X/@kenklippenstein
Andreas Wittythe CEO of UnitedHealth Group – the parent company of UnitedHealthcare – tried to reassure employees with a message about their company… but that caused an immediate backlash.
Lo and behold… the director addressed the staff in the days following UHC’s CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in New Yorkin which they defend the company’s practices – and say they will continue to prevent ‘unnecessary care’.
He noted… “Our role is a critical one, and we ensure that care is safe, appropriate and delivered when people need it.”
Witty noted that UnitedHealth Group would “protect itself from pressures that exist for unsafe care or for unnecessary care,” noting that giving in to the demands would make the system “overly complex and ultimately unsustainable.”
The CEO urged his staff to “tone down” criticism of the company, telling them the hate “did not reflect reality.” He also encouraged employees not to talk to the press.
What was intended as an internal message to staff found its way online… prompting countless trolls to rip Witty’s comments – and warn the businessman that he would be “next”, given his seemingly impassive comments.
One
These have been exciting times for the insurance industry, with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield even making a reversal recent controversial policy in the aftermath of Thompson’s murder. However, the company claimed the decision was not motivated by last week’s violence.
Healthcare companies across the industry have done so online bios scrubbed of their executives in the aftermath of last week’s shooting.
An unknown person of interest has been arrested this morning in connection with Thompson’s murder.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group tells TMZ… “We are working with local law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and strengthen security guidelines and access policies.”