Californians could soon vote on a controversial new healthcare law named after an accused killer. The proposal, known as the “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” has ignited a political and moral firestorm.
The measure, introduced by retired Los Angeles attorney Paul Eisner, targets insurance companies. But it’s the name — Luigi Mangione — that’s drawing most of the attention. Mangione, a former Ivy League student, is accused of executing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in cold blood.
Ballot Proposal Inspired by Tragedy
The Luigi Mangione law would ban insurers from delaying, denying, or modifying treatments recommended by doctors. If there’s a serious risk to the patient — like death or disability — the insurer would be legally required to comply.
According to documents filed with the California Attorney General’s Office, the measure directly references those life-threatening outcomes. The proposed penalties include the right for patients to sue and collect attorney fees and up to triple damages.
Bullet Casings Carried a Message
The proposed law links closely with the murder. At the Manhattan crime scene, police recovered bullet casings labeled “delay” and “deny.” Authorities believe the words were inspired by the book Delay, Deny, Defend, which slams insurance practices.
Critics say naming a healthcare act after Mangione is offensive. Yet Eisner remains defiant. “It’s getting the attention it needs,” he told CBS 8. “Sometimes things require publicity.”
Luigi Mangione Law: Public Backlash Erupts
Online outrage exploded after news of the proposal broke. “Seriously????” journalist Gerald Posner posted on X. “A ballot initiative about health care named after the accused killer?” Another user slammed California Democrats as “roadside lunatics.”
Podcast producer Leigh Wolf echoed that sentiment, adding the idea was “insane.”
Despite the blowback, Eisner insists he doesn’t condone violence. “I agree with what Mangione was arguing, but I don’t support his method,” he said. “What I’m doing is the right way to do it.”
Mangione’s Popularity Grows Behind Bars
Though Mangione has pleaded not guilty, he faces murder charges in both state and federal courts. The case has shocked the nation. Yet somehow, it’s also created a movement.
Supporters have rallied in his name, flooding him with letters, raising funds, and even threatening witnesses. Some fans now wear shirts featuring Mangione’s image, treating him more like a martyr than a murder suspect.
Photos from rallies outside Manhattan Criminal Court show protesters carrying signs demanding justice — not for Thompson, but for Mangione.
Measure Could Face Legal Hurdles
If approved, the ballot initiative would empower patients to sue insurers if they’re denied vital care. But before Californians get to vote, the proposal needs over 546,000 valid signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.
The Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the language. The public comment period runs through April 25. After that, state officials will assign the measure an official title and summary.
Whether it passes or not, the Luigi Mangione law has already achieved its goal — grabbing national headlines. Critics say it’s glorifying violence. Supporters argue it’s drawing attention to life-or-death flaws in the healthcare system.
For now, Mangione remains behind bars. But the debate over his name — and the law it’s attached to — is only heating up.
