Axios - UnitedHealth CEO's killing unleashes social media rage against insurers

Maya Goldman
3 hours ago

Wednesday's shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unleashed a wave of social media-fueled rage against health insurers, with posters lashing out over coverage denials and other business practices.

Why it matters: Experts say the lack of sympathy may reflect an inherent truth about Americans and their health plans: People tend to like their own insurer but distrust the industry — and indeed, the health system at large.

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Driving the news: As the news broke Wednesday morning, a vocal subset of social media users unleashed raw emotions about the industry.

-"When you shoot one man in the street it's murder. When you kill thousands of people in hospitals by taking away their ability to get treatment you're an entrepreneur," an X user wrote.

-"Saw mainstream news coverage about the killing of the CEO of United Healthcare on TikTok and I think political and industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them," activist Tobita Chow wrote on X.

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