Following the recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and given there are indications the gunman, Luigi Mangione, allegedly killed Thompson to draw attention to, or over grievances he has with, the health insurance industry, this week we asked readers about their experiences dealing with healthcare insurance claims for themselves or their family members.

 

“As a mom of two uninsured adult kids, I feel bad about the cost of doctors, diagnostic and blood panel tests that are too exorbitant, and to be self-insured is equal to making two car payments per month. These days, you either get decent pay but don’t get any medical benefits, or you get low pay and basic medical. I went to an ear, nose and throat specialist and my cost was $4.15, my son visited a dermatologist and his cost was $100, how in the world is that fair?”

Lisa Meyer,
West Islip

“I am starting a new health insurance plan this month because the plan that I had, the benefits were not great. Now that I’ve switched, I get unlimited transportation, and my plan now covers over-the-counter medications that will now lower my [overall] cost for medications.”

Pastor Mildred Hedrington,
Morrisania

 

“I have been with HealthFirst health insurance for many years. I have a case manager who checks on me every month and helps me get the proper services from hospitals and clinics. When I run into problems with appointments or receiving medication, they are very supportive of my needs. The downside is the constant letters I receive are overwhelming. I get six to eight of the same letters every month which is a waste; most of the time they say the same thing.”

Frances Garcia,
Morrisania

“I have had the same health insurance plan for some time now, but now they call you to see if you need any help, which is good. But I wish they’d learn how to talk to you over the phone without sounding like they’re giving you a speech.”

Lashonda Soto,
Parkchester

 

“I personally support single payer healthcare, but I have no complaints about my own coverage. My issue isn’t with my plan, but I do think that full dental, vision and hearing should be included in all plans.”

Scott Caplan,
Long Island City

 

Editor’s Note: The Associated Press reported that Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing Thompson, has been charged in New York with murder as an act of terrorism, according to prosecutors. Mangione, 26, is being held without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald’s on Dec. 9, 2024, after a broad search following the Dec. 4, 2024, shooting of Thompson in midtown Manhattan.