People believe that healthcare coverage denials and insurance profits share some of the blame for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to a new poll.
Thompson was shot Dec. 4 while walking to an investor's conference in Manhattan. Luigi Mangione, 26, has been arrested and charged in the killing. Authorities say that writings found with Mangione expressed hostility toward the health insurance industry.
For some, the killing has provided an opportunity to vent their frustrations with the health insurance industry. Some have also attempted to raise money for Mangione's defense, with a fund in GiveSendGo surpassing $200,000 this week.
Although people still believe the person who pulled the trigger on Dec. 4, is the primary party responsible, the poll by NORC at the University of Chicago found that most Americans view the conduct of insurance companies as at least partially provoking the attack, the AP reported.
The poll, conducted by surveyed 1,001 people between Dec. 12 and Dec. 16.
In response to who was responsible for Thompson's murder, survey participants top three responses were:
- 78 percent: The individual who committed the killing.
- 69 percent: Denials for health care coverage by health insurance companies.
- 68 percent: Profits made by health insurance companies.
The poll also asked respondents whether they had personally had any issues or problems getting coverage from their insurer. A majority, 58 percent, reported that they did not have any problems. However, 28 percent stated that they had either had a claim denied or had problems getting prior authorization.
In terms of whether people were worried about more violence being directed at the industry, 41 percent said they were not very concerned or not concerned at all, while 19 percent reported being very or extremely concerned about the potential for more violence against the industry.
