In Huntsville, Alabama, the tragic killing of United Healthcare's CEO has sparked a significant conversation about the company's practices. Attorney Hunter Garnett emphasizes that insurance companies, including United Healthcare, are primarily focused on making money. He points out that they often engage in actions that put policyholders and innocent victims at risk to increase their profits. Garnett, who deals with insurance agencies daily, cites the phrase "deny, delay, defend" written on the gunman's shell casings as a common insurance tactic. "They deny payment, they deny coverage, and then delay both coverage and payment as long as possible," he explains.

Impact on Policyholders

When medical treatment cannot be denied or delayed any longer, policyholders can face a difficult situation. Elizabeth Marr, CEO of Thrive Alabama, sees this every day. "It happens more often than you would think," she says. "We're in a society where we expect better, but this is a problem that seems more common than it should be." One of Matthew Foster's clients at Thrive recently experienced this. With a fixed income and an $8,000 to $12,000 deductible, the woman diagnosed with cancer was shocked to learn that United Healthcare required her to pay such a large amount out of pocket. "She did not know how she would be able to afford the care she needed," Foster says. Fortunately, Foster was able to find the woman free care under the Affordable Care Act, helping to pick up the pieces left by United Healthcare.

The Affordable Care Act's Role

The Affordable Care Act has played a crucial role in such situations. It has provided a safety net for those who might otherwise be left without proper medical coverage. In this case, it allowed Foster to secure free care for his client, giving her a chance at survival. This shows the importance of having such a comprehensive healthcare system in place.

Insurance Company's Profit Motive

The profit motive of insurance companies like United Healthcare often leads them to make decisions that prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of their policyholders. As Garnett mentioned, they use tactics such as denying and delaying payments and coverage to increase their profits. This can have a significant impact on individuals and families who rely on insurance to cover their medical expenses. It highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight to ensure that insurance companies act in the best interests of their customers.