California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
A proposed ballot initiative in California, aimed at curbing claims denials by health insurance companies, would allow patients to sue their plans and receive triple damages if they win in court.
However, the measure is mired in controversy, as it’s been named after Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act” has been officially submitted to the state attorney general’s office for approval. If allowed on the ballot and voted on successfully, it would also allow patients to recover legal fees for successful challenges to medical claims.
Paul Eisner, a licensed litigator, developed the proposal, defending the provocative name, telling reporters at local CBS 8 it was intentionally chosen for a “very simple reason: It is getting the attention it needs, because sometimes things require publicity.”
Eisner added that patients are “tired of carriers, insurance companies denying them healthcare.” He also said the bill was inspired by his personal battle with cancer and disputes with his insurance companies.
The proposed law would make it illegal for anyone other than a licensed medical provider to deny or delay care to a patient. Despite naming the initiative after Mangione, Eisner explicitly condemns his alleged actions, saying: “I agree with what he was arguing, but I don't support his method. What I am doing is the right way to do it."
In the CBS 8 report, the California Association of Health Plans, an insurance trade group, condemned the move, saying that Eisner is “trying to use a murder and act of terrorism to market his political agenda. It is a repugnant action by anyone, but especially someone sworn to uphold the Constitution and law."
The proposal is now open to public comment. After that period ends on April 25, the state attorney general will ultimately decide on a permanent name and wording for the initiative. It still needs 546,000 valid signatures from voters to qualify for the ballot.
For more, read CBS 8’s coverage at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.