Frustration with Health Insurance Industry Boils Over After CEO’s Death
For years, patients in the U.S. health care system have grown frustrated with a bureaucracy they don’t understand.
The Frustration
Doctors are included in an insurer’s network one year but not the next. Getting someone on the phone to help can be next to impossible. Coverage of care and prescriptions is often unceremoniously denied.
Public Outpouring
This week’s fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a wave of public feeling — exasperation, anger, resentment, helplessness — from Americans sharing personal stories of interactions with insurance companies, often seen as faceless corporate giants.
Personal Stories
Tim Anderson, whose wife Mary died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022, shared his experience with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials. He couldn’t get coverage for machines to help his wife breathe or talk, and the family had to rely on donations from a local ALS group.
Industry Criticism
Hans Maristela, a caregiver in California, said he understands why people are frustrated with insurers. He grieves Thompson’s death and feels for his family, especially with the holidays around the corner. But he sees frustration with insurers even among his clients, who have not been shielded from high out-of-pocket costs.
Researcher’s Insights
University of Pennsylvania researcher Michael Anne Kyle said she’s not surprised by the growth of conversation around insurers. She studies how patients access care and said she’s seen frustration with the system build for years. Costs are rising, and insurers are using more controls such as prior authorizations and doctor networks to manage them.
Call to Action
Will Flanary, a Portland-based ophthalmologist and comedian, said the conversation around health insurance policy has taken off this week, and he hopes these new voices can help bring about change. He believes that social media can be a powerful tool for advocacy and putting pressure on corporations who are doing bad things for patients.
Conclusion
The shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has amplified the voices of those who have long been critical of the health insurance industry. As the conversation continues to unfold, it is clear that patients and caregivers are fed up with the bureaucracy and are demanding change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the message left at the scene of the shooting?
A: The message read "delay," "deny" and "depose," echoing a phrase used to describe how insurers dodge claim payouts.
Q: Why are people frustrated with the health insurance industry?
A: People are frustrated with the bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and difficulty in getting help from insurance companies.
Q: What are some examples of frustrating interactions with insurance companies?
A: Examples include doctors being included in an insurer’s network one year but not the next, difficulty getting coverage for necessary care, and denials of prescription coverage.
Q: How can patients and caregivers get involved in advocating for change?
A: Patients and caregivers can use social media to share their stories, join advocacy groups, and contact their elected representatives to express their concerns.
