A message left on the scene of a medical health insurance government’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 have been written on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in keeping with two legislation enforcement officers who spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity on Thursday (Dec 5).
The three phrases are much like the phrase “delay, deny, defend” – the best way some attorneys describe how insurers deny providers and fee, and the title of a 2010 e book that was extremely essential of the trade.
Whereas police haven’t formally commented on the wording or any connection between them and the frequent phrase, they launched a new safety digital camera image on Thursday of the person believed to have shot Thompson, 50, at shut vary exterior a Manhattan resort.
The most recent image, during which the suspect’s face is uncovered and he’s smiling or laughing, indicated progress within the manhunt for the person who fled on foot earlier than mounting an electrical bike and driving into Central Park.
Based mostly on surveillance video and proof from the scene, investigators consider the shooter had no less than some firearms coaching and expertise with weapons and that the weapon was outfitted with a silencer, one of many legislation enforcement officers instructed AP.
Police have additionally searched a hostel on Manhattan’s Higher West Aspect the place the suspect is believed to have been staying, CNN reported.
A motive has not but been publicly recognized, however Thompson seems to have been intentionally focused, in keeping with investigators.
Thompson’s taking pictures and the messages discovered on the ammunition have since 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 change into one thing of a rallying cry for insurance coverage critics. The phrases check with insurers delaying fee on claims, denying claims and defending their actions.
The phrase has been used to explain many varieties of insurers – auto, property, and well being.
“The longer they will delay and deny the declare, the longer they will maintain onto their cash and so they’re not paying it out,” stated Lea Keller, managing companion at Lewis and Keller, a North Carolina-based personal-injury legislation agency.
“Delay, Deny, Defend” can also be the title of a 2010 e book by Jay Feinman that delves into how insurers deal with claims.
“All insurance coverage corporations have an incentive to chisel their clients with a view to improve income,” says an excerpt on the e book’s web site.