Luigi Mangione-Inspired Ballot Initiative Targets Health Insurance Denials

Summary

A proposed California ballot initiative—informally named after Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—aims to bar insurers from delaying or denying doctor-recommended procedures or medications.The filer, retired attorney Paul Eisner, told Newsweek in a phone call on Sunday that he used Mangione's name to bring "attention for it, which it definitely has done."He added that"too often carriers don't want to do things," and said the initiative is aimed at changing that, and making sure that "carriers are doing what they're supposed to be doing."Why It MattersMangione, 26, allegedly shot and killed Thompson in New York City on December 4, 2024, and is facing federal murder charges that could carry the death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty.He has gained significant support from some people, many of whom view his alleged actions as a stand against the health insurance industry. Supporters have publicly called for "Free Luigi" and raised more than $700,000 online for his legal defense.Many Americans have expressed frustration with the health insurance system. In the aftermath of Thompson's killing, the health insurance industry has been under intense scrutiny, with many calling for reforms to the system, which some executives have vowed to look at changes to the industry.The proposed ballot initiative, inspired by Mangione's alleged protest of the health care insurance industry, seeks to prohibit insurance companies from delaying or denying doctor-recommended treatments when serious health risks are involved.What To KnowEisner, a retired attorney with an active legal license, filed a ballot initiative with the California attorney general's office that states, "No insurer may delay, deny or modify any medical procedure or medication recommended by a treating or attending physician where the delay, denial or modification could result in disability, death, amputation, permanent disfigurement, loss or reduction of any bodily function."The...