Wall Street Sued an Insurance Giant to Deny More Health Care and Boost Their Bottom Line; Voters Want a System That Puts People Over Profit

When Wall Street speaks this plainly, we should all pay attention. 

In a new lawsuit filed last month, UnitedHealth Group investors revealed what too many families already know: the business of health care today is about profits — not patients. 

Rather than suing UnitedHealth for denying too much care, these investors are suing because the company approved more care — and they blame that shift for a drop in its stock value. Their message? Denying patient care is good for business. Approving it isn’t. 

This is the logic of a health system built around corporate profits – one where insurers delay, deny, and defend to boost their bottom line, not serve patients. And it’s a system that voters across the political spectrum are ready to change. 

Profits Over People — Exposed 

UnitedHealth – already facing public scrutiny and a Justice Department probe over its use of AI to deny care – has one of the highest denial rates in the industry, rejecting nearly one-third of claims (31%), according to recent data.

But as the company responded to public and legal pressure by modestly reforming its denial practices, some investors revolted. In their lawsuit, they argued that approving more patient care led to a “precipitous decline” in the company’s stock price — and cost them money. 

In other words: investors want the system to continue denying care — because it drives profits. 

Christopher in Pennsylvania knows this all too well. Christopher suffered for years from a crippling case of ulcerative colitis, causing him to develop severe arthritis, numbing fatigue, and life-threatening blood clots. He was unable to attend school and spent most of his time at home managing his symptoms. His medical bills were nearing $2 million a year.  

When a Mayo Clinic specialist prescribed a new treatment plan for Christopher in 2018, his symptoms significantly improved, and he was able to attend school in-person again. At first, UnitedHealth covered his treatment. But after two months, UnitedHealth denied his claims, leaving Christopher with an outstanding bill of $807,086.  

The reason for the denial? His care was costing UnitedHealth too much money.  

Chris fought back and successfully sued UnitedHealth to have his treatment covered. But no one should have to go through a lawsuit to receive lifesaving care – just because greedy investors and companies want to turn a profit.  

This case offers a rare and stark window into how corporate interests shape health care decisions every day. It also underscores the urgent need for action. 

Voters Want Bold Change — Across Party Lines 

Recent research from Community Catalyst and HIT Strategies shows that voters understand the problem — and are ready for solutions. 

Last year, we saw overwhelming bipartisan support for policies that put people first. In 2024,

• 83% supported requiring insurance to cover dental care
• 75% supported removing all medical debt from credit scores 

Voters also see health care as a core part of the cost-of-living crisis. 55% of voters struggle to afford health care and/or insurance costs. Nearly 2 in 5 (43%) have some form of medical debt. 

The public is clear: our health care system should work for people — not corporate shareholders. 

Our Leadership: Putting People Over Profit 

At Community Catalyst, we are working with partners nationwide through our People Over Profit initiative to expose the corporate interests driving health care decisions — and to advance policies that center people’s health and dignity. 

Together, we can shift the system’s enormous financial gains toward priorities shaped by communities — not shareholders. We can ensure that health care dollars are used to improve care and outcomes, not fuel Wall Street profits. 

Voters across the political spectrum are ready for this change. A health care system that puts people first? Now that makes sense.  

And it’s time for lawmakers to listen — and act. 

Share your story and join us in our movement to help put people back at the center of health care.