(WASHINGTON) — A new poll reveals that most Americans attribute responsibility for the death of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, to both the killer and to health insurance practices, including profit-making and claim denials.
The survey indicates that approximately 80% of U.S. adults believe the perpetrator bears a significant degree of responsibility for the December 4th shooting.
However, some view the suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, as a symbol of public frustration with insurance companies following his arrest. Police reports state that the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were found on ammunition at the scene, reflecting common criticisms of insurance company tactics.
UnitedHealthcare asserts that Mangione was not a client.
About 70% of adults believe that insurance company claim denials and profits also share responsibility for Thompson’s death. Younger individuals are more inclined to see the murder as a result of multiple factors, not solely the killer’s actions.
Americans see a wide range of factors contributing to UHC CEO’s killing
The poll shows widespread awareness of the CEO’s death; approximately 70% of respondents reported having heard or read about it.
The survey identified various contributing factors. Around half of respondents believe wealth and income inequality are moderately responsible, while other factors, such as political divisions, were not considered as significant.
Patients and physicians often cite claim denials and other procedural obstacles as significant impediments to healthcare, particularly for serious conditions like cancer and ALS. Critics frequently question the prioritization of patient welfare given insurance company profitability.
UnitedHealthcare reported over $16 billion in pre-tax profit last year on $281 billion in revenue. Insurers typically emphasize that a large portion of their revenue is allocated to healthcare costs. UnitedHealthcare recently stated that it approves roughly 90% of submitted medical claims, but details regarding the total number of claims are unavailable.
For young people, blame is spread equally between insurers and the killer
Those under 30 are more likely to attribute Thompson’s death to a combination of factors. They view insurance company denials and profits as equally responsible as the killer. About 70% of 18- to 29-year-olds assign a significant degree of responsibility to insurance company profits, claim denials, or the perpetrator.
Younger individuals are less likely to assign significant blame solely to the killer. Only about 40% hold this view, compared to approximately 60% of those aged 30 to 59. Roughly 80% of adults over 60 consider the killer to be largely responsible.
About two-thirds of young people attribute at least a moderate level of blame to overall wealth and income inequality.
Individuals under 30 are more inclined to blame the media (54%), compared to about one-third of older adults.
About 3 in 10 struggled with coverage from health insurance in the last year
Patient dissatisfaction with health insurers, coverage, and the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system have persisted for years.
Approximately 30% of Americans report experiencing difficulties with their health insurance coverage in the past year, including issues with finding in-network providers, claim denials, and prior authorization processes. This is more common among those under 60.
Insurers argue that prior authorizations help reduce waste and clarify coverage before care is provided.
Roughly 30% of respondents indicate that immediate family or close friends encountered similar coverage issues. Those under 30 are among the most likely to report lacking health insurance.
Most Americans obtain health coverage through employers or individual policies. Government-funded programs provide coverage for low-income individuals, those 65 and older, or people with severe illnesses or disabilities.
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The poll, conducted Dec. 12-16, 2024, surveyed 1,001 adults using NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel. The margin of error is ±4.2 percentage points.
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Associated Press writer Tom Murphy reported from Indianapolis.
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