Healthcare & An Angry Culture
When Brian Thompson headed toward his investors’ meeting, getting killed was likely not on his “things to worry about” list.
Many leaders make a practice of arriving early for a significant meeting, walking the space, making certain the setup is right, the A/V works, there are enough chairs, and so on. Some call this practice “owning the room.” Investors need to believe they are in good hands. The hands they were meant to be in that morning were the hands of Brian Thompson.
Another thing on his worry list may have been the looming insider-trader claims …and concern that he may need to address hostile comments or questions–whether in official business or at coffee breaks.
As it turns out, none of those worries was of any concern. The UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed by a lone gunman in a seemingly well-planned and well-executed mission. Brian Thompson was dead, leaving behind a family who mourn his loss. May we pray that the same company that did not provide Mr. Thompson with a security detail, at least has made generous provision for his survivors.
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News of the December 4, 2024, killing was shocking enough, but not altogether without precedent. We in the United States know that hatred, dispute, revenge, jealousy, and all manner of human conditions can seek justice through the barrel of a gun, and other means of permanent resolution. Sorrowful as that is, it is not new to us.
What shocked me more than the shooting itself was the quantity and nature of feedback on social media, continuing until now. Not remarks against the wanton killing on the streets of New York that occurred in early December, but on behalf of people who have been gouged by insurance companies, denied life-saving care, or those whose lives are given lower priority versus someone whose finances allow for more choice.
In many cases, Mr. Thompson’s death was not even politely acknowledged before the poster’s vitriol was unleashed.
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Within days of the shooting, a lone suspect was arrested. Luigi Mangione, handsome, smart, highly educated, likable, and from a family of means. He did not know Mr. Thompson. Mr. Mangione has pleaded not guilty, so let’s remember to use the word “alleged killer” when speaking of him.
As of this writing, we do not know the official “why” of Mr. Thompson’s death, but the suspect’s writings suggest blame belongs—at least in part—on the critical condition of health care in this country—presumably the greatest nation on earth. We need to address any weaknesses, any corruption we may find, and set aright the slough of injustices for all people and all families.
In subsequent news coverage of American health insurance, we have heard from former UHC staff that they are given a specific one-day training on how to keep moving callers around on the phone. Delay.
We’ve also read of a thirty percent claim denial expectation by United HealthCare. So “expectation” makes me believe that budgets are developed around that expectation.
Meaning denials need to happen at a certain rate/level for managers to meet budgets.
According to a PBS article, a recent poll concludes that a majority of Americans believe that extreme frustration with health insurer practices can be blamed, at least in part, for the fury that erupted on December 4.
Something’s got to give. The essential human need for equitable health care warrants further scrutiny, and insistence by whoever governs this area of law. Radical reform is a moral imperative.
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