“Fork found in kitchen” — Netizens react to UnitedHealth reportedly overcharging cancer patients by 1000%

UnitedHealth, the biggest insurance company in America, is receiving backlash after an FTC report revealed that it was overcharging cancer patients by 1000%. This immediately caught the attention of netizens.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conducted a study that uncovered that between 2017 and 2022, UnitedHealth Group, the biggest insurance and care services provider, increased the prices of essential specialty drugs through its PBM (pharmacy benefit manager), Optum Rx. By taking advantage of the hidden pricing methods, Optum Rx, CVS Caremark, and Express Scripts made an additional $7.3 billion.

The Internet erupted with reactions following the revelations, with comments reflecting outrage, one user user sarcastically joked:

"Fork found in kitchen."

The user was implying that the reports conducted by the FTC about UnitedHealth overcharging were inevitable and unsurprising.

Other users mirrored this sentiment, a person commented:

"Why is this not illegal?," reflecting their frustration at the seeming lack of responsibility for such behaviour.

Another user added:

"Capitalism has gone too far. Private healthcare doesn't seem to understand the greater good over business," accusing the system of putting financial gain over health care.

Another user added expressing concern for the sick:

"There is something so sinister about taking advantage of someone who is sick and fighting for their life."

The netizen tried to draw attention to the harm performed to patients who are already at risk and raised ethical concerns about overcharging patients.

Another user added:

"Many insurance companies see their type of thing as a profit business instead of helping people," again implying the greed of the companies of putting financial gain over health care.

Another user commented:

"That’s insane! overcharging like that is wild, especially when it comes to cancer treatments."

A user added:

"Charging extra while people are fighting for their lives, corporate greed knows no limits."

The comments express how greed in the healthcare business knows no limits and it is a sad reality that this is happening way too frequently in today's profit-driven environment.

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UnitedHealth faces public outrage

The FTC's findings draw attention to more widespread flaws in the U.S. healthcare system. PBM's hidden pricing method drove the expenses of healthcare without changing any patient outcomes. Much of the public's ire has been focused on UnitedHealth, where they put financial gain over patient care.

The agency has defended OptumRx's function in helping patients save up money for their healthcare. CVS Caremark another PBM, rejected and accused FTC's report claiming it was 'cherry picking data.'

The people have voiced their demands for change. Some have called for more transparent pricing and tougher regulation of PBM.