Americans blame both shooter and insurance practices in CEO death
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A recent poll reveals most Americans attribute partial responsibility for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s death to insurance industry practices, while still holding the alleged shooter primarily accountable.
According to a NORC at the University of Chicago survey, approximately 80% of Americans believe the shooter bears significant responsibility for Thompson’s December 4 death. However, the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione sparked public discourse about insurance industry practices, particularly after investigators discovered ammunition marked with “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” – terms commonly associated with insurance claim denials. UnitedHealthcare has confirmed Mangione was not their customer.
Luigi Mangione’s attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo says she’s concerned that Luigi won’t get a fair trial.
That’s rich. Luigi allegedly ex*c*ted CEO Brian Thompson, a husband and father, without any fair trial.
Luigi made himself the judge, jury, and ex*c*tioner. pic.twitter.com/T2NDJYaghM
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) December 23, 2024
The survey indicates roughly 70% of respondents also attribute substantial responsibility to insurance coverage denials and company profits. This perspective is especially prevalent among younger Americans, who view the incident as resulting from multiple contributing factors rather than solely individual actions.
The tragic event has captured widespread public attention, with about 70% of respondents reporting significant awareness of Thompson’s death. The poll also revealed that approximately half of participants consider wealth and income inequality as moderately responsible, while downplaying the role of political division.
Healthcare coverage challenges frequently frustrate both patients and medical professionals, particularly regarding serious conditions like cancer and ALS. Critics often question whether patient care truly takes precedence over profits, noting UnitedHealthcare’s substantial 2023 earnings of over $16 billion before taxes and interest on $281 billion in revenue. The company maintains it approves roughly 90% of submitted medical claims.
Age significantly influences perspectives on responsibility. Among adults under 30, about 70% equally attribute responsibility to insurance industry practices and the shooter. This contrasts sharply with older demographics – approximately 60% of those aged 30-59 and 80% of those over 60 place primary responsibility on the shooter.
NOW: "Defend Deny Depose" banners read at protest gathered outside NYC Court where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson alleged shooter, Luigi Mangione, is being arraigned today. pic.twitter.com/sFZqRatQsr
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) December 23, 2024
The survey also highlights ongoing healthcare system challenges. Nearly one-third of Americans report experiencing insurance coverage difficulties within the past year, including problems with in-network providers, claim denials, and prior authorization requirements. These issues particularly affect Americans under 60.
Insurance companies defend prior authorization as a method to reduce waste and provide advance coverage clarity. However, roughly 30% of respondents report that close friends or family members have encountered insurance coverage obstacles in the previous year, with young adults being most likely to lack health insurance altogether.
The comprehensive poll, conducted December 12-16, 2024, surveyed 1,001 adults through NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, maintaining a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
