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An Open Letter

To: Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Rep. Kilmer

From: A verified voter in Tacoma, WA

December 31, 2024

I am writing to express my deep concern about the lack of accountability for health insurance executives whose policies and practices can lead to tragic outcomes, including preventable loss of life. Recent events, particularly the death of Brian Thompson, have shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the health insurance industry and the dire consequences of prioritizing profit over patient care. UnitedHealthcare’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate claim denials has come under intense scrutiny. According to reports, the AI model employed by UnitedHealthcare had a 90% error rate, leading to the premature termination of patient care. These automated decisions, detached from human oversight, reportedly left patients unable to access critical medical treatment. In November 2023, a class-action lawsuit exposed the severe consequences of these practices, sparking outrage and frustration among Americans who feel betrayed by an industry entrusted with their well-being. Even before these revelations, whistleblowers had begun highlighting unethical practices within the industry. Behind closed doors, executives and shareholders are allegedly incentivized to prioritize profits over patient lives. These decisions, made in boardrooms far removed from the realities faced by patients and their families, have led to avoidable suffering and untimely deaths. While some policymakers previously urged industry leaders to reform these practices, these requests have gone largely unheeded. In the case of Brian Thompson, his 20-year tenure reportedly oversaw policies that denied care to countless Americans, a toll some estimate to have resulted in loss of life on a scale rivaling major historical tragedies. Congress must take meaningful action to address these systemic failings. I urge you to consider legislation that: Mandates Transparency: All medical claim denials must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), much like crimes are reported to the Department of Justice. This level of oversight would help identify patterns of negligence and systemic abuse. Implements Accountability Measures: Introduce penalties for negligent decision-making that leads to loss of life, including charges of negligent homicide or other appropriate legal consequences for executives responsible for policies that endanger lives. Establishes Oversight of AI in Healthcare: Enforce stricter regulations on the use of AI in claim processing, ensuring human oversight for decisions impacting patient care and preventing erroneous or unjust denials. The current system has allowed health insurance executives to act with what appears to be impunity, often prioritizing financial metrics over human life. This is unacceptable. These companies must serve the American people, not exploit them. It is time for Congress to take a firm stand and ensure that lives are not sacrificed in the pursuit of corporate profit. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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