He Served as Surgeon General — And He Shares His Opinions on the Response to the United Healthcare Incident
The shooting of CEO Brian Thompson poses significant consequences for a healthcare system that is already struggling with issues of politicization and public trust.
TroibNews 
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has prompted an outpouring of support for the accused shooter, with individuals from across the political spectrum expressing their frustrations with American health insurers on social media. Many have rallied behind the alleged assassin, sharing personal grievances and even organizing fundraising efforts for his defense, with one campaign already amassing over $131,000. A billboard proclaiming “FREE LUIGI MANGIONE: HES A HERO” has also appeared alongside a Southern California highway.
Jerome Adams, the former Surgeon General during the first Trump administration, does not condone the act of violence but notes that it "signals a profound loss of confidence in structures that are meant to support and protect the public." Adams, now involved with health equity initiatives at Purdue University, shared insights with PMG Magazine regarding the implications of Thompson’s murder for an already polarized and distrustful healthcare system. This edited interview captures the essence of their discussion.
The U.S. Surgeon General is often referred to as "America’s doctor," tasked with promoting public health. While the Surgeon General does not regulate insurance directly, public perception of these companies is crucial to health outcomes. The current climate has escalated anger towards healthcare entities, raising concerns about the implications for care accessibility and quality.
Adams articulated that when violence occurs, it reflects a deep-seated distrust in the systems intended to shield the public, resulting in hesitance to seek care due to fears regarding treatment quality and seriousness of concerns. He emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding faith in the system through transparency and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care.
On whether insurers can overlook this critical moment, he firmly states they cannot, outlining the need for action from government, insurers, and providers alike, particularly focusing on the massive profits generated by companies like United and Anthem.
Adams also discussed the regulatory challenges faced, as insurance regulation remains a fragmented mix of federal and state oversight. He expressed cautious optimism that the current political landscape, characterized by populist sentiments, might encourage some transformation in how insurance companies operate and manage their finances, particularly in relation to patient care.
The government plays a vital role in overhauling the healthcare system to better meet citizens’ needs, alongside insurers who must also improve practices without solely being accountable for the changes needed.
In recent years, there has been bipartisan support for increasing pricing transparency and tackling prescription drug costs, as well as initiatives addressing mental health and the opioid crisis. Ultimately, irrespective of the political party in power, both trust in government and insurance companies is paramount for effective governance and healthcare delivery.
Provider frustration is also palpable, as doctors, nurses, and therapists struggle with the cumbersome bureaucracy associated with insurance processes. Adams noted he often shares his personal challenges within the system to illustrate the widespread issues faced by providers and patients alike.
While discussing a personal experience, Adams recounted visiting the Mayo Clinic in 2024 for dehydration, which led to a $10,000 bill—ultimately costing him $5,000 out of pocket. His situation highlights systemic inefficiencies that may lead providers to abandon insurance altogether, creating potential access issues for patients, regardless of their insurance status.
As an anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health, Adams engages with a vulnerable patient population, observing firsthand the discontent and navigation difficulties experienced within the healthcare system.
Adams expressed concern over the growing distrust in medicine and public health, worsened by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent violent events. This distrust hinders vital public health efforts, leading to detrimental health outcomes and complicating the response to future health challenges.
He emphasized the need to rebuild trust within health institutions, warning that a lack of faith threatens the healthcare system's very foundation and addressing current and future health issues becomes increasingly challenging.
Reflecting on how health equity ties into these discussions, he noted the disproportionate effects of healthcare issues on historically underserved communities, including marginalized and low-income populations. He advocated reframing the conversation through a quality lens to foster trust, particularly among more conservative communities.
In a diplomatic exchange regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Bloomberg American Health Summit, Adams acknowledged the critical nature of appointing qualified individuals in leadership roles within the upcoming administration. While he has expressed concerns about public health leadership, he remains focused on promoting constructive dialogues centered around policies.
When asked about UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty's recent op-ed in The New York Times, Adams appreciated the acknowledgment of public frustration but noted that it is not solely the responsibility of insurers to reform—collective action from the government, providers, and the media is essential for effective change.
Adams concluded by underscoring that the issues surrounding Thompson's murder extend beyond healthcare policies, reflecting broader societal challenges like rising populism, isolation, and mental health neglect, which can have dire consequences for public health.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Jerome Adams, the former Surgeon General during the first Trump administration, does not condone the act of violence but notes that it "signals a profound loss of confidence in structures that are meant to support and protect the public." Adams, now involved with health equity initiatives at Purdue University, shared insights with PMG Magazine regarding the implications of Thompson’s murder for an already polarized and distrustful healthcare system. This edited interview captures the essence of their discussion.
The U.S. Surgeon General is often referred to as "America’s doctor," tasked with promoting public health. While the Surgeon General does not regulate insurance directly, public perception of these companies is crucial to health outcomes. The current climate has escalated anger towards healthcare entities, raising concerns about the implications for care accessibility and quality.
Adams articulated that when violence occurs, it reflects a deep-seated distrust in the systems intended to shield the public, resulting in hesitance to seek care due to fears regarding treatment quality and seriousness of concerns. He emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding faith in the system through transparency and a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care.
On whether insurers can overlook this critical moment, he firmly states they cannot, outlining the need for action from government, insurers, and providers alike, particularly focusing on the massive profits generated by companies like United and Anthem.
Adams also discussed the regulatory challenges faced, as insurance regulation remains a fragmented mix of federal and state oversight. He expressed cautious optimism that the current political landscape, characterized by populist sentiments, might encourage some transformation in how insurance companies operate and manage their finances, particularly in relation to patient care.
The government plays a vital role in overhauling the healthcare system to better meet citizens’ needs, alongside insurers who must also improve practices without solely being accountable for the changes needed.
In recent years, there has been bipartisan support for increasing pricing transparency and tackling prescription drug costs, as well as initiatives addressing mental health and the opioid crisis. Ultimately, irrespective of the political party in power, both trust in government and insurance companies is paramount for effective governance and healthcare delivery.
Provider frustration is also palpable, as doctors, nurses, and therapists struggle with the cumbersome bureaucracy associated with insurance processes. Adams noted he often shares his personal challenges within the system to illustrate the widespread issues faced by providers and patients alike.
While discussing a personal experience, Adams recounted visiting the Mayo Clinic in 2024 for dehydration, which led to a $10,000 bill—ultimately costing him $5,000 out of pocket. His situation highlights systemic inefficiencies that may lead providers to abandon insurance altogether, creating potential access issues for patients, regardless of their insurance status.
As an anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health, Adams engages with a vulnerable patient population, observing firsthand the discontent and navigation difficulties experienced within the healthcare system.
Adams expressed concern over the growing distrust in medicine and public health, worsened by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent violent events. This distrust hinders vital public health efforts, leading to detrimental health outcomes and complicating the response to future health challenges.
He emphasized the need to rebuild trust within health institutions, warning that a lack of faith threatens the healthcare system's very foundation and addressing current and future health issues becomes increasingly challenging.
Reflecting on how health equity ties into these discussions, he noted the disproportionate effects of healthcare issues on historically underserved communities, including marginalized and low-income populations. He advocated reframing the conversation through a quality lens to foster trust, particularly among more conservative communities.
In a diplomatic exchange regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Bloomberg American Health Summit, Adams acknowledged the critical nature of appointing qualified individuals in leadership roles within the upcoming administration. While he has expressed concerns about public health leadership, he remains focused on promoting constructive dialogues centered around policies.
When asked about UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty's recent op-ed in The New York Times, Adams appreciated the acknowledgment of public frustration but noted that it is not solely the responsibility of insurers to reform—collective action from the government, providers, and the media is essential for effective change.
Adams concluded by underscoring that the issues surrounding Thompson's murder extend beyond healthcare policies, reflecting broader societal challenges like rising populism, isolation, and mental health neglect, which can have dire consequences for public health.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
