I am suddenly thinking about Cory Doctorow's novella "Radicalized" (in the collection of the same name)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/us/brian-thompson-united-healthcare-death
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/04/us/brian-thompson-united-healthcare-death
Comments
https://bsky.app/profile/hugobookclub.bsky.social/post/3lcifmufn6s24
Will wait updates see how sorts out.
Not the way.
New plan: https://www.dwt.com/insights/2024/10/unitedhealthcare-line-item-denial-policy-change
Old AI denial article: https://arstechnica.com/health/2023/11/ai-with-90-error-rate-forces-elderly-out-of-rehab-nursing-homes-suit-claims/
"Give us money."
"Uh, OK. Why?"
So we'll provide healthcare."
"So, you're docs/hospitals, and take care of sick people?"
"Well, no, we pay them to take care of you."
"So then why do you exist?"
"Give us money."
The amount of misery that the organisation this man ran is immense.
Obviously the blame shouldn't all fall to his feet.
It's the system too. 😟
UnitedHealth is a leader in finding ways to wrongly deny patient coverage.
https://arstechnica.com/health/2023/11/ai-with-90-error-rate-forces-elderly-out-of-rehab-nursing-homes-suit-claims/
1/
We ended up with over $16,000 in medical bills from the surgery. UnitedHealth paid out less than $8,000.
2/
The problem with commercial healthcare is that the customer is coerced into the relationship. When the choice is “pay up or be crippled”, it’s not one freely made.
3/
Did he have it coming? Also yes. His company increases its profits by increasing human pain and suffering. That’s neither morally nor ethically acceptable.
He made his choices.
4/end
I don’t “feel” anything about this story. It doesn’t seem more notable than other murder victims stories that we never hear unless they end up on a Crime Junky podcast. Rich white men’s deaths are treated differently. I’m Audhd so I may be missing something
The shooter was a professional.
Hired via Go-Fund-Me?
Also Stephen Markley's "The Deluge". We're starting to live these out, in real time.
I lie, my first thought was “surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.”
Thank you for reminding me. 😊
Happy Wednesday
I wish Corey would come on here, even if I understand his reasons not to.
For example, just today:
https://bsky.app/profile/moreperfectunion.bsky.social/post/3lciowinhec2f
I suspect absolutely none of us will be surprised when the truth outs on this.
... except we all immediately know why.
https://youtu.be/ePsqyPMIg6I?si=2JJ7rmlyYwlPGGq_
(I probably shouldn't - but a lotta folks don't seem sad 😬🤷♀️)
🙁
I will be curious to see how this plays out.
I detest this timeline.
But when we are constantly told that some people can do whatever they want to us and the legal system will never hold them accountable. . .
and
It is pounded in our heads that we each need a gun to "fight tyranny. . ."
Well, WTF do they think will happen?
There are no real paths to hold these companies accountable for what they are doing to us. Too much big money is in our politics and so called justice system.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radicalized_(Doctorow_book)
#insurance #healthcare
Powerful people wanted to go back to the robber barons and the gilded age, and the propaganda of the deed was what happened the first time around.
Our system is criminal. In the states, our healthcare is also tied to employment, which only benefits the employer-and it is still ridiculously expensive! And the doctor’s insurance cover can be changed at any time.
And really, in this case, it’s critical to consider addressing what went on to give someone such a motive. Because choices have consequences, regardless if there’s a rule or law to permit it.
UHC’S CHOICE
(Yes I'm still bitter about having necessary surgery denied by UHC.)
Ayup.
Now, on to the Pharmacy Benefit Management executives and boards.
He was
The man may or may not have been a good person but I don’t think there’s any other country in the world where so many people would be so comfortable with someone being shot to death in the street.
The prime suspects are probably the people with parents, spouses/partners, or children who died after being denied life-saving care by UHC. A life for a life.
It's like the cops don't WANT him turned in.