TL/DR –
Public sentiment following the murder of US health insurance executive Brian Thompson has been characterized by a lack of sympathy, with many expressing frustration and anger over the country’s medical system. In particular, scornful remarks and jokes dominated online responses to the news, with many comments related to the issues with health insurance coverage denials in the US. Despite the lack of an official motive for the murder, the public vented long-standing grievances over the privatized and expensive American healthcare system, with some even hailing the murderer as a “folk hero”.
Public Reaction to US Health Insurance Executive’s Murder Reflects Anger with Healthcare System
The murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has triggered public sentiments filled with jokes, snark, and a lack of sympathy, revealing deep-seated frustration with America’s medical system. Thompson was shot dead in Manhattan, resulting in a citywide manhunt.
Instead of outrage, the Internet’s reaction was filled with cheers and controversial comments moments after the news broke. A Facebook post by UnitedHealth Group mourning Thompson’s death garnered over 71,000 laugh emojis, overshadowing other reactions.
“My thoughts and prayers are out-of-network,” was a common comment, referring to the notorious reason US insurance companies deny coverage: when a patient’s provider isn’t included in their plan. Even doctors joined in, posting satirical comments on Internet forums, mocking the language typically found in insurance denial letters.
Despite police declining to confirm a motive or reports that the words “delay” and “deny” were found etched onto the shell casings at the scene, the public has expressed longstanding grievances with the US’s expensive, privatized healthcare system. Some have even dubbed the shooter a “folk hero”.
Highlighting the issue, a TikTok user claimed that the insurer delayed her toddler’s emergency brain surgery coverage while she was heavily pregnant. However, she clarified that her comments were not condoning violence.
The US’s fragmented healthcare coverage contrasts with the universal health care found in other developed countries. The Affordable Care Act tried to address some of the insurance system’s anti-consumer practices a decade ago, but significant gaps and deficiencies remain.
Research group ValuePenguin states that UnitedHealthcare, the largest US health insurer, denies about one-third of all claims, double the industry average. The company reported $16.4 billion profits in 2023 and compensated Thompson over $10 million.
William Flanary, a comedian and ophthalmologist, views the public’s dark humor as a coping mechanism for feeling powerless in the healthcare system.
Whilst some glorify the killer, others are using digital detective skills to help the police, leading to online clashes between the two sides. One user shared a theory on the killer’s escape route, scraping rental bike data, and received a bombardment of angry replies.
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