The name Luigi Mangione has been making headlines for months—but not just because of the crime he allegedly committed.
While he faces life in prison for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Richard Thompson, his name is now attached to a radical healthcare proposal that could change the entire system in California and beyond.
Activists and lawmakers in the Golden State are quietly pushing forward a ballot initiative that would place strict regulations on health insurance companies.
The proposal, officially named the Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act, is currently under review by the California Attorney General’s Office.
If passed, it could completely reshape how insurers operate, with unprecedented legal restrictions on their ability to deny or delay treatments.
What the Proposed Law Would Do
The initiative seeks to hold insurance companies accountable in ways never seen before. Under the proposed law:
- Only licensed physicians would have the authority to determine the validity of a treatment denial or delay.
- It would become a felony for insurers to employ non-physicians to review physician recommendations.
- If an insurer denies care, they must provide clear and convincing evidence that their decision would not cause harm or death.
- Patients would gain the right to sue insurers and claim treble damages—three times their actual damages—plus attorney fees.
In essence, the measure would severely limit an insurer’s ability to control costs or challenge medical recommendations, making it significantly harder for them to refuse coverage.
From Criminal Case to Political Movement
Mangione’s alleged crime took place on December 7, when he reportedly stalked and fatally shot Richard Thompson outside an investor conference in Manhattan.
He was arrested two days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a nationwide manhunt.
Prosecutors have charged him with terrorism, murder, and multiple weapons violations, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Mangione has become an unexpected folk hero to a small but passionate group of people frustrated by denied claims and soaring healthcare costs.
In the weeks after the attack, social media pages began glorifying him, dubbing him “the saint of healthcare justice” and spreading fan art, hashtags, and even crowdfunding efforts for his legal defense.
Corporate America on High Alert
The shocking nature of the crime sent a wave of fear through boardrooms across the country.
Healthcare executives reported a spike in personal threats, and many companies have since increased security at shareholder meetings and medical offices.
Public opinion polls taken after Mangione’s arrest indicate that many Americans believe health insurers share some responsibility for the frustrations and tragedies associated with denied medical care.
While few condone violence, the widespread outrage over the healthcare system is undeniable.
The Road Ahead for the Mangione Act
As of now, the Mangione Act is in its early stages. The California Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the language before crafting a final title and summary.
A public comment period is open until April 25, allowing Californians to voice their opinions.
If the measure passes this first hurdle, supporters will need to collect hundreds of thousands of valid signatures to secure a spot on the November 2025 ballot.
Whether it succeeds or not, one thing is certain—this proposal has already ignited a fierce debate about the future of healthcare in America.