A letter from a health insurance company denying a request for a wheelchair for a child has sparked widespread outrage about the state of healthcare in the US.
Josh Penner, Mayor of Orting, posted an image of the letter on X on Thursday, December 5, which was sent by UnitedHealthcare. He claimed that the company had ‘repeatedly denied’ his son the wheelchair he needed.
In 2022, the letter was addressed to Penner concerning his son, Luke. The request, made by Olympic Pharmacy & Healthcare Services, was for a ‘group three power wheelchair with features’ known for their advanced capabilities.
Despite this, the request was rejected, and a ‘simpler’ group two power wheelchair was recommended instead.
The letter read: “Based on review of the information provided, the request for an advanced group three (3) power wheelchair with features was denied on 12/2/2022.”
It continued: “The reason for the denial is: Your child’s doctor asked for an advanced group three power wheelchair with features. These are requested to help your child’s mobility. This is because your child has cerebral palsy. This is a condition that can cause muscle weakness. We reviewed your child’s health plan rules. If a wheelchair is not approved, its features cannot be approved.”
The letter further explained that approval could only be granted if the child’s records show, ‘a simpler wheelchair is not available to help with your child’s mobility’ and ‘a simpler wheelchair cannot meet your child’s needs’.
According to UnitedHealthcare’s review of the child’s records, they concluded that ‘a simpler wheelchair is available to help with your child’s mobility’ and ‘a simpler wheelchair can meet your child’s needs.’
The number of denied requests for an advanced group three wheelchair is unclear, but the letter concluded: “Unfortunately, this request is not approved. It is not medically necessary. A simple group two (2) power wheelchair may be asked to be reviewed. Please speak with your child’s doctor if you have any questions.”
Penner shared the letter with the caption: “TBT to when @UHC #UnitedHealthcare repeatedly denied my son’s wheelchair.”
He also engaged with concerned users on X.
“We are very fortunate now to have other means,” he replied to one follower. “But at the time it was depressing and demoralizing – and frankly not right! I surely didn’t expect the post to go viral, but did want to make sure people knew this sort of behavior is common enough with this company.”
Another user commented: “This letter is the epitome of everything that is wrong with our broken healthcare system!”
This letter gained attention following the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare’s Brian Thompson, the CEO of the company’s insurance division.