December 5th 2024.
A shocking incident has caused outrage and sparked discussions about the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. The scene of a fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was found with a chilling message written on the ammunition used by the masked gunman - "deny," "defend," and "depose." This phrase is similar to the commonly used expression "delay, deny, defend," which is often used by lawyers to describe the way insurers handle claims and avoid paying for services. The police have not yet officially commented on the connection between the message and the shooting, but it has caused an uproar on social media and reflects the frustration that many Americans feel about the complexities and costs of healthcare.
So, what exactly does this phrase mean? "Delay, deny, defend" has become a rallying cry for those who criticize insurance companies. It refers to the tactics used by insurers to delay payment on claims, deny claims altogether, and then defend their actions. This phrase has been used to describe various types of insurance, including auto, property, and health insurance. As Lea Keller, a managing partner at a North Carolina-based law firm, explains, the longer insurers can delay and deny claims, the longer they can hold onto their money and avoid paying out.
In fact, "Delay, Deny, Defend" is also the title of a book by Jay Feinman that delves into the ways in which insurers handle claims. According to an excerpt on the book's website, "All insurance companies have an incentive to chisel their customers in order to increase profits." This statement echoes the sentiment of many who feel that insurance companies prioritize profits over serving their customers.
But how does this phrase specifically relate to UnitedHealthcare? As one of the largest health insurers in the US, UnitedHealthcare covers more than 49 million Americans and brought in over $281 billion in revenue last year. However, like its competitors, UnitedHealthcare has faced criticism from doctors, patients, and lawmakers for denying claims and making access to care more complicated. Some argue that insurers are increasingly interfering with even routine care, causing delays that can have serious consequences for patients.
One of the main sources of frustration for doctors and patients is the use of prior authorizations, which require insurers to approve medical procedures before they can be carried out. UnitedHealthcare was named in a recent report that highlighted the insurer's surge in prior authorization denials for Medicare Advantage patients. The report also mentioned other insurance companies such as Humana and CVS.
Insurers defend these tactics, arguing that they are necessary to control costs and prevent unnecessary procedures. But these frustrations extend beyond just the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications for conditions like Alzheimer's and obesity are often not covered or have coverage limits, leaving patients struggling to afford necessary treatments.
The anger and vitriol against health insurers on social media after Thompson's killing highlight the widespread frustration and mistrust towards these companies. Users filled comment sections with reactions and jokes about their own experiences with health insurers, particularly UnitedHealthcare. One person wrote, "I would be happy to help look for the shooter, but unfortunately, vision isn't covered under my healthcare plan." Another sarcastically commented, "Thoughts and prior authorizations!" These reactions reflect the disconnect between the public's perception of insurers and their commitment to serving their customers.
In the US healthcare system, patients receive coverage from a mix of private insurance companies and government-funded programs. This can lead to frustration and confusion as coverage can vary widely between insurers. Polls have consistently shown that a majority of Americans believe that health insurance companies are to blame for high healthcare costs. And while most insured adults rate their insurance as "excellent" or "good," a significant number have also reported experiencing issues with their insurance, including denied claims, problems with provider networks, and pre-authorization problems. Many of these issues were left unresolved, leaving patients feeling dissatisfied with their insurance.
In summary, the message found at the scene of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked a conversation about the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. The phrase "delay, deny, defend" has become a rallying cry for critics of the industry, and the incident has only intensified frustrations towards insurance companies. Despite their crucial role in the healthcare system, many Americans view these companies as prioritizing profits over serving their customers, creating a significant disconnect between the two.
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