Shumake v. Travelers Insurance

In this declaratory judgment action, plaintiffs sought reimbursement for Laetrile (amygdalin) and related nutritional therapy prescribed for James Shumake by his physician, Philip E. Binzel, M.D. Dr. Binzel determined that Shumake suffered from a metabolic disorder, a diagnosis he reached based primarily on the fact that Shumake had developed lung cancer. The Laetrile and nutritional supplements were prescribed as a treatment for the metabolic disorder. The trial court held that under the terms of the policy, plaintiffs were entitled to reimbursement in the amount of $17,478.20. Defendant…