A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

Summary

The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has drawn attention due to the phrase “deny, defend, depose” reportedly written on the shooter’s ammunition, echoing criticism of insurer practices like “delay, deny, defend.”

UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest U.S. health insurers, has faced scrutiny over claim denials and delays, including a Senate report highlighting issues with Medicare Advantage prior authorizations.

The killing has sparked public outrage and dark humor on social media, reflecting widespread frustration with health insurers, which many blame for rising healthcare costs and access barriers.

  • modus@lemmy.world
    20·
    6 days ago

    Interestingly, NYT doesn’t mention the word “depose” in any of their articles on the matter.

    • olympicyes@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      5 days ago

      I thought you had to be wrong but I just checked and you’re right. They all mention “‘delay’, ‘deny’, and other words”. The only article published by The NY Times that included “depose” on the casings was in an opinion piece by Zaynep Tufekci published today that referenced the AP News articles.

      Then came the reports that bullet casings bearing the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were found at the scene. “Delay” and “deny” clearly echo tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims. “Depose”? Well, that’s the sudden, forceful removal from a high position. Ah.