May 19, 2011

Dear Mr. Hemsley,

Due to various factors, including a letter I sent you in February and recent publicity surrounding the issue, I am inclined to believe you are aware of the damage UnitedHealth Group’s continuous refusal to provide affordable colchicine for gout patients with United’s Part-D Medicare plan has caused.

For nearly a year, my organization has worked to educate seniors about the prevalence and dangers associated with unapproved drugs in part by supporting the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) unapproved drug initiative.  As you know, the FDA recently removed unapproved versions of colchicine from the market as a part of the initiative and we strongly supported the decision to do so.  The FDA’s action left approved colchicine unaffordable for millions of gout sufferers because it was placed in a higher tier on most Part D plans.  Fortunately, the vast majority of plans have moved quickly to place the only approved colchicine medication in a lower and more affordable tier to ensure that their gout sufferers have access to the only FDA approved medicine capable of treating their painful condition.  I was shocked to learn that United has so far refused to follow suit and do the right thing.

As the largest health insurance provider in the country, United has the unique responsibility of setting a positive example for other insurers by always doing what is right for patients.  You have an even greater responsibility to seniors because of your unique affiliation with AARP.  Sadly, you have failed to put the interests of either ahead of your desire to increase the profitability of your company.  As the head of an organization dedicated to protect the greatest generation, I am deeply disappointed in your misplaced priorities and urge you to reorder them immediately by placing patients over profits.

In March, you responded to my initial letter, indicating that a UnitedHealth Group representative would contact me to further discuss this pressing issue. I have received no such correspondence and send this follow-up letter in hopes that you will act immediately to prevent more unnecessary suffering by patients.

Please keep your word and provide gout-suffering seniors with UnitedHealth Group’s Part-D Medicare plan the medications they were promised.

Sincerely,

James L.  Martin, Chairman
60 Plus Association
“Keep Seniors Safe” Project