Just over a year before United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s tragic murder in Midtown Manhattan this week, a lawsuit highlighted the harsh practices of the insurance company he led.
In November of the previous year, the estates of two former UHC patients filed a lawsuit in Minnesota, accusing the insurer of using an AI algorithm to deny and override claims for elderly patients that had already been approved by their doctors.
The algorithm in question, called nH Predict, reportedly had a staggering 90 percent error rate, and according to the families of the two deceased men who filed the lawsuit, United Healthcare was aware of this.
As the lawsuit progressed through the courts, outrage over the insurance giant’s tendency to deny claims grew, with some speculating that the assassin might have been one of many disgruntled by UHC’s coverage practices.
Although the identity and motives of Thompson’s killer remain unknown, reports suggest the assassin inscribed the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” on the shell casing of the bullets used in the shooting.
This message suggests the possibility that the killer’s actions were fueled by frustration with the insurance industry’s frequent denials of coverage to patients in need.
The shockingly celebratory response online to Brian Thompson’s murder highlights the deep-seated frustration and anger many Americans feel towards the insurance and healthcare systems.
As The American Prospect pointed out, millions of customers who have faced claim denials from UHC might harbor intense resentment toward the company’s practices, which could have contributed to the violent sentiment surrounding Thompson’s death.
The use of the nH Predict algorithm, with its 90 percent error rate, underscores the cruelty that many see in the system.
By denying claims that were approved by doctors, particularly for vulnerable, elderly patients, it amplifies public outrage and calls into question the priorities of massive health insurers like UHC.
The lack of a response from the company when asked about the continued use of this algorithm further fuels the perception that corporate interests take precedence over patient care and well-being.
Stories You May Like