Unknown in Europe, but very powerful in the United States, the health insurer covers 51 million Americans. Valued at more than $550 billion on the stock market, in 2023 it will generate $22 billion in profits.
Stupor in New York. The boss of UnitedHealthcare, the largest American health insurer, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in the center of Manhattan. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot dead around 6:45 a.m. very close to the Hilton hotel in the Midtown business district, which houses the headquarters of banks, insurers and financial groups. He was shot several times in the back and leg. According to the police, who have launched a real manhunt, it is a “targeted assassination.” “Everything indicates at this stage that this is a premeditated, organized and targeted attack,” said a police officer. The motive for this murder is not known.. Brian Thompson’s wife, who spoke to NBC, said her husband was allegedly the subject of “threats people”. “What do I know about poor (health) coverage?”she asked herself.
Unknown in Europe, but very powerful in the United States, UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest insurers in the world. The group, which employs 440,000 people, provides health coverage for 51 million Americans and works with government programs such as Medicare, the American health insurance system for seniors. Leader in its sector in the United States, the giant based in Minnetonka, Minnesota (Northern United States), generated $22 billion in profits in 2023 and $371.6 billion in revenue. On the stock market, the group is valued at $557 billion. Coming to New York to meet investors, Brian Thompson planned to announce that UnitedHealthcare’s turnover would reach between $450 and $455 billion in 2025.
Cyberattack in February
For UnitedHealthcare and its competitors (CVC, Cigna, Humana, etc.), the more policyholders we claim under management, the better we negotiate with pharmaceutical laboratories. But this poses competition risks which have not escaped the attention of American regulatory authorities. UnitedHealth is the subject of an antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In November, the department filed a lawsuit to block the company’s $3.3 billion acquisition of home health and hospice provider Amedisys.
UnitedHealthcare faced other setbacks earlier this year. In February, the company said one of its units was the victim of a sophisticated cyberattack that disrupted payments to hospitals and healthcare providers for more than a week. The company reportedly paid a $22 million ransom to regain control of its systems.
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