY: No.

PAT: There can't be -- I mean, nobody is perfect. Maybe there's one or two. But I'm sure if we opened up the phones on Thursday to find out more, you know, we would only hear a couple of stories.

GLENN: Right.

STU: We probably won't.

JEFFY: If any.

PAT: If any, yeah.

GLENN: If any. They're probably a great company.

PAT: Maybe this is the only snafu.

GLENN: Right. But that's why I want to open it up. I want to hear from all those people that have said -- that will tell us, "Hey, I had this with Priority Health, and everything was covered. And we got it covered in time. And there was no problems. And they wrote the check."

JEFFY: Right.

GLENN: "And they're just the greatest company of all the time."

PAT: That's exactly what I expect to hear.

GLENN: That's exactly what I expect to hear too. So we'll open that up for the people who actually pay the probably very low premium and very low deductible as well, for Priority Health. Anxious to advertise for them.

STU: And to be clear, that's the only time -- we would only do that if we had an indication or a concern that this was of more frequent occurrence. If they were able to handle this claim the way that they're supposed to, I mean, there's no reason --

PAT: We would be happy to talk about that too. Right.

GLENN: I would be happy to have the CEO on.

STU: And he could tell us about --

PAT: And thank them.

GLENN: And tell us -- and thank them. Sincerely thank them for taking a look at it.

PAT: Yeah. Because obviously mistakes happen.

GLENN: Right.

STU: That's why they have an appeals process.

GLENN: Exactly right. Exactly right. Wish that it didn't take a huge radio show to --

PAT: Either way, it should be a fun day for them on Thursday.

GLENN: Oh, it's going to be a fun day for them.

PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: Yeah. One day perhaps -- one way perhaps a little more fun than the other.

PAT: Perhaps.

GLENN: Perhaps.

JEFFY: Eh.

GLENN: Huh?

JEFFY: If you say so.

GLENN: Okay. All right.

Top 15 jobs AI is TAKING OVER

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The AI takeover has begun.

Last week, Glenn delved into the World Economic Forum's 2025 summit in Davos, where our malevolent overlords focused especially on AI and how it can replace millions of workers worldwide. We are at the precipice of a monumental change in how the world is run—WEF founder Klaus Schwab called it "The Fourth Industrial Revolution"—and in time, AI will augment every one of our lives.

Already, AI is taking jobs. Thousands, if not millions, of tasks are slowly being delegated to it. The affected fields are largely data entry, admin tasks, and clerical work, along with graphic design and some customer support roles. However, as AI becomes more sophisticated, the scope of its abilities will only grow. The WEF is all for it, and last month they released a shocking chart

that revealed what jobs were already feeling the pain. Check out the top 15 jobs that are already disappearing:

1. Postal service clerks

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2. Bank tellers

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3. Data entry clerks

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4. Cashiers and ticket clerks

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5. Administrative assistants and executive secretaries

6. Printing workers

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7. Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks

8. Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks

9. Transportation attendants and conductors

10. Door-to-door salesmen

11. Graphic designers

12. Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators

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13. Legal officials

14. Legal secretaries

15. Telemarketers

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3 stories that prove USAID is a criminal organization

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Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has one mission—to eliminate government waste—and it's starting with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is a federal agency that, on paper, is responsible for distributing foreign aid to conflict-ridden zones across the world. However, for years, Glenn has revealed that the USAID acts more like a second CIA, but without the regulation or oversight under the State Department. Elon Musk concurred, describing the federal agency as not merely "an apple with a worm in it" but rather "just a ball of worms."

Don't fall for the left's narrative calling USAID a "humanitarian" organization. Here are the top three stories that reveal just how corrupt the USAID really is:

1. USAID has funded terrorist organizations and Osama bin Laden

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In 2023, USAID provided "assistance" to nearly 130 countries, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Yemen, Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Syria (which is currently run by a terrorist that received aid from the Obama-era CIA). Under Obama, USAID gave funds to an organization known as the Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA), which was known at the time to help finance Jihadist groups and had been labeled by the U.S. Treasury Department as a "terror-financing organization."

The ISRA also funded and gave shelter to the 9/11 mastermind, Osama bin Laden—U.S. taxpayer dollars sent straight to the perpetrator of the deadliest terrorist attack in history and the most lethal attack on U.S. soil.

2. USAID "loses" funds that happen to end up in individuals' pockets

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A recent investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) revealed that in 2016, Chemonics International colluded with a USAID subcontractor to massively overcharge a USAID project to pocket extra funds from the project's bottom line. Moreover, the USAID project used "self-reported" performance metrics, which made it impossible to verify the actual progress of the project and how the funds were being used.

Even the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic has USAID's sticky fingerprints all over it. In 2014, USAID provided $38 million to an EcoHealth Alliance project called "Predict-2." One of the subcontractors, Ben Hu, headed the Wuhan Institute of Virology's gain-of-function research and was one of the first three people infected with COVID-19 in late 2019. That means U.S. taxpayer dollars were likely used to fund the very research that gave rise to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. USAID operates as a second "CIA" with no accountability

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The CIA isn't the only agency that meddles in the political inner workings of foreign powers. USAID has conducted similar operations since the 1950s. USAID notoriously sowed dissent in Cuba to grow U.S. influence, and they even taught South American police forces Nazi torture methods. In the late 1990s, 300,000 Peruvian women were forcibly sterilized in a "poverty reduction strategy" that received $35 million in funding from USAID.

More recently, USAID's foreign influence has grown significantly under former Obama adviser, Samantha Power, called USAID America's "soft power arsenal." Under her leadership, the organization meddled in the political affairs of several nations, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, and, Bolivia. Several domestic, left-leaning influence groups, such as the Tides Center, received several grants and aid.

Top THREE reasons we NEED the Panama Canal

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Is Trump seriously planning a military conquest of the Panama Canal?

In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, Donald Trump launched the Panama Canal into the national spotlight. The canal is one of the most important passages in the world, and its continued operation has been critical for both the U.S. military and economy since its construction.

Since America relinquished sovereignty of the canal, China has asserted its authority in the region. The Chinese Communist Party has been growing its influence in Panama and neighboring Latin American countries, convincing them to join their "Belt and Road Initiative," an effort to poise China as the main economic power in developing nations across the world. Panama in particular is quickly becoming a Chinese puppet state. There are currently over 200,000 Chinese living in Panama, a Chinese company runs two of the canal's five major ports, and another Chinese company provides telecommunication service for a large portion of the canal. The government of Panama has even gone as far as cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

It's clear that the Panama Canal is under serious threat of falling into Chinese hands, but President Trump doesn't intend to let them move in. Here are the top three reasons we need the Panama Canal:

1. The canal was built by the U.S.

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Without the United States, neither Panama nor the Panama Canal would exist. In 1903, after Colombia refused to allow the U.S. to build a canal across the isthmus of Panama, President Teddy Roosevelt devised a controversial plan. He supported a Panamanian independence movement, which swiftly overthrew the local Colombian government. Meanwhile, he stationed a U.S. warship off the coast, preventing Colombia from sending military forces to retake Panama.

The moment Panama declared its independence, the U.S. recognized it and struck a deal with the new government: the U.S. would control the Canal Zone, while Panama would receive $10 million and an annual payment of $250,000. Construction of the canal took over a decade, cost $375 million, and resulted in thousands of American casualties, making it the most expensive U.S. construction project of its time.

Fast forward to 1964 when tensions between the U.S. and Panama over the canal erupted into a riot. President Lyndon B. Johnson decided it was time to transfer control of the canal to Panama. However, this proved more complicated than expected. In 1968, General Omar Torrijos, a known ally of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, seized control of Panama in a coup. Negotiations over the Canal stalled, as many Americans opposed giving such an important asset to a controversial figure. It wasn’t until 1999, following the deployment of 27,000 U.S. troops to facilitate yet another change in power, that the Canal was officially handed over to Panama.

2. The canal is vital for the U.S. economy

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The U.S. relies heavily on the Panama Canal for commercial shipping. Between 13 and 14 thousand ships use the Panama Canal every year, which is roughly 40 percent of the global cargo ship traffic. Additionally, 72 percent of ships traversing the canal are either heading toward or leaving a U.S. port.

The time ships save using the Panama Canal reduces shipping costs massively. For example, when the canal first opened in 1922, it was estimated that a ship’s journey from Oregon to the UK, was shortened by 42 percent, reducing costs by 31 percent. If the Panama Canal was blocked or destroyed, or if American merchant vessels were denied passage, the effects on the U.S. economy would be tremendous.

3. The canal is a key defense point for the U.S. military

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Similarly, the canal is key to the U.S. military and national security. The canal shaves off approximately 8,000 miles of the voyage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. If U.S. Navy ships were denied access in a time of crisis, the extra time required to bypass the canal would be disastrous. Conversely, if the U.S. can keep the Panama Canal from being used by foreign aggressors, it would provide a massive advantage in future conflicts.

A foreign enemy could easily exploit the canal's current vulnerability. This was proven in 2021 when a cargo ship accidentally blocked the Suez Canal for a week, paralyzing global trade. Imagine China intentionally sabotaging the Panama Canal, considering it controls ports on both ends, owns a bridge that spans the Canal, provides its telecom services, and has the second-largest fleet of ships using the route.

TOP 5 takeaways from JD Vance's 'Face the Nation' interview

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After an eventful first week in office, JD Vance wrapped the week up with a bang of an interview on "Face the Nation."

Last weekend, Vice President Vance joined "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan, who drilled Vance on everything from the economy to immigration. Vance clapped back with polite yet cutting responses, and he defended Trump against some of her more accusatory queries.

If there was any lingering doubt that JD Vance wasn't vice presidential (or presidential) material, they have just been blown away. Here are the major takeaways from his electricinterview on Sunday:

1. J.D. Vance defends Trump's cabinet picks

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Brennan opened the interview with a barrage of questions that brought up concerns surrounding some of Trump's cabinet picks, specifically Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard.

Brennan began by questioning how effective Pete Hegseth could be as Secretary of Defence, given that he was confirmed with a tie in the Senate that VP Vance broke. Vance responded with a quick breakdown of all of the issues the military is currently facing. Vance argued that Hegseth's unpopularity in the Senate results from his being a disruptor.

Brennan also attacked Tulsi Gabbard, calling her unfit for the title of "Director of National Intelligence." Vance defended Gabbard, citing her formidable resume and strong character. Vance also discussed the corruption of our intelligence services, which out-of-control bureaucrats have weaponized against the interests of the American people. He expressed his belief that Gabbard would be the right person to reign in the corruption and return the National Intelligence Service to its intended purpose.

2. J.D. Vance explains how Trump's economic policies will lower consumer prices

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Brennan pushed Vance on the economy, specifically questioning when prices for consumer goods would begin to fall. Vance explained that within the plethora of executive orders issued by Trump during his first week in office, many were aimed at bringing more jobs back into America, which will raise wages and lower prices. Other orders will boost energy production, which will reduce energy costs and decrease the costs of goods.

3. J.D. Vance sheds light on needed FEMA reforms

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Brennan drilled Vance on President Trump's proposed FEMA reforms, specifically regarding Trump's suggestion to send states a percentage of federal disaster relief funds so that they can quickly distribute aid rather than wait on federal action. While Brennen argued that FEMA has specialists and resources that states would not have access to, leaving people without aid, Vance argued that recent disasters, like Hurricane Helene, have proven that FEMA's current bureaucratic red tape deprived Americans of immediate aid when they needed it most.

4. J.D. Vance defends Trump's mass deportations

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Vance defended Trump's decision to allow ICE to conduct raids into churches and schools against Brennen's criticisms, arguing that law enforcement should remove a dangerous criminal from a school or church, regardless of their immigration status. He also advocated for Trump's proposed changes to birthright citizenship to prevent illegal immigrants from abusing the constitutional amendment by having "anchor babies" on U.S. soil.

Vance also took a hard stance supporting Trump suspension of admitting Afghan refugees. Brennan argued that Afghan refugees were going through a thorough vetting process and were now being abandoned by the U.S. However, Vance cited the foiled terrorist attack in Oklahoma City during Trump's 2024 campaign that was orchestrated by an Afghan refugee, who was allegedly vetted by federal agents. The vetting process is clearly flawed, and it was a prudent decision to halt the admission of these refugees until further notice.

5. J.D. Vance insists that Trump will still reign in Big Tech

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To wrap up the interview, Brennan questioned the Trump administration's stance on Big Tech given the attendance of the industry's biggest names at Trump's inauguration, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Vance assured Brennan that Trump is still resolved to curb the power and influence of Big Tech.