Breaking: UnitedHealth defends its business in wake of exec's killing

In its first public appearance since Brian Thompson's death, the insurance giant blamed drug companies and hospitals for high health care costs  

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   UnitedHealth mounts full defense of its business in wake of Thompson's killing By Bob Herman and Tara Bannow Stephen Maturen/Getty Images In UnitedHealth Group's first public appearance since the killing of top exec Brian Thompson, leaders acknowledged the public's discontent with the health care system and defended the company's business.   "Fundamentally, health care costs more in the U.S. because the price of a single procedure, visit, or prescription is higher here than it is in other countries," UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said on the earnings call, where the company touted more than $400 billion of revenue and $14.4 billion of net profit. "The core fact is that price, more than utilization, drives system costs higher." READ MORE Sign up for Health Care Inc. Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry. Get the newsletter in your inbox. More on UnitedHealth Group Lawmakers call for curbs on UnitedHealth's growing empire By Casey Ross, Bob Herman, Tara Bannow, and Lizzy Lawrence Exclusive: DOJ seeks interviews with former UnitedHealth Group doctors By Tara Bannow How UnitedHealth turned a questionable artery-screening program into a gold mine By Casey Ross, Lizzy Lawrence, Bob Herman, and Tara Bannow Inside STAT's investigation of UnitedHealth By Rick Berke Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us