My name is Jonna Stogner and I lost my beloved son, Liam, at only 28 years old. His death was not just a personal loss but a tragic outcome of a flawed system that prioritizes profit over healing. For nearly a decade, Liam was ensnared in the ruthless cycle of patient brokering — a practice where rehab centers move individuals struggling with addiction from one facility to another, not to truly aid in their recovery, but to ensure a continuous flow of insurance money, all at the expense of genuine care and recovery.

These facilities have become adept at fabricating reports that keep the insurance payments coming, while families, like mine, are rendered powerless and heartbroken. This tragic cycle raises significant ethical concerns and highlights a gross exploitation of both patients and the insurance systems designed to help them.

Currently, due to restrictive HIPAA laws, insurance companies are severely limited in their ability to verify the legitimacy and effectiveness of the treatment that patients receive. This loophole is being exploited by unscrupulous rehab centers, leaving families devastated and without the closure or justice that they deserve.

I urge lawmakers, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to come together to address this issue that affects countless families across the nation. We need more transparency in how these facilities are monitored, and there should be stringent penalties for those found guilty of patient brokering. Additionally, reforming HIPAA regulations to allow for a more thorough investigation of treatment claims is crucial.

Liam's story is not unique, and his life cannot be in vain. We must act now to protect vulnerable individuals and their families from such exploitation. Your support and signature can drive meaningful change and prevent another family from experiencing this heartache. Please sign this petition to demand urgent action against patient brokering and ensure that treatment centers are held accountable for the well-being of those they are meant to serve.