Summary
Americans’ dissatisfaction with the U.S. health care system has reached new highs, with majorities deeming it “poor” and accusing private insurers of lack of transparency, denied claims, and unaffordable costs.
This outrage was starkly evident in public reactions to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, where social media erupted in mockery and shared horror stories of insurers’ practices.
The incident highlights deep, bipartisan resentment of the profit-driven system.
Critics argue this public anger debunks claims that Americans “love” private insurance, presenting a missed political opportunity for Medicare for All advocates.
There is something to be said for all the research that comes out of the US biomedical industry, that other countries enjoy. Privatization is a big part of that.
But it does not have to be tied to bad incentives and leeches sucking on the system so much. The waste is mind boggling, and someone is paying for it, either through taxes, national debt or massive patient costs.