Yesterday, two extremely distressing events took place in the United States. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside his hotel in Midtown Manhattan by an unidentified assailant. In response, a post on X expressing the hope that the murderer would never be caught received an astonishing 95,000 likes. Social media was flooded with jokes about Thompson's potential hospital bills and his failure to return to his "mcmansion." This tragic situation was summed up by journalist Ken Klippenstein, who presented a chart on X showing that UnitedHealthcare refuses to cover a higher percentage of users' healthcare bills compared to other major insurers. "Today we remember the legacy of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson," he wrote.

There's No Excuse for Cheering on Murder

This incident clearly demonstrates the coarsening of public discourse and the deep-seated rage that Americans feel towards the deficiencies of the U.S. healthcare system. Gallup polling reveals that only 31 percent of Americans hold a positive view of the healthcare industry. Among the 25 industries surveyed by Gallup, only oil and gas, the federal government, and drug companies are more negatively regarded.The entire American healthcare system is structured in a way that inevitably leads to a certain level of fury. While most wealthy industrialized countries provide their citizens with some form of insurance, the majority of Americans are entirely dependent on the whims of private health insurers. The system's focus on keeping costs down to generate profits often leads insurance companies to deny care to patients. Americans' anger towards Thompson and other healthcare CEOs is a manifestation of their frustration with a system that causes real and preventable harm. Those who cheered Thompson's death believe that denying sick Americans necessary medical treatment is immoral and should be punished by death.

The Impact of Healthcare Costs on Americans

Roughly half of Americans report difficulties in paying for their healthcare costs. A single denied insurance claim can plunge a patient into financial ruin. Health insurers have become more ingenious in finding ways to deny claims. Before Congress intervened in 2020, patients often faced unexpected medical bills for hospital visits simply because the doctor on duty was not within their insurance network. Even seemingly minor tactics like step therapy, which requires patients to try cheaper medications before insurers will cover more expensive treatments, can delay necessary treatment and cause suffering.

UnitedHealthcare's Aggressive Tactics

UnitedHealthcare is widely known for its aggressive use of such tactics. Reporters at the health publication Stat, where the author worked until September, have spent the past year documenting the various ways in which UnitedHealthcare has extracted profits at the expense of patients' lives. For instance, the company has used AI algorithms to justify kicking elderly patients out of nursing homes, even though there is evidence that some of those patients still require round-the-clock care. Doctors who worked for United (which has also been acquiring doctors' offices) have stated that the company pressured them to see more patients and diagnose them with additional conditions, presumably to increase profits. United has also faced lawsuits from patients and the federal government regarding its aggressive business practices. (United has refuted the claim that it solely relied on AI to deny care and has stated in response to Stat's reporting that it trusts its doctors to make independent clinical decisions.)

The Need for Government Intervention

Compassion and capitalism can coexist, and the government's role is to mediate between companies' profit-making and citizens' essential needs. Insuring people with high-cost conditions requires a broader perspective than just profit. This is why the Affordable Care Act was necessary to require companies like UnitedHealthcare to insure people with preexisting conditions. Unsatisfied Americans should have the option to switch insurers or elect politicians who will reform the current system. The ugly reaction to Thompson's death shows that many people feel that neither of these options is addressing the country's true needs.The identity and motivation of Thompson's killer remain unknown. His death may or may not be related to the U.S. healthcare system. (Although shell casings found at the scene, inscribed with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose," seem to suggest otherwise.) Regardless, this act has exposed the extent of Americans' anger over healthcare and the fact that they would publicly celebrate a man's death. While cheering on a vigilante may provide temporary catharsis for those frustrated with the current healthcare system, it will not solve the underlying problems.

Governor-elect Mike Braun is making a significant transition, leaving the U.S. Senate to take on the role of Indiana's next governor. His focus is clear - reducing healthcare costs for Hoosiers and shaping a bold vision for the state's future.

Braun's Entrepreneurial Approach to Transform Indiana's Healthcare Landscape

Addressing Property Taxes and Streamlining State Government

Indiana's new governor has laid out several priorities as part of his "Freedom and Opportunity Agenda." One of the key aspects is addressing property taxes and streamlining state government. This move aims to create a more efficient and cost-effective governance system, allowing resources to be redirected towards essential services and initiatives. By simplifying bureaucratic processes and reducing unnecessary red tape, Braun hopes to enhance the overall functioning of the state and provide better value for taxpayers.Another important element is the emphasis on investing in a healthier Indiana. Braun believes that by promoting wellness and prevention, employers can play a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs. He plans to encourage employers to adopt health plans that prioritize these aspects, leading to improved employee well-being and lower healthcare expenditures. This approach not only benefits individuals but also has a positive impact on the overall economy of the state.

Dealing with Healthcare Costs for Hoosiers

Braun has a long history of working on healthcare issues. As a state lawmaker and U.S. senator, he has seen firsthand the challenges faced by Hoosiers in accessing affordable healthcare. In his own business, he implemented measures 16 years ago that successfully lowered health care costs for his employees. Now, as governor, he aims to bring that same entrepreneurial spirit to address the healthcare needs of all Hoosiers.One of the ways he plans to do this is by focusing on greater price transparency requirements. By making healthcare prices more transparent, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare choices. This increased transparency can lead to better negotiations between healthcare providers and insurers, ultimately resulting in lower costs for patients.Additionally, Braun wants to introduce more regulation on pharmacy benefit managers and reform the authorization process. By ensuring that these processes are more efficient and fair, he hopes to eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce administrative burdens. This can have a significant impact on reducing healthcare costs and improving access to care for Hoosiers.

Expanding Rural Healthcare

Recognizing the unique challenges faced in rural areas, Braun is committed to expanding rural healthcare. He plans to provide new incentives for rural healthcare facilities, encouraging them to grow and provide better services to the community. This includes enhancing coverage of telehealth, which can bridge the gap between rural areas and urban centers in terms of access to specialized care.Braun also wants to improve access to care during pregnancy in rural areas. By addressing this critical need, he hopes to improve the health outcomes of mothers and babies in rural communities. Additionally, he is looking at the entire hospital system in Indiana, which he describes as noncompetitive and likens to an unregulated utility. He believes that by setting the context and creating incentives, the hospital systems themselves can play a more active role in expanding healthcare opportunities in rural parts of the state.

Addressing Medicaid Costs

When it comes to the rising cost of Medicaid in Indiana, Braun is committed to looking at the underlying causes. He believes that by identifying areas where efficiencies can be improved, the state can make its portion more cost-effective. This may involve reevaluating service delivery models, exploring alternative care options, and working closely with healthcare providers to optimize resource utilization.By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing healthcare costs, Braun hopes to create a sustainable healthcare system in Indiana that benefits all residents, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta has responded to Braun's agenda announcement, expressing some areas of agreement and highlighting areas where he believes more focus is needed. While there are some common goals, such as lowering healthcare costs and increasing teacher pay, there are differences in approach, particularly regarding childcare expansion and universal pre-K. GiaQuinta emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in bolstering Indiana's economy and providing a better future for children.Overall, Braun's agenda represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to addressing the healthcare needs of Hoosiers. With his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to innovation, he is poised to make a significant impact on the state's healthcare landscape.