UHC CEO death/ health insurance poll/ UnitedHealthcare killing/ Luigi Mangione/ insurance denial practices/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new poll by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that many Americans attribute some responsibility for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to systemic issues within the health insurance industry, including coverage denials and profits. However, the majority still place primary blame on the individual accused of the killing.
Public Opinion on UHC CEO’s Death: Quick Looks
- Key Findings:
- 8 in 10 Americans believe the shooter bears “a great deal” or “moderate” responsibility.
- About 7 in 10 see health insurance profits and coverage denials as contributing factors.
- Half attribute some blame to wealth and income inequality.
- Younger Perspectives:
- Americans under 30 are more likely to equally blame systemic issues and the killer.
- 54% of young adults also attribute some responsibility to media coverage.
- Struggles with Coverage:
- Roughly 3 in 10 Americans experienced issues with health insurance in the past year, such as claim denials or finding in-network providers.
- These frustrations are more common among adults under 60.
Poll: Most Americans See Health Insurer Practices as Factor in CEO’s Death
Deep Look
Americans Grapple With Systemic Blame After UHC CEO Killing
A recent poll from NORC at the University of Chicago highlights how Americans perceive the complex factors surrounding the Dec. 4 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While the majority (80%) place significant responsibility on the alleged shooter, Luigi Mangione, many also hold the health insurance industry accountable for practices they believe exacerbate public frustrations.
Systemic Issues Emerge in Public Perception
Seven in 10 Americans say that health insurance profits and coverage denials bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Younger Americans (aged 18–29) are especially likely to spread blame, viewing insurers’ practices and profits as equally culpable as the alleged killer.
The incident sparked a wave of grievances about the health insurance industry. Investigators found phrases like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” scrawled on ammunition at the crime scene—words often used by critics to describe insurer tactics.
Wider Blame Among Younger Americans
The poll reveals generational divides in assigning responsibility:
- Only 4 in 10 young adults believe the shooter bears “a great deal” of responsibility, compared to 8 in 10 adults over 60.
- Nearly two-thirds of those under 30 link the killing to wealth inequality.
- Younger respondents also point to media coverage as a contributing factor, with 54% blaming it to some extent, compared to about one-third of older adults.
Ongoing Struggles With Health Insurance
The murder has amplified discussions about the U.S. health care system, with many Americans reporting personal struggles with insurance coverage. According to the poll:
- 3 in 10 Americans faced issues with their insurance in the past year, including claim denials and difficulties finding in-network providers.
- These issues are more prevalent among Americans under 60.
- Another 30% reported similar challenges experienced by close friends or family members.
The U.S. health insurance system is notorious for its complexity, with insurers often requiring prior authorizations to manage costs. Critics argue this adds bureaucratic hurdles that delay or deny critical care, especially for life-threatening conditions like cancer or ALS.
UnitedHealthcare and Industry Practices Under Scrutiny
UnitedHealthcare, which reported $16 billion in profit on $281 billion in revenue last year, has defended its practices, stating it pays 90% of medical claims. However, it has not disclosed how many claims are denied.
Thompson’s death has reignited debates about whether health insurers prioritize profits over patients. “Patients and doctors frequently express frustration with coverage denials,” noted the Associated Press team. “Many question whether the industry’s focus aligns with public health needs.”
Polling Methodology
The survey of 1,001 adults was conducted from Dec. 12–16, 2024, using NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of error is ±4.2 percentage points.
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