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Tag: UnitedHealthcare

  • Luigi Mangione has outburst in court as judge sets June state trial date

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    The judge in Luigi Mangione’s state trial set a June 8 trial date for New York’s case against him for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, leading Mangione to have an outburst Friday as court concluded.

    The judge started the proceedings by saying it appears the federal government had reneged on their agreement to let the state trial go first by setting a date of Sept. 8 to begin jury selection in the federal trial, with opening statements on Oct. 13. 

    However, that trial date may be delayed if the federal government appeals the decision to throw out the charges against Mangione that were eligible for the death penalty. The judge said in the event the federal trial is indeed delayed, then the state trial would proceed on Sept. 8 instead. 

    The judge told Mangione’s defense attorneys to be ready to proceed on June 8.  

    Earlier this year, state prosecutors requested a July 1 trial date for Mangione on the state charges. Mangione’s attorneys said this request is unreasonable as they need the rest of the year to prepare for the federal trial.

    There were approximately two dozen Mangione supporters in the courtroom Friday. One wore a shirt with the message “Luigi Mangione: Not in the Epstein files” on it.  

    “Double jeopardy,” Mangione says in court

    Mangione’s defense said their client is being put in an untenable situation as the tug-of-war between state and federal prosecutions plays out. 

    As court concluded, Mangione, who was wearing tan prison clothing and was handcuffed, had an outburst, shouting, “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any common sense definition.”

    The Manhattan District Attorney’s office did not comment after court.

    Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo spoke briefly.

    “Double jeopardy is meant to protect people, and they’re using it as a weapon here, so it’s unfair,” she said.

    Legal expert Rich Schoenstein, who is not affiliated with Mangione’s case, weighed in.

    “If he goes to trial in one of these courts and then a jury is sworn in in another court, that is a potential double jeopardy situation, but he’s not subject to double jeopardy yet,” Schoenstein said. “It’s not double jeopardy just because he’s being prosecuted in two different courts. That happens all the time.”

    He also said the battle over which case will go first is unusual since normally, he says, prosecutors work together.

    “Now what you have is a mess with two courts racing to try to get to the prosecution of this defendant,” he said.

    Judge rules federal prosecutors can’t seek death penalty

    Mangione, 27, is facing both federal and state charges in the 2024 killing of Thompson. He is accused of gunning the CEO down outside a Midtown hotel, setting off a manhunt spanning several states. 

    He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

    Federal Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione that carried the possibility of the death penalty just before the last court date.

    But, she left stalking charges in place against him that can bring a maximum punishment of life in prison without the opportunity for parole.

    Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifilo, thanked the court for “this incredible decision.”

    “We’re all very relieved,” Agnifilo said. “We’re prepared, and have been prepared, to fight this case, and we look forward to fighting this case.”   

    Attempt to bar backpack evidence

    Garnett also ruled that evidence taken from Mangione’s backpack during his arrest will be admissible in his federal trial. 

    The defense asked the judge to suppress the 3D-printed handgun, loaded magazine, notebook, nap and “survival kit” that were in the bag. They said the evidence was recovered during a warrantless search.

    Police said it’s standard procedure to take property like a backpack during an arrest. It also would be standard procedure to search the backpack, officers testified. 

    A decision about the use of the backpack evidence in Mangione’s state trial is expected to be announced in May. 

    Katrina Kaufman

    contributed to this report.

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  • Prosecutors in Luigi Mangione case can’t seek death penalty, judge rules

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    Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges, a judge ruled Friday. 

    Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione that carried the possibility of the death penalty, but left in place a stalking charge against him that can bring a maximum punishment of life in prison. 

    Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state charges in the killing of Thompson. 

    Jury selection in the federal case is now set to begin on September 8, although state prosecutors are seeking to try him sooner, as early as July 1. 

    Mangione back in court Friday

    The ruling came as Mangione was due back in court Friday for a hearing regarding his federal case.

    The judge is also considering whether evidence seized during Mangione’s arrest will be admissible. 

    Mangione initially faced a four count federal indictment for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, but his defense team had been fighting to dismiss two counts, which the judge has now agreed to. 

    The judge is also expected to rule if prosecutors can show jurors certain pieces of evidence, including a 9mm handgun and a notebook found in Mangione’s bag in which they say he described his intent to “wack” a health insurance executive.

    Manhattan DA wants state trial to begin in the summer

    The Manhattan District Attorney wants the judge in Luigi Mangione’s state trial to set a date for July 1 to ensure it starts before his federal trial.  

    Mangione’s attorneys say they need the rest of the year to prepare for the federal trial. They called the request unreasonable.

    Defense attorneys trying to get backpack evidence supressed

    His last federal court appearance centered around the search of his backpack during his 2024 arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s.

    A 3D-printed handgun, loaded magazine, notebook, map and a “survival kit” were found in the backpack. The defense asked the judge to suppress the evidence, arguing it was a warrantless search.

    Police testified that it’s standard procedure to take property like a backpack from a suspect during an arrest. The search of the backpack would have also been standard procedure, officers said. 

    A judge didn’t issue a decision on the motion.

    Man attempts to free Mangione

    On Wednesday, a Minnesota man was arrested for allegedly impersonating an FBI agent and trying to free Mangione. 

    Prosecutors allege Mark Anderson arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Mangione is being held, clamed he was an FBI agent with papers from a judge authorizing Mangione’s release, a federal law enforcement source said. 

    A fork, driver’s license and steel blade allegedly found in the bag of a man arrested for impersonating an FBI agent to free Luigi Mangione.

    FBI


    A search of Anderson turned up a barbecue fork and pizza cutter. 

    He’s now being held in the same complex as Mangione. 

    Read the judge’s ruling

    Luigi Mangione death penalty ruling

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    Alexa Herrera

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  • M Health Fairview, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement to keep 100K patients in network

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    UnitedHealthcare on Tuesday announced it reached a deal with M Health Fairview to keep more than 100,000 patients in network.

    The Minnesota-based health insurance provider says it reached a multi-year agreement “in principle” with Fairview and the two are working to finalize the terms of their new contract.

    UnitedHealthcare previously said that Fairview demanded a more than 23% price increase for its commercial plans. The increase would have made it “significantly more expensive than any health system in the Twin Cities,” according to a spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare, and would cost consumers and employers $121 million more.

    Fairview countered, saying that the increase would be stretched over three years and argued increases to rates over the past several years have been inadequate with costs driven by inflation, workforce shortages and the pandemic.

    Neither Fairview nor UnitedHealthcare shared any details regarding the new agreement.

    UnitedHealthcare and Fairview ended another contract dispute centered on Medicare plans last month. UnitedHealthcare says those on Medicare Advantage plans will still have access to Fairview in network.

    Ashley Grams

    contributed to this report.

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  • WakeMed-UnitedHealthcare contract talks could disrupt Medicare Advantage coverage in Raleigh

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    WakeMed announced on Tuesday that UnitedHealthcare will no longer cover Medicare Advantage plans starting Saturday, Nov. 15th, unless a deal is reached.

    The two organizations are in the middle of negotiations, both with the contracts set to expire on Saturday.

    Officials with UnitedHealthcare told WRAL News they are focused on reaching an agreement that is affordable for people and employers.

    “WakeMed is demanding a near 40% price hike, including a 30% rate increase in just the first year of our contract that would make it the most expensive health system in the Raleigh market. WakeMed’s proposal would increase health care costs for North Carolinians and employers by more than $94 million over two years,” the statement read in part.

    UnitedHealthcare officials said they are proposing a “meaningful rate increases that continue to reimburse WakeMed at market-competitive rate.”

    Officials with WakeMed told WRAL News they are working diligently to negotiate with UnitedHealthcare, with the “intent of staying in-network,” and said officials have “walked away from discussions related to their Medicare Advantage plans.”

    “On November 7, UHC notified WakeMed that they would no longer participate in negotiations related to their Medicare Advantage plans. As a result, we expect that WakeMed hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent cares and physician specialists will be out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans beginning November 15, 2025,” WakeMed officials said in part.

    Officials said they “remain at the table in good faith with the hope that UHC will join us to come to a fair agreement with a shared commitment to patients.”

    “We cannot accept the terms UHC has proposed to date, as they put WakeMed at risk for being able to take care of our community and deliver on our mission of caring for all. With the rising supply, equipment, and labor costs, UHC’s proposal with no reimbursement increase to keep pace with inflation for the next four years is not only unacceptable but impossible,” the statement continued.

    WakeMed officials said rates paid by UnitedHealthcare are “far below” those paid to other Triangle hospitals for the same services.

    “This disadvantages WakeMed in many ways when trying to compete to hire nurses, physicians and paying competitive benefits, and limits our business development initiatives.”

    UnitedHealthcare Officials also said if an agreement is not reached by Saturday, WakeMed’s facilities and specialty providers will be out of network for employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, as well as Medicare Advantage plans.

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  • M Health Fairview, UnitedHealthcare dispute could leave 100K patients with commercial plans in limbo

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    M Health Fairview says over 100,000 patients with commercial plans from UnitedHealthcare may find themselves out of network come Jan. 1, 2026. 

    Some on the plan received a letter from the health system this week.

    UnitedHealthcare and Fairview are in a contract dispute. Those at risk of ending up out of network are on commercial plans, largely offered through employers.

    “While families are struggling to afford skyrocketing health care costs, Fairview is demanding a more than 23% price hike for our commercial plans that would make it significantly more expensive than any health system in the Twin Cities,” a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson said in a statement to WCCO. 

    UnitedHealthcare says that 23% increase would cost consumers and employers $121 million dollars more, adding this price increase would directly impact self-insured employers. 

    Fairview says that increase would be stretched over 3 years and argues increases to rates over the past several years have been inadequate with costs driven by inflation, workforce shortages and the pandemic.

    “We invite UnitedHealthcare to join us in finding a solution that prioritized patients and the care they deserve,” said Dr. Jaya Kumar, the Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Health Services in a statement. “Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare’s current commercial contract demands would force Fairview to make impossible choices — cutting services, limiting access — impacting our ability to deliver fully on our promise to our patients and communities.” 

    The two say they will remain at the negotiating table, trying to reach an agreement before the end of the year. UnitedHealthcare and Fairview ended another contract dispute centered on Medicare plans earlier this month. UnitedHealthcare says those on Medicare advantage plans will still have access to Fairview in network. 

    “There’s a lot of tension right now in the health care world,” said David Holt, a health care attorney in the Twin Cities.

    Holt says pending changes at the federal level are part of the backdrop of this dispute, as Affordable Care Act premiums are set to change and Americans grapple with higher health insurance costs.

    In Minnesota, health care made headlines for a different reason, as state officials are taking a closer look at some Medicaid services deemed to be “high risk” for fraud.

    While admittedly Holt is a proponent of small healthcare providers, he says it can be a challenge to find specialized care anywhere as patients consider other options.

    “Small providers, big providers [have] waitlists, especially when we’re talking about specialists,” Holt said. “It’s not easy and a provider does not have a, generally, a legal requirement for how long it is for you to be able to get in if they’re full.”

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    Ashley Grams

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  • Luigi Mangione’s lawyers seek dismissal of federal charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination

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    Luigi Mangione’s lawyers asked a New York judge to dismiss some criminal charges, including the only count for which he could face the death penalty, from a federal indictment brought against him in the December assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

    In papers filed Saturday in Manhattan federal court, the lawyers said prosecutors should also be prevented from using at trial his statements to law enforcement officers and his backpack, in which a gun and ammunition were found.

    They said Mangione was not read his rights before he was questioned by law enforcement officers, who arrested him after Thompson was fatally shot as he arrived at a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference on Dec. 4, 2024.

    They added that officers did not obtain a warrant before searching Mangione’s backpack.

    Mangione’s lawyers want death penalty off the table

    Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the fatal shooting.

    The killing set off a multi-state search after the suspected shooter slipped away from the scene and rode a bike to Central Park, before taking a taxi to a bus depot that offers service to several nearby states.

    Five days later, a tip from a McDonald’s about 233 miles away in Altoona, Pennsylvania, led police to arrest Mangione. He has been held without bail since.

    In September, lawyers for Mangione asked that his federal charges be dismissed and the death penalty be taken off the table as a result of public comments by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. In April, Bondi directed prosecutors in New York to seek the death penalty, calling the killing of Thompson a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.”

    Luigi Mangione is escorted into Manhattan state court in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

    Seth Wenig / AP


    Last month, a Manhattan Criminal Court judge dismissed Mangione’s state terrorism charges after his lawyers argued the parallel cases amounted to double jeopardy.   

    Murder cases are usually tried in state courts, but prosecutors have also charged Mangione under a federal law on murders committed with firearms as part of other “crimes of violence.” It’s the only charge for which Mangione could face the death penalty, since it’s not used in New York state.

    The papers filed early Saturday morning argued that this charge should be dismissed because prosecutors have failed to identify the other offenses that would be required to convict him, saying that the alleged other crime — stalking — is not a crime of violence.

    The assassination and its aftermath has captured the American imagination, setting off a cascade of resentment and online vitriol toward U.S. health insurers while rattling corporate executives concerned about security.

    After the killing, investigators found the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” written in permanent marker on ammunition at the scene. The words mimic a phrase used by insurance industry critics.

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