UnitedHealth CEO David Wichmann told investors that Medicare for All policies would “surely jeopardize the relationship people have with their doctors, destabilize the nation’s health system and limit the ability of clinicians to practice medicine at their best.” The health insurer was discussing its first-quarter results, which included a $3.5 billion profit.
He added: “And the inherent cost burden would surely have a severe impact on the economy and jobs — all without fundamentally increasing access to care.”
The commentary comes after Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., unveiled a bill that vows to replace all other insurers — including commercial payers, employer-sponsored payers and Medicaid — with a single government-sponsored plan. UnitedHealth has also seen its stock fall due to increased political uncertainty and discussions surrounding Medicare for All.
More articles on payers:
CEO of Texas health insurer abruptly resigns
UnitedHealth posts $3.5B profit in Q1
Las Vegas hospital doesn’t contract with any payers
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