Controversial California Ballot Initiative Named After Notorious Figure

A provocative new ballot initiative proposed in California carries the name of Luigi Mangione, who has been controversially linked to the alleged assassination attempt on UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Submitted to California’s Attorney General, “The Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act” aims to prohibit insurance companies from “delaying, denying, or modifying any medical procedure or medication” recommended by a licensed physician, especially in severe cases like “disability, death, amputation, permanent disfigurement, loss or reduction of any bodily function,” according to the document. This initiative is the brainchild of Paul Eisner, a seasoned attorney from Los Angeles.

The phrasing “delay” and “deny” echoes themes from the health care industry expose, “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About.” Interestingly, these terms were allegedly etched on the bullets used in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on December 4. “What’s happening?” remarked Rob Pyers, research director for California Target Book, on X, referring to the proposed initiative named “The Luigi Mangioni (sic) Access to Health Care Act.” “Seriously??? That’s crazy,” echoed Los Angeles conservative activist Elizabeth Barcohana, while author Gerald Posner expressed his disbelief, “A health care ballot initiative named after the accused killer.” Criticism also came from Ruthless Podcast Executive Producer Leigh Wolf, who questioned the rationale of California’s decision-makers, suggesting they might be “roadside lunatics.”

Reports indicate that Mangione has struggled with “chronic back pain,” following a spinal surgery, as highlighted by Honolulu Civil Beat. “Pain impacts mental health and daily functioning,” board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Betsy Grunch told Fox News Digital, “A constant reminder of one’s injury can be destabilizing.” Currently, Mangione faces murder charges from both New York State and the federal government, to which he has pleaded not guilty.