Americans See a Wide Range of Factors Contributing to UHC CEO’s Killing
Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger, according to a new poll.
Poll Findings
In the survey from NORC at the University of Chicago, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson.
Despite that, some have cast Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect charged with Thompson’s murder, as a heroic figure in the aftermath of his arrest, which gave rise to an outpouring of grievances about insurance companies. Police say the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene, echoing a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.
Responsibility for the Killing
About 7 in 10 adults say that denials for health care coverage by insurance companies, or the profits made by health insurance companies, also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Younger Americans are particularly likely to see the murder as the result of a confluence of forces rather than just one person’s action.
Factors Contributing to the Killing
Multiple factors were seen as responsible. About half in the poll believe that at least “a moderate amount” of blame is rooted in wealth or income inequality, although they did not think other factors like political divisions in the U.S. held the same level of responsibility.
Insurer Profits and Coverage Denials
Patients and doctors often complain about coverage denials and other complications interfering with care, especially for serious illnesses like cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Insurance industry critics frequently point to company profits in questioning whether the interests of patients are their top focus.
Young People’s Perspective
For young people, blame is spread equally between insurers and the killer. Americans under 30 are especially likely to think a mix of factors is to blame for Thompson’s death. They say that insurance company denials and profits are about as responsible as Thompson’s killer for his death.
Frustrations with Health Insurers
About 3 in 10 Americans say they have had a problem getting coverage from their health insurer in the last year, whether those involved problems finding a suitable provider in-network, a claim getting denied or issues getting prior authorization or insurer approval before care happens.
Conclusion
The poll highlights the widespread frustration and anger towards health insurance companies and their practices, particularly among younger Americans. The findings suggest that many people see the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO as a symptom of a larger problem with the health care system.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of Americans believe the person who committed the killing has a great deal or moderate amount of responsibility for the murder?
A: About 8 in 10 U.S. adults.
Q: What percentage of Americans believe insurance company denials and profits share responsibility for the killing?
A: About 7 in 10 adults.
Q: Which age group is most likely to see the murder as the result of a confluence of forces rather than just one person’s action?
A: Younger Americans, particularly those under 30.
Q: What percentage of Americans say they have had a problem getting coverage from their health insurer in the last year?
A: About 3 in 10 Americans.
