Health Insurance: An Insane System

The murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on a Midtown Manhattan street “unleashed,” the New York Times reported, “a torrent of morbid glee from patients and others who say they have had negative experiences with health insurance companies at some of the hardest times of their lives.” Some comments were, “Thoughts and deductibles to the family.” Another one said, “Unfortunately, my condolences are out of network.” The dark commentary highlighted deep anger over the state of health insurance. Millions can’t afford it and go without it. And many who are on some plan have inadequate coverage with high deductibles. The answer, Ralph Nader says, is single-payer: “Everybody in, nobody out.” That would bring down prices. But the handful of corporations monopolizing the health insurance industry don’t want that. Why? That would cut into their profits. So, the insanity continues.