Health insurance company's letter denying child a wheelchair goes viral and people are outraged

A letter sent by a health insurance company denying a request for a child’s wheelchair has gone viral amid outrage over the state of US health care.

Josh Penner, the Mayor of Orting, shared a picture of the letter on X on Thursday (5 December) sent from UnitedHealthcare. He claimed the multinational health insurance company ‘repeatedly denied’ his son a wheelchair.

The letter was sent in 2022 regarding Penner’s son Luke. A request from Olympic Pharmacy & Healthcare Services asked for a 'group three power wheelchair with features', which have advanced qualities.

However, this was denied and a ‘simpler’ group two power wheelchair was suggested instead.

“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,” the letter states.

“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 says the request can only be approved 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 the letter, UnitedHealthcare reviewed the child’s records and said they showed, 'a simpler wheelchair is available to help with your child’s mobility' and 'a simpler wheelchair can meet your child’s needs.'

It is unclear how many requests were made and denied for an advanced group three wheelchair. The letter, however, concludes: “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 posted alongside a picture of the letter: “TBT to when @UHC #UnitedHealthcare repeatedly denied my son’s wheelchair.”

He also responded to fellow X users who expressed concern.

“We are very fortunate now to have other means,” he said in response to a 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 commenter said: “This letter is the epitome of everything that is wrong with our broken healthcare system!”

The letter was shared following the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s Brian Thompson, the CEO of the group’s insurance division this week.

UNILAD has contacted UnitedHealthcare for comment.