Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds

[dalton99a]

https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-brian-thompson-shooting-b53fde08980d160ee93fd08b1664108d

Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds
By LINLEY SANDERS, TOM MURPHY and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX
Updated 8:43 AM CST, December 27, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger, according to a new poll.

In the survey from NORC at the University of Chicago, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults said the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson.

Americans under 30 are especially likely to think a mix of factors is to blame for Thompson’s death. They say that insurance company denials and profits are about as responsible as Thompson’s killer for his death. About 7 in 10 U.S. adults between 18 and 29 say “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility falls on profits made by health insurance companies, denials for health care coverage by health insurance companies or the person who committed the killing.

Young people are also the least likely age group to say “a great deal” of responsibility falls on the person who committed the killing. Only about 4 in 10 say that, compared with about 6 in 10 between 30 and 59. Roughly 8 in 10 adults over 60 say that person deserves “a great deal” of responsibility.

...

[Think. Again.]

1. I'm glad to see people are starting to...

...believe that people must be held accountable for their actions.

[Kaleva]

7. Execution without trial isn't a progressive position

[Think. Again.]

8. I agree...

...that insurance salesman should never have murdered so many sick and needy people just for his own and his shareholder's profit.

[Kaleva]

10. Convicting a person without a trial isn't a progressive position

Having evidence that a murder was committed, allegedly by insurance salesmen, but not turning that in to proper authorities isn't a progressive position either.

[Think. Again.]

13. Yes, all those years of unfounded claim denials...

...that resulted in death but were never acted upon by any authorities.

It's horrifying.

[Kaleva]

15. Did you vote for candidates that promised to bring them to justice?

Or did you vote for candidates that said nothing about that?

[Think. Again.]

16. I don't recall any candidates addressing Health Insurance claim denials....

...which is probably why the issue has escalated.

[Kaleva]

17. It's not an important issue for voters

As I don't recall there being an effort to persuade candidates to deal with it.

Even here at DU, posts about health insurance claim denials were few and far between at best.

Members are going to talk about what they claim is important and ignore that which isn't

[Think. Again.]

18. No, it is important to voters, but it isn't addressed by Congress or the media.

You might be making the mistake of thinking that if something isn't on TV then it doesn't exist.

[Kaleva]

19. I remember the civil rights movement and antiwar demonstrations

If someone cares, there will be noticeable action on their part.

There will be sit ins, protests, peaceful civil disobedience and in more extreme cases, riots, hunger strikes, takeovers of buildings.

Lack of action shows lack of interest.

[Think. Again.]

22. I only wish it were that easy...

...to challenge wealth.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

51. I'd say the first shot has been fired...

It’ll be interesting to see how the resistance grows, by whatever means.

We’re talking about an industry that has no actual product except to play gatekeeper and deny people treatments prescribed by their actual DOCTORS in order to benefit their companies and shareholders. To say they’re unaware of the hatred and frustration that’s caused is ludicrous.

But then, the French aristocracy never saw it coming, either. *eyeroll*

[Patton French]

24. You're saying cold blooded murder of a CEO is a good way to hold a company accountable?

[Think. Again.]

25. WOW!

Where the heck did you get that from what I wrote????

[Patton French]

26. Because it's literally what you wrote.

“I'm glad to see people are starting to...
...believe that people must be held accountable for their actions.“

[Think. Again.]

27. This effort of your's is called "Gaslighting".

Please stop doing it here on DU.

[Patton French]

30. LOL. So, then

What did you mean by,
“I'm glad to see people are starting to...
...believe that people must be held accountable for their actions.”
Seems pretty clear to me.

[Macrophylla]

32. Ever just

Point out the absurdity of something to make a larger point?
Ever read between the lines to get the point?
Ever used an obsurd statement to get attention to make a point?

I think it's like that.

[Patton French]

33. Gotchya

I suppose I haven’t had enough coffee to grasp the nuance.
I’ll pour another cup.

[Macrophylla]

28. The intentionally obtuse

Folks can't see your point here because the game of some is to not understand the point.

[Think. Again.]

29. Yeah, twisting other people's words and playing innocent seems to be a favorite pastime.

[Patton French]

31. Tell me, how is it twisting words.

I would love to know what you really meant if I’m wrong.

[Think. Again.]

36. What I really meant was...

...that I am glad to see people are starting to believe that people must be held accountable for their actions.

I said that in response to the OP which highlighted that people are beginning to believe that people must be held accountable for their actions by pointing out that "Most Americans" blame the unjust aquisition of insurance profits and denials (at the expense of proper and rightful medical treatment for those rightfully covered) for the murder as well as blaming the murderer himself.

In other words, I am glad to see that people are aware there can be consequences for harmful actions, otherwise known as "accountability".

I did not, in any of my posts ever, condone the murder of the insurance guy, or any of the multiple murders he committed for profit, and as my words above attest, I hope for accountability for any wrongful actions, always.

[Patton French]

41. I'll take you at your word.

Cheers.

[Think. Again.]

43. And why wouldn't you?

[Patton French]

44. I didn't say I wouldn't.

Again, cheers.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Killing an insurance CEO essentially has the same effect as killing The Pope.

Both health Insurance and The Catholic Church will continue as is without their leaders.

[ck4829]

4. That's why we need to stop giving them money

[Think. Again.]

14. I didn't realize the vatican could be better regulated by Congress....

Learn somethin' new ever day!

[ProfessorGAC]

54. There Was Somebody Else...

..running UHC under the same policies & principles before that guy's body was cold.
If anything, the murder will encourage a bunker mentality to continue business as usual.

[Omnipresent]

3. Our private healthcare system is so broken that...

Copycat killers could come out the woodwork and take a few more of these CEO’s out, only to get applauded by the general public.

It’s time our elected officials stop taking special interest money and give the people their full attention in solving this problem.

[Silent Type]

5. We might get healthcare reform if Americans would focus their anger on Congress for sitting on its rears for decades.

[Igel]

6. Perhaps there should be some stipulation

that health insurance companies must spend at least 80% of their revenue on medical expenses for customers. Everything else--advertising, administrative costs, legal fees, salaries, liability insurance CEO compensation, share-holder dividends ... Would come out of the remaining 20%.

Do you think that would make people happy?

(You know, given the facts on the ground, I'm guessing it doesn't.)

[IcyPeas]

9. And I have yet to hear of any solutions...

I've heard from talking heads in the media that violence is wrong.... that you should go through the "Proper Channels" to get help if you are denied care. But no one tells you what these "Proper Channels" are. You are an individual and you or a loved one has been denied... you call the insurance company and get the run-around. So you are expected to start running around begging for help. The talking heads say: call your local representatives, post on social media, get a lawyer....

So the stupid people who were denied care and went and died should've gone through the "Proper Channels". Its their fault they didnt know these secret "Proper Channels". (Being sarcastic)

What can we consumers do against these huge corporations?

This story isn't even mentioned on the news anymore... unfortunately. I was hoping it would lead to some solutions. Silly me.

[Kaleva]

11. What is Biden's solution?

[Think. Again.]

37. Wait, Biden has to decide egg prices AND all corporate policies???

[Kaleva]

38. What effort is he making to address the situation?

[Think. Again.]

39. Listen, I understand trump thinks the Presidency is a Kingship...

...but he's wrong.

We have various branches of government each with their own responsibilities.

[Kaleva]

40. Biden can use his position to advocate or pressure

So I ask you again, what effort has he been making to address the issue?

MLK couldn't enact the Civil Rights Act but we both know he dedicated his life , and lost it, to the cause.

People who care take action. Those who don't, do nothing

[Think. Again.]

42. Yeah, what DID MLK do about insurance claim denials????

[Kaleva]

45. Pretty much the same as what you have done

[Think. Again.]

46. How does pretending you know anything about me help your case?

[Kaleva]

48. What have you done then?

How many protests have you attended? How many face to face meetings have you had with your elected officials about this? How many times have you called the WH asking that Biden make this a priority?

My guess is that you've put as much effort into this as I have .

[Scrivener7]

55. Wait. Are you mad at Biden or at Think.Again? Your target seems to have morphed.

[Kaleva]

57. I'm not mad at anyone

Just trying to find out how much effort a fellow DUer had made in addressing an issue he claims is important.

People work hard and make sacrifices in an attempt to address an issue that is important to them. If an issue isn't important, they aren't going to make any effort.

That's human nature

[Scrivener7]

60. Yes. We know. You tell us often that you have decided others are not serious because they

don't perform the acts you have decided would prove to you that they are serious.

We know.

[Kaleva]

61. History shows that I'm correct

People who care take action. People who don't care do nothing or very little.

That's how you separate the bs artists or self deluded from the real deal.

The issue is of little importance to me and my lack of effort in trying to change things shows that it's of little importance. I'm not going to be spending much time on something I don't care much about .

[Scrivener7]

62. Sure. No one else is doing what you have decided would make you believe their

concern is legitimate.

We understand.

[Kaleva]

64. What are those who claim to care dong then?

Gandhi used hunger strikes to great effect because he didn't keep it a secret.

You'll not see anyone here go on a hunger strike because the issues aren't important enough to warrant that course of action.

Limiting oneself to posting on social media is the equivalent of sending thoughts and prayers.

[Scrivener7]

65. I'm sure Gandhi would have been relieved to know that he convinced you his concerns were legitimate.

And yes. We understand that those who are not going on hunger strikes do not fulfill the criteria you have set in your mind that would make you believe their concerns are legitimate.

We all understand what you're saying just fine.

[Kaleva]

66. Gandhi was successful because he actually cared

He knew what it would take and he was willing to make the effort.

He wasn't a bull shit artist

Here's a simple equation for people to remember:

No effort = No results

And to have the motivation to make the effort, one needs to care

[Scrivener7]

67. Kaleva, you keep saying the same thing over and over and I'm telling you

we all understand that you don't find our concerns legitimate because we are not doing the things you have decided would make you believe they are legitimate.

I assure you, you are understood. What more are you after here?

[Kaleva]

68. It's not me that decides. It your right to choose not to care

You and others make that decision. I've made mine

In regards to the issue of health care companies denying claims, you and I are the same. Neither of us thinks it's important enough to do anything about it .

[Scrivener7]

69. Kaleva, you have stated your opinion. Multiple times. And been assured that no one misunderstands your opinion.

Why do you keep repeating yourself? What are you looking for?

[Kaleva]

70. You are the one who initiated this discussion, did you not?

You responded to a post that I had made to another member.

And it appears you want to continue the discussion which I'm willing to do.

[Scrivener7]

72. I was confused. You seemed to feel that both Think.Again and Biden failed to live up to

your criteria. As I said, I wondered who you were blaming.

As you had no answer to that, I tried once more to learn what you hope to gain by repeating your mantra that the concerns of those you interact with are not legitimate. I have tried before without success, but I thought I'd try again.

I do think I have learned what you are seeking by doing that. Interestingly, I suspect you are unaware of the answer.

So yes, Kaleva. This could go on and on. But I think I have learned what I was hoping to learn. So you have a great new year and I'll bow out.

I think having the last word is important to you, so enjoy.

[Kaleva]

73. I'm not blaming anyone about anything

Just pointing out the fact that people who feel an issue or situation is very important will take action.
If the situation or issue isn't important, people won't take action.

As far as I know, Biden hasn't said much, if anything, about it so it's not important to him. Nor is it important to me so I'm not doing anything about it and as far as I can tell, it's not important to you either .

The lesson I've been trying to get to you is to pay attention to what a person does. The folks who walk the walk are those whose actions match their rhetoric. Like Gandhi, MLK, Nelson Mandela, Harvey Milk and so many others.

The bs artists are those who are all talk and no action.

That is the lesson I've been trying to get you to understand.

[Scrivener7]

74. OK. I'm going to jump back in here just to assure you, once again, that everyone understands

that this is your "lesson" for the rest of us. No one misunderstands your "lesson."

Now what?

[Kaleva]

75. The lesson is apparently only for you

Nobody else has joined the discussion.

I am curious as to if you agree with what I have said.

If you are interested, I'll provide numerous other examples that'll support my position.

[LeftInTX]

21. Sure, let's just murder people. Sounds like fun. I'll get my gun!

Oh and that poor guy who can't get Medicare to cover his cancer treatment. Who is responsible for Medicare in this country??? I'm sure vigilante solutions are acceptable.....

Medicare is government run.....but don't let facts get in the way.....

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=19854096

[Emile]

23. You must be talking about an advantage plan.

[yellowdogintexas]

52. I agree. Medicare Part B doesn't do those things.

I processed claims for Part B physicians' services for 7 years and there was very little that could not be resolved in the patient's favor. Part B is not profit driven so none of the garbage you have to put up with in other plans is even an issue. (bonus: no networks). If a public option had been available with the ACA it would have made a huge difference, and extending Medicare would have been the perfect solution, but Joe Leiberman the Senator from Big Insurance kicked that one off the plate.

OTOH I also worked for small group and individual plans; the plans were crap and difficult for the average consumer to understand. Heck, I had a hard time and I knew the plans inside out. Everything varied from state to state too; getting rid of the ACA would return us to that.

We did have a few instances when it was close to the end of a quarter, our manager would come around and tell us to pend any large claims until after the first of the next month. That indicated to me that we were going to mess with the profit line if we completed the claims.

[Skittles]

12. fuck that gun humping psycho killer coward

seriously, FUCK him

[Kaleva]

47. Rec'd

[Cobalt Violet]

53. Fuck the guy he killed!

seriously, FUCK him

[Skittles]

63. no one is saying victim wasn't scum

BUT HIS KILLER IS SCUM TOO

[LeftInTX]

20. Talk about victim blaming!

Preppy killer Mangione pulled the trigger.

[sop]

34. "Responsibility"?

I could think of a few more appropriate words to describe the American health insurance industry's role in the UHC CEO's murder. It's safe to say America's health insurance companies have created a tremendous amount of public anger and frustration in response to their business practices.

[Scrivener7]

35. Without one, there wouldn't have been the other.

[dalton99a]

49. +1

[keithbvadu2]

50. "Collins described crying .. while handling calls from desperate patients, as supervisors laughed." [UnitedHealthcare]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016393042

[Iggo]

56. It's not one or the other.

The inability of Americans to hold two thoughts in their heads at the same time continues to amaze me.

The health insurance industry is bad.
Murder is bad.

Why is that hard?

[Blue_Tires]

58. I really want to know where all these Americans were in 2010

When Obama burned almost all of his political capital trying to do something about it...

[Vinca]

71. Insurance companies will be the death of us . . . literally. There's a current disruption of medical service

about to happen in NH where a major hospital provider can't reach an agreement with Anthem BC/BS. 7,000 patients have been told they'll only have coverage at that facility until March 1 unless things are sorted out. I get the impression both sides in this particular brouhaha are greedy since the hospital is known to have some of the highest rates around. Glad I'm on Medicare.

[Unladen Swallow]

76. People who commit homicide

in order to elicit "justice" without the benefit of a trial in a court for the person they committed homicide against should be put in prison for life. Or worse.

They are the worst type of human.