To the United States Congress, State Legislators, and Regulatory Agencies:

We, the undersigned, call for immediate action to protect Americans from the exploitative practices of insurance companies. For far too long, these corporations have prioritized profits over the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. They exploit policyholders, deny rightful claims, and use the premiums paid by hardworking Americans to manipulate the political system, undermine justice, and erode our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Problem

The unchecked behavior of insurance companies has devastated families and communities, creating widespread financial and healthcare crises. Examples of these predatory practices include:

Financial Exploitation:

• Skyrocketing Premiums: Insurers continually raise premiums without justification, forcing families to choose between maintaining coverage and affording other basic necessities.
• Denied or Delayed Claims: Many policyholders must fight prolonged battles to access the benefits they are entitled to, often during times of great vulnerability.
• Delayed or Denied Care: Patients are routinely denied coverage for critical treatments, medications, or procedures, resulting in prolonged suffering or worsening health conditions.
• Mental Health Coverage Gaps: Despite increasing demand for mental health services, insurance companies frequently deny coverage, leaving patients without access to care.
• Narrow Provider Networks: Insurers restrict access to specialists and preferred providers, forcing policyholders to travel long distances or settle for less qualified care.

Systemic Discrimination:

• Disparities in Coverage: Low-income and minority communities face higher premiums, stricter eligibility requirements, and more frequent claim denials, exacerbating existing inequities.
• Pre-Existing Condition Loopholes: Despite protections, insurers exploit technicalities to deny coverage to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, leaving the most vulnerable unprotected.
• Political Manipulation and Lobbying: Insurance companies aggressively lobby to roll back regulations that protect policyholders, leaving consumers exposed to exploitation.
• Blocking Reform Efforts: By funding campaigns and influencing lawmakers, insurers obstruct efforts to create a fairer, more transparent system.

The Evidence

Insurance companies prioritize shareholder profits over policyholders, as demonstrated by their financial strategies and public statements:

Record Profits Amid Exploitation: In 2023, UnitedHealth Group reported a staggering $22.4 billion in net profits, yet continued to implement policies that harm policyholders.

AI Denial Systems: UnitedHealthcare’s use of AI algorithms to automate claim denials prioritizes cost-cutting over patient care, with some reports indicating error rates as high as 90%.

Profit-Driven Claim Denials: UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty openly defended the practice of denying a percentage of claims as “necessary,” further emphasizing the industry’s prioritization of profits over people.

Our Demands

We urge Congress, state legislators, and regulatory agencies to implement the following reforms to protect Americans:

1. Ban on Political Contributions by Insurance Companies: Prohibit the use of premiums to influence elections, lawmakers, or policy decisions.
2. Mandatory Transparency in Spending: Require public disclosure of how insurance premiums are allocated, ensuring funds are used for claims and patient care.
3. Strengthened Consumer Protections: Enforce strict penalties for unfair claim denials, excessive premium hikes, and deceptive practices.
4. Independent Oversight: Establish an independent body to audit and regulate insurance companies, ensuring accountability and transparency.
5. Fair Coverage Standards: Close loopholes that allow discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions or vulnerable communities.

Why This Matters
Insurance exists to provide security during times of need, not to serve as a tool for corporate greed. These exploitative practices undermine trust, devastate families, and weaken our nation’s healthcare system. By standing together, we can demand accountability, restore fairness, and ensure that insurance fulfills its true purpose: protecting people, not profits.

Sign this petition to stand against exploitation and demand justice for the American people. Together, we can create a fairer, more equitable system that puts people first.