Health Insurance Industry Under Fire After CEO Murder

Health insurance industry denials cause widespread anger and frustration among patients.

### Outrage Over Health Insurance: A Family's Struggle for Care
* 😡 The murder of a health care CEO has sparked **significant online anger** directed at the health insurance industry, particularly in Minnesota.
* 💔 Many individuals express frustration over the complexities of navigating health insurance, with comments highlighting that "**they just make everything so unclear**."
* 👶 The Wright family has been fighting since January for approval of their son Everett's facial reanimation surgery, which is **crucial for his ability to smile**.
* 📝 After facing a denial and subsequent appeals, they are now waiting for a final signature on the approval, feeling as though the insurance company is **"running out the clock."**
* 📉 Last year, **12% of health insurance claims were denied**, marking a **20% increase from 2020**, while nearly **60% of insured adults reported issues with their coverage**.
* ⚠ The urgency for change in the health care system is palpable, with calls for **immediate action** as the country reaches a "**tipping point**" in health care debates.
* 🌟 The Wright family remains hopeful that their struggle will lead to a resolution, which they believe would be **"life-altering" for their son**.

>>> The murder of a health care CEO has unleashed a torrent of online anger towards the health insurance industry. Here's WCCO's Esme Murphy.

>> You think that I didn't need anesthesia? >> Reporter: An industry under fire -- >> Keep her alive. >> Reporter: All over social media. And right here in

Minnesota. >> They just make everything so unclear. >> Reporter: As many struggle navigating the health insurance industry. >> It's like they just purposely make it confusing.

>> Reporter: An issue the Wright family has been dealing with since January. >> I want -- >> Reporter: Trying to get approval for their son Everett's facial reanimation

surgery. >> The nerves in the brain that control facial movement, so his ability to smile and frown. >> Reporter: Have you ever smiled before?

>> I smile with my heart. >> Reporter: Do you want to smile with your face? >> Yeah, I do. >> Reporter: After a denial, then appeals, and

FINALLY, AN APPROVAL. We're waiting on this final signature, which we've been promised multiple times. And right now, it feels like they're running out the clock

again. >> Reporter: The family is now in limbo. >> You can tell that they are running their business as efficiently as possible, like a business. >> Reporter: In fact, 12%

of claims were denied last year, a 20% jump from 2020. Nearly 60% of insured adults experienced some issue with their coverage in the previous

year, leaving families like this at their wit's end at a time when health care companies are on high alert. >> We need to make changes, and we need to do it in a hurry.

Our country's at a tipping point in health care. As we hear about it in our public debates, we have to solve this problem. >> Reporter: A problem the Wrights hope is going to be

solved. >> I think it would be life-altering. >> Reporter: -- so they can see their little boy smile for the first time.

Edina family shares struggles with navigating health insurance industry

WCCO - CBS Minnesota

Public Anger and Industry Scrutiny Following CEO Murder

Social media outrage towards the health insurance industry.

Many struggle navigating the complexities of the health insurance system.

The Wright Family's Struggle for Medical Approval

Family seeks approval for their son's facial reanimation surgery.

Son's inability to smile due to nerve damage.

Approval process involves denials, appeals, and delays.

Family faces uncertainty due to ongoing delays in final approval.

High claim denial rates (12% in the last year, a 20% increase from 2020).

Nearly 60% of insured adults faced coverage issues.

Urgent need for healthcare system reform.

Hope for resolution to allow the boy to smile.