A message left on the scene of an insurance coverage govt’s deadly taking pictures — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase generally used to explain insurer techniques to keep away from paying claims.

The three phrases had been emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a legislation enforcement official advised The Related Press on Thursday. They’re just like the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way in which some attorneys describe how insurers deny companies and cost, and the title of a 2010 ebook that was extremely essential of the trade.

Police have not formally commented on the wording or any connection between them and the frequent phrase. However Thompson’s taking pictures and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration People have over the associated fee and complexity of getting care.

What does the phrase imply?

“Delay, deny, defend” has develop into one thing of a rallying cry for insurance coverage critics. The phrases discuss with insurers delaying cost on healthcare claims, denying claims and defending their actions.

“Delay, deny, defend” can be the title of a 2010 ebook by Jay Feinman that delves into how insurers deal with claims.

How does the phrase relate to UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealthcare offers protection for greater than 49 million People and introduced in additional than $281 billion in income final yr as one of many nation’s largest well being insurers. UnitedHealthcare and its rivals have develop into frequent targets of criticism from medical doctors, sufferers and lawmakers lately for denying claims or complicating entry to care.

Critics say insurers are more and more interfering with even routine care, inflicting delays that may, in some instances, harm a affected person’s probabilities for restoration and even survival.

What’s the criticism of insurers?

Docs and sufferers have develop into significantly annoyed with prior authorizations, that are necessities that an insurer approve surgical procedure or care earlier than it occurs.

UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial price for some Medicare Benefit sufferers has surged lately. The report from the U.S. Senate Everlasting Subcommittee on Investigations additionally named rivals Humana and CVS.

Insurers say techniques like prior authorization are wanted to restrict pointless care and assist management spiraling medical prices.

Frustrations prolong past the protection of care. Costly breakthrough drugs to gradual Alzheimer’s illness or assist with weight problems are ceaselessly not lined or have protection limits.