A note left at the site of the tragic shooting of an insurance executive contained the phrases “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” which reflect a well-known strategy associated with insurance companies trying to sidestep their financial obligations regarding claims.
The words were found on the bullets used by a masked assailant to fatally shoot Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, according to a law enforcement source. These phrases bear a striking resemblance to “delay, deny, defend,” a term often employed by lawyers to characterize how insurance companies often negate services and payments—also the title of a critical 2010 book scrutinizing the industry.
While police have not made any formal statements about the significance of the wording or any potential connections to the well-known phrase, the incident and the symbols on the ammunition have ignited outrage across various social media platforms, reflecting the rising dissatisfaction Americans feel regarding the intricacies and costs associated with obtaining medical care.
What does this phrase signify?
“Delay, deny, defend” has emerged as a significant slogan among critics of the insurance industry. It captures the cycle where insurance providers postpone payments on healthcare claims, reject claims outright, and then justify their stances when challenged.
This phrase is also the title of a book published in 2010 by Jay Feinman that explores the dynamics of how insurance companies process claims.
What is the connection to UnitedHealthcare?
UnitedHealthcare stands as one of the largest health insurers in the United States, providing coverage to over 49 million Americans and reporting revenues exceeding $281 billion last year. This company, along with its competitors, has faced heightened scrutiny from physicians, patients, and lawmakers in recent years due to their practices surrounding claim denials and the complexities in accessing care.
Critics argue that insurers are increasingly obstructing even basic healthcare services, leading to delays that could undermine a patient’s recovery chances or, in severe cases, endanger their lives.
What specific criticisms are being aimed at insurers?
Frustration from doctors and patients is particularly directed towards the practice of prior authorization, which necessitates that insurers approve medical procedures or treatments before they are carried out.
In an October report, UnitedHealthcare was highlighted for a sharp increase in the denial rates of prior authorizations for certain Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. This report, compiled by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, also pointed fingers at competitors such as Humana and CVS.
Insurers argue that such measures, like prior authorization, are essential for curtailing unnecessary medical services and managing the soaring costs of healthcare.
The dissatisfaction extends beyond ordinary coverage concerns: high-cost breakthrough medications aimed at conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or obesity are often not covered by insurance or come with restrictive coverage stipulations.
