Tell UnitedHealthcare: Stop Denying Care to William Kaplowitz
To UnitedHealthcare Executives
Richard “Kap” Kaplowitz is doing what any dedicated, loving parent would do—fighting every day to ensure his son, William, receives the care he needs to live with dignity, health, and hope. William, who is legally blind and lives with numerous medical challenges—including the aftermath of a massive stroke, diabetes, renal failure, and severe depression—was recently hospitalized due to serious complications. His care team unanimously recommended a transfer to a sub-acute rehab facility, where he could receive the therapy and support needed to regain strength and mobility.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC), the largest health insurer in the country, has responded to this recommendation with delay and obstruction. Since March, UHC has issued five denial letters attempting to cut off William’s care at Shady Grove Rehabilitation Center. While four of those denials have been overturned thanks to Richard’s tireless advocacy, UHC continues to badger the Kaplowitz family with bureaucratic red tape and threats to prematurely end William’s treatment—treatment his doctors say he needs.
These repeated denials are not just paperwork—they are a matter of life and death. The constant stress is taking a toll on William’s already fragile mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts. His father, Richard, has had to seek his own mental health care to cope with the pressure of fighting a system designed to wear families down.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare has made $91.5 billion in profits over the last five years.
It doesn’t have to be this way. UHC can choose to follow the recommendations of William’s doctors, honor their obligation to policyholders, and stop treating healthcare like a game of profit margins.
Add your name to demand UnitedHealthcare stop trying to cut off the care William needs to recover.
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To:
To UnitedHealthcare Executives
From:
[Your Name]
I am writing to express my deep concern about the repeated attempts by UnitedHealthcare to deny essential care to William Kaplowitz, despite the clear and urgent recommendations from his medical team.
William’s health is fragile. He is recovering from a severe stroke and a host of chronic medical conditions, including renal failure, hemiparesis, diabetes, and depression. His doctors agree that he needs ongoing therapy at a sub-acute rehabilitation facility to regain enough mobility and strength to safely return to his assisted living community. Cutting off his care early would result in a significant deterioration in both his physical and mental well-being.
Your continued denials of this medically necessary care are putting William’s life at risk and causing immense distress for his family. Richard Kaplowitz, William’s father, has already had to overturn four of your denials—each one a time-consuming and painful process that delays care and erodes trust.
UnitedHealthcare has the resources to do the right thing. With over $91.5 billion in profits over the past five years, your company can afford to prioritize people over profits. William’s life—and the lives of countless others like him—should not hang in the balance.
I urge you to stop issuing denial letters for William’s care, honor the full 90-day rehabilitation plan recommended by his doctors, and ensure that William has the chance to recover safely and fully.
Sincerely,
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