A retired San Francisco firefighter diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer is seeking city intervention after his insurance provider, Blue Shield, denied his treatment. His colleagues and family members pleaded with the City and County of San Francisco’s Health Service Board, which approved Blue Shield’s insurance plan, to get involved. They are concerned that Blue Shield is prioritizing profits over the lives of those who spent their careers protecting the city, and Supervisor Matt Dorsey pledged to question Blue Shield regarding this matter. Blue Shield took over from UnitedHealthcare a year ago, and other firefighters are reporting problems with their coverage, leading to concerns for future firefighters.
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Shareholders, represented by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), are pushing UnitedHealth Group to report on the economic consequences of delayed or denied healthcare. This non-binding proposal argues that UnitedHealth Group’s practices create macroeconomic risks impacting investor portfolios due to the company’s immense size and influence on the US healthcare system. UnitedHealth Group is contesting the proposal on grounds of vagueness, despite the proposal’s focus on transparency regarding the “externalities” of its operations. The proposal’s novelty highlights a growing concern over the broader economic impact of healthcare access limitations.
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Shareholders are urging UnitedHealth to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of its healthcare denials. This demand comes amidst growing public outcry and negative press surrounding the company’s practices, which many perceive as prioritizing profits over patient well-being. The shareholders clearly understand that this negative publicity is directly impacting the company’s bottom line, potentially affecting stock prices and investor confidence.
The urgency behind this request is palpable. The sheer volume of complaints suggests a systemic issue. One individual recounts a deeply personal experience where their wife’s epilepsy medication was denied, despite having refills remaining, resulting in a significant out-of-pocket expense.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood