Are Insurance Company Denials Increasing?

The senseless and tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in December 2024 prompted conflicting outcries. The first was the terrible realization that the CEO was targeted for death solely for his executive employment at a health insurer. The second – one that sent shockwaves throughout the country – was the number of people online who appeared to have been sympathetic to the killing based on their own negative experiences with health insurance premium denials.

While the story has simmered down, news outlets are reporting that health insurance denials – and those of other insurers – do appear to be increasing. This is interesting because I noticed in my own employee benefits litigation practice that our firm was receiving more queries for representation on matters directly related to large claims that should have been covered based on plan documents or prevailing state and national health laws, notably those requiring mental health parity. These claims are often for coverage of residential treatment for teens experiencing life-threatening mental health challenges as well as, somewhat interestingly, long-term disability insurance benefits. 

Media reports touched on such topics as how physicians and other medical providers are being denied reimbursements for traditional procedures and treatment plans, inordinate denial of healthcare claims for those participating in the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) plans, and the suspected use of AI platforms to systematically deny certain insurance claims. Media reports using data generally are looking at historical information that may go back 12 months or longer; hence, the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO would not be impacting these findings yet. However, it appears his death has and will continue to prompt more reporting on what appears to be a documented increase in claim denials – and our firm will continue to monitor this.

If you or your family are tired of fighting for reimbursement of insurance claims that should be rightfully covered – and may be putting you in a dire financial situation – we can help. Contact us to schedule a complimentary call to determine if you have a legitimate cause for legal action.