1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to introduce and support federal legislation that prevents health insurance companies from denying coverage for prescription medications that have been appropriately prescribed by licensed medical professionals. When insurers override medical judgment and deny necessary treatments, patients face delays, worsening health outcomes, and increased financial and emotional distress. According to a 2021 report from the American Medical Association, 93% of physicians reported that prior authorization processes caused care delays, and 82% said it sometimes leads patients to abandon treatment altogether. This practice disproportionately harms individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and disabilities—patients who often rely on consistent and timely access to medication. It also undermines the expertise and ethical responsibility of medical professionals, who are best equipped to determine what treatment is medically necessary. From an ethical standpoint, denying prescribed care violates principles of patient autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Insurance companies are not bound by a Hippocratic Oath, yet their policies frequently override those who are. No one should have to suffer or go untreated because a third-party payer places profits over health. I ask that you champion legislation requiring insurers to honor valid prescriptions written by licensed providers, and to limit the use of restrictive practices such as prior authorization or step therapy unless they are evidence-based and transparent. Protecting access to medically necessary medications is not only a healthcare issue—it is a matter of dignity, fairness, and trust in our healthcare system. Thank you for your service and leadership. I hope you will act swiftly to address this critical issue.