CALIFORNIA – A Southern California resident submitted a ballot initiative, March 26, aimed at limiting health insurer’s ability to deny medical care.
The petitioner requested the initiative to be titled the ‘Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act.’
Luigi Mangione, 26, is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in December 2024.
His alleged actions appear to be driven by negative views towards the healthcare system and possibly his own health experiences.
‘Insurance companies can’t delay, deny, or change a doctor’s recommended treatment’
The ballot initiative proposes that insurance companies can’t delay, deny, or change a doctor’s recommended treatment or medication if it could lead to serious harm like disability, death, or loss of body function.
In addition, it says only a doctor can decide if an insurance company should delay, deny, or change a treatment or medication.
It proposes that if an insurance company delays, denies, or changes a treatment or medication recommended by a doctor, and a lawsuit is filed, the insurer must prove with strong evidence that the treatment is unnecessary or won’t prevent serious harm.
If they can’t, they could face triple damages and have to pay attorney fees.
The proposal also reminds readers that hiring or working with someone who isn’t a doctor to review a doctor’s decision is a felony.
The Attorney General’s Office will finalize the initiative’s title before petitions are distributed to collect signatures from registered voters.
Public comment open until April 25
Any California voter can put an initiative or a referendum on the ballot.
Voters can submit a public comment for the ‘Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act’ prior to the April 25, 2025 closing date by clicking here.
After the public comment period closes, the Attorney General’s Office will finalize the initiative’s title before petitions are distributed to collect signatures from registered voters.
The petitioner then has 180 days to collect the required number of signatures.
If enough valid signatures are verified, the initiative is placed on the ballot and on Election Day, scheduled for June 2, 2026, voters decide whether to approve or reject the initiative.
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