California’s proposed healthcare measure, the “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” has generated widespread controversy due to its naming after Luigi Mangione, the Ivy League graduate accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, according to the New York Post. The initiative, introduced by retired attorney Paul Eisner, aims to prohibit insurance companies from delaying, denying, or modifying doctor-recommended treatments when such actions could lead to severe harm or death.
According to The Post, Eisner claims that while he does not agree with Mangione’s method of bringing attention to the healthcare issue, he suggested that using Mangione’s name will give the act “the attention it needs.”
“Sometimes things require publicity,” he said.
“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,” Eisner said.
Mangione’s alleged crime was a targeted shooting outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel before an investor meeting for UnitedHealth Group. Evidence against him includes writings expressing frustration with the U.S. healthcare system and disdain for corporate America. Mangione’s notebook reportedly contained detailed plans for the attack and included phrases like “delay, deny, defend,” commonly associated with insurance practices. The terms “delay” and “deny” were found on the bullet casings uncovered at the scene of the crime. The book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It” has also been referenced as part of a possible inspiration for the act.
Mangione reportedly viewed his actions as a symbolic challenge to corruption in the industry, according to The Post.
Despite Mangione’s privileged background—he was a University of Pennsylvania graduate and valedictorian of a private Baltimore high school—friends described him as humble and believed he would have a bright future. However, his writings revealed increasing isolation and fixation on UnitedHealthcare, culminating in plans for the alleged attack. Law enforcement sources consider his writings significant in the investigation.
Eisner defended naming the act after Mangione as a way to highlight harmful insurance practices but condemned his violent actions. Critics, however, have called the decision offensive and inappropriate.
If passed, the measure would “allow patients to sue insurers and potentially receive attorney fees and triple damages.”
According to The Post, “The public comment period for the proposed measure ends on April 25. After, the Attorney General’s office will review the initiative and craft its official title. The measure must gather over 546,000 valid signatures from registered California voters to be included on the November 2026 ballot.”
Despite being charged with murder in both New York and federal courts, to which he has pleaded not guilty, Luigi Mangione has garnered a devoted following. His supporters have raised funds for his legal defense, flooded him with admiring fan mail, and even threatened witnesses.
https://saraacarter.com/controversy-erupts-over-proposed-healthcare-act-named-after-luigi-mangione/ (Archive)
