The shocking murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest private insurance company, has ignited a firestorm of criticism regarding the deeply flawed U.S. healthcare system. Thompson was fatally shot in the heart of Manhattan, New York, on December 4th, an event that has sparked a national conversation about the human cost of profit-driven healthcare.
Adding fuel to the fire, the bullet used in the shooting bore the chilling inscription “deny, defend, depose” – a stark reflection of the tactics often employed by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. This phrase, widely recognized within the industry, has become a symbol of the perceived callousness and greed that many Americans associate with private health insurance.
Social media platforms have become a sounding board for outrage and grief. A study by Rutgers University, cited by the Financial Times, revealed that posts expressing anger and frustration towards the insurance industry surged in the wake of Thompson’s death.
“I mourn the 68,000 people,” wrote Anthony zenkus, a lecturer at Columbia University, referencing a study published in The Lancet that estimated the number of lives that could be saved annually if the U.S. adopted a worldwide healthcare system. Zenkus’s post resonated with many, highlighting the stark contrast between the pursuit of profit and the fundamental right to healthcare.
TikTok users echoed similar sentiments, with one commenter stating, “I have no sympathy for a man who made his life and a ton of money by taking advantage of people in need of medical care. He created policies that caused innocent people and children to die as they refused to pay (insurance payments).” UnitedHealth’s facebook proclamation of Thompson’s death was met with a barrage of laughing emojis, a chilling testament to the deep-seated resentment towards the company.
![On the 4th (local time), a suspect was captured on CCTV shooting UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan, New york City, USA.[사진=로이터 뉴스핌] 2024.12.07 mj72284@newspim.com](https://i0.wp.com/example.com/image.jpg?resize=680%2C453&ssl=1)
This outpouring of anger reflects a growing sense of despair within the American public regarding the state of healthcare. A Gallup poll conducted last summer revealed that only one-third of Americans view the medical industry favorably, with a quarter holding a very negative opinion.
The American Medical Association’s 2022 survey of 1,000 practicing doctors painted a similarly bleak picture. Nearly 25% of doctors reported that the insurance pre-authorization process resulted in serious negative consequences for patients, while 78% admitted it sometimes led them to abandon treatment altogether. A staggering 94% believed it caused delays in necessary care.
Adding to the frustration, a survey of 200 medical institutions this year found that denials of insurance payments are on the rise, doubling compared to 2022. This trend has fueled the creation of a meme coin called DDD (Deny Defend Depose), launched on the night of Thompson’s death. While its market capitalization currently sits at around $2 million, it serves as a stark symbol of the public’s disillusionment.
However,not all reactions have been critical. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), where UnitedHealth is headquartered, condemned Thompson’s death as a “horrible and shocking act of violence.” Matt Eilis, a veteran of the insurance industry, expressed disgust at the use of Thompson’s death as a platform to criticize the healthcare system. “People don’t come into health care unless they want to make things better,” he stated. “The best motivation is to make things better for the system. Even if you’re in the background of actions to improve things, they don’t always work perfectly,” he emphasized.
## The Death of a CEO: A Reckoning for US Healthcare?
**World Today News**: In the wake of the shocking murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, the debate surrounding the US healthcare system has reached fever pitch. Mr. Thompson’s fatal shooting in manhattan, coupled with the chilling inscription on the bullet used – “deny, defend, depose” – has ignited a firestorm of outrage and calls for reform.
Joining us today is Dr. Sarah Chen, a leading healthcare policy analyst at the Brookings Institution, to shed light on this tragedy and its implications for the future of healthcare in America.Welcome, Dr. Chen.
**dr. Chen**: Thank you for having me.
**World Today News**: Dr. Chen, as you know, the phrase found on the bullet is chillingly familiar within the healthcare industry. What does it signify, and why has it resonated so deeply with the public?
**dr.Chen**: That phrase,”deny,defend,depose,” is sadly a dark humor shorthand for the tactics some insurance companies use to avoid paying legitimate claims. It speaks to a culture of prioritizing profit over patient care, where denying necessary treatment, aggressively defending against claims, and ultimately deposing patients facing medical bills become the norm. This case has brought these practices into sharp relief, highlighting the human cost of such a system.
**world Today News**: Social media has been abuzz with anger and grief since Mr.Thompson’s death. We’ve seen numerous posts referencing studies linking profit-driven healthcare to preventable deaths. Can you elaborate on this connection?
**Dr.Chen**: Yes, the evidence is indeed alarming. studies have shown that the US spends substantially more on healthcare per capita than any other developed nation, yet lags behind on key health outcomes. This is partly because the focus on profit often leads to rationing care, delaying treatments, and prioritizing cost-cutting measures over patient well-being.
**World today News**: Mr. Zenkus,the Columbia University lecturer,highlighted a study suggesting tens of thousands of lives could be saved annually with a universal healthcare system. Is this a realistic solution to the problems plaguing the US healthcare system?
**Dr. Chen**: it’s a complex issue. There are various models for universal healthcare with pros and cons. While such a system could address issues like affordability and access, implementation would require notable political will and careful consideration of its potential impact on existing systems and stakeholders.
**World Today News**: Looking ahead, Dr. Chen, how do you see this tragedy impacting the conversation surrounding healthcare reform in the US?
**dr.Chen**: This event has undoubtedly shone a harsh light on the shortcomings of our current system. The outrage and calls for change are palpable. Whether this translates into concrete policy action is contingent on sustained public pressure and the commitment of policymakers. This tragedy has the potential to be a watershed moment, forcing us to confront the systemic issues plaguing healthcare and demanding real, lasting solutions.
**World Today News**: Dr. Chen, thank you for yoru insights.we hope this conversation will encourage a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing the US healthcare system and inspire meaningful change.
**Dr. Chen**: Thank you.
