Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
California Ballot Initiative Named After Accused Figure Sparks Controversy
A proposed California ballot initiative, dubbed the Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act, has generated significant attention and debate. This measure, submitted to the California Attorney General’s Office, is named after Luigi Mangione, the individual accused in the killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO. The healthcare access initiative seeks to prevent insurance companies fromProtracted denials of medically necessary treatments.
Details of the Proposed Healthcare Measure
The Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act aims to prohibit insurance companies from “delaying, denying or modifying any medical procedure or medication” deemed necessary by a licensed physician in California. According to the official filing, this protection would apply in cases where delays or denials could lead to severe health outcomes, including “disability, death, amputation, permanent disfigurement, loss or reduction of any bodily function.” Paul Eisner, a Los Angeles-based attorney with extensive experience, submitted the initiative.
“Delay, Deny, Defend” and the Mangione Case
The terms “delay” and “deny,” central to the proposed healthcare access act, gained prominence from the book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About.” Intriguingly, the words “delay, deny, and depose” were reportedly found inscribed on bullets allegedly used in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on December 4.
Reactions to the Ballot Initiative’s Name
The unusual naming of the California ballot initiative after Luigi Mangione has elicited varied reactions.
Social Media Responses
“What,” questioned Rob Pyers, research director for California Target Book, in a post on X, reflecting widespread surprise. Elizabeth Barcohana, a conservative activist based in Los Angeles, commented, “A proposed ballot initiative has been filed in California entitled “The Luigi Mangioni (sic) Access to Health Care Act.” Actually,” expressing her disbelief.
Author Gerald Posner remarked, ““THE LUIGI MANGIONI (sic) ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE ACT” Seriously???? A ballot initiative about health care submitted today to the California Attorney General is named after the accused killer. Crazy,” highlighting the unexpected choice of name.
Leigh Wolf, Executive Producer of the Ruthless Podcast, posted on X, “I’m starting to suspect the Democrats in charge of California might actually just be simple road side (sic) lunatics after all,” conveying strong criticism of the decision.
Mangione’s Health Issues and Context
Reports indicate Mangione suffered from “chronic back pain,” according to Honolulu Civil Beat, and experienced complications following a spinal surgery.
Dr. Besty Grunch, a board-certified neurosurgeon, explained to Fox News Digital in December, “Pain in general affects our mental well-being, how we go on in our day-to-day life and function. If you’re reminded of an injury in your body, and you live in pain, it can be something that really rattles you,” providing context to the potential impact of chronic pain.
She further added, “In this alleged circumstance, you have a 26-year-old, fit guy that has an injury and needs care,” and that “he may reflect his pain on someone else or blame it on someone else. And [that] can escalate to a point of suicidal or even homicidal thoughts.”
Legal Status of Luigi Mangione
Mangione faces murder charges from both New York State and the federal government and has entered a plea of not guilty.