Will the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shock the American system into change?

Summary

Rising frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system have been amplified by increasing insurance claim denials and mounting costs.

Patients report prolonged battles to access doctor-recommended care, with surveys showing one in five privately insured Americans faced denial in 2022.

Anger has intensified following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, spotlighting issues like AI-based claim reviews and profit-driven practices.

While Trump’s upcoming administration proposes deregulation and privatization, critics warn this could worsen access.

Public distrust persists, but significant reforms appear unlikely as partisan debates stall progress in Washington.

  • LuckyPierre@lemm.eeEnglish
    9·
    10 days ago

    Americans have got to learn how to vote for their own interests.

    When one candidate as actively campaigning on the basis of ripping apart a healthcare system put in place by the previous one (Trump with Affordable Care Act) and then wins, twice, it’s hard to understand why they’re surprised that they’re in this situation.

    • A Phlaming Phoenix@lemm.ee
      93·
      10 days ago

      No American presidential candidate ever represents Americans’ best interests. It is not possible to vote in your best interests here.

      • LuckyPierre@lemm.eeEnglish
        2·
        4 hours ago

        Actually, I think you have a point. The candidacy selection is rigged. The whole fundraising and insane costs of electioneering is absolutely crazy - most other countries have laws specifically to limit campaigning funds, explicitly to stop rich people buying the top position.

        What chance does an independent have to be president? Is the American Dream of a poor person being able to reach presidency still possible? Zero unless they get very rich, or have super rich friends.

        It’s not hard to see why America is accused of being an Oligarchy - that’s exactly how it’s upper tier of politics is designed to operate.

      • r00ty@kbin.life
        41·
        9 days ago

        Really? None. I suspect one or two of the literally 100s of non partisan candidates were actually there to do good? I think the point being made (and this goes for all democratic systems), is that 99% of the population could not name more than 5 names on the ballot. Let alone consider voting for them.

        People vote for parties and ALL of the parties are funded by someone. Ultimately, we do it to ourselves.

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
        18·
        9 days ago

        That’s BS. We believe too much of the muck-taking they do to each other, but most importantly residents do a lot of good. Even Trump did some good for people …. I think. Can’t name it but certainly there are a lot of people who believe he did