What Does ‘Deny, Defend, Depose’ Mean in the Insurance World?
Insurance critics often refer to the tactics of “delay, deny, and defend” as strategies used by companies to minimize payouts on claims. These practices include:
- Delaying claims through extensive bureaucratic processes.
- Denying claims outright, even when they may have merit.
- Defending their decisions aggressively in court if challenged.
While the exact wording on the bullet casings differs slightly—“depose” replacing “delay”—the parallels are striking. Legal and industry experts have long criticized these tactics as profit-driven strategies that harm policyholders by complicating access to care and creating financial hardship.
Jay Feinman’s 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, provides a detailed exploration of these practices, calling them systematic attempts to maximize profits at the expense of customers.
The Criticism Surrounding UnitedHealthcare
As one of the nation’s largest health insurers, covering over 49 million Americans, UnitedHealthcare has long been a lightning rod for criticism. Patients, healthcare providers, and lawmakers frequently accuse the company—and the broader insurance industry—of employing tactics that prioritize profits over patient care.
A 2010 book by Rutgers Law School professor Jay Feinman, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, outlines the systematic ways insurers deny policyholders’ rightful claims. Feinman argues that these practices are not isolated incidents but embedded strategies within the industry.
UnitedHealthcare, in particular, has faced lawsuits, government scrutiny, and media investigations for denying claims. Reports suggest that some denials result from algorithms designed to cut costs, even when medically necessary treatments are involved.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
Brian Thompson, 50, was gunned down near the New York Hilton Midtown while en route to UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference. Surveillance footage shows the shooter—a masked individual—approaching Thompson from behind before opening fire. The gun malfunctioned mid-attack but was quickly cleared, demonstrating the shooter’s proficiency with firearms.
Police believe the murder was a targeted attack, though the motive remains unknown. Investigators found a water bottle, protein bar wrapper, and cellphone near the crime scene, along with the inscribed shell casings. These clues are being examined for DNA and other evidence.
The assailant fled the scene on an e-bike, disappearing into Central Park. Authorities have released images of a person of interest believed to have used a fake New Jersey ID to book a hostel near the crime scene. A manhunt is ongoing.
The UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting has reignited debates over the ethics of insurance practices. Social media is rife with outrage, with some users condemning insurers’ alleged greed and others even expressing disturbing satisfaction over Thompson’s demise.
While UnitedHealthcare has not officially commented on the murder, its parent company, UnitedHealth Group, faces renewed scrutiny. Earlier this year, a Senate report highlighted how major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, allegedly denied necessary care to maximize profits.
This high-profile case may further fuel public distrust of the industry, potentially sparking calls for stricter regulations and transparency.
A Chilling Message
Though the engraved phrases “deny, defend, depose” might never be fully understood, they underscore the intense frustration and anger that some individuals harbor toward the insurance system. Whether the shooter’s actions were motivated by personal grievances, systemic criticisms, or something else entirely, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the tensions surrounding healthcare in the U.S.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to piece together the shooter’s motive and identity. Brian Thompson’s murder stands as a stark symbol of a troubled system and the devastating consequences of unresolved grievances.
