UnitedHealth Group CEO Pays Tribute to Slain Leader, Vows to Improve Healthcare System

UnitedHealth Group CEO Pays Tribute to Slain Leader, Acknowledges Healthcare System's Flaws

In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, paid tribute to slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and acknowledged the shortcomings of the American healthcare system.

Witty expressed his condolences for Thompson and his family, noting the "enormous outpouring of support" following the tragic shooting. However, he also condemned the online threats and vitriol directed towards UHC employees.

"No employees — be they the people who answer customer calls or nurses who visit patients in their homes — should have to fear for their and their loved ones' safety," Witty wrote.

He acknowledged the public's frustration with the healthcare system, citing rising costs, claim denials, and affordability concerns. He emphasized that the current system is "a patchwork built over decades" and acknowledged the need for improvement.

"We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand people's frustrations with it. No one would design a system like the one we have," Witty wrote.

He expressed UHC's willingness to collaborate with others to improve the system but admitted that "clearly, we are not there yet."

Witty concluded by highlighting Thompson's dedication to improving healthcare and his commitment to serving those in need. He described Thompson's upbringing on an Iowa farm and how it shaped his leadership philosophy.

"He never forgot where he came from, because it was the needs of people who live in places like Jewell, Iowa, that he considered first in finding ways to improve care," Witty wrote.

He praised Thompson's relentless pursuit of progress and his advocacy for affordable, transparent, and compassionate healthcare.

"That's Brian's legacy, one that we will carry forward by continuing our work to make the health system work better for everyone," Witty wrote.