Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sparked fresh debate over the value of the U.S. healthcare system, calling for Americans to get “their money’s worth” after data revealed skyrocketing administrative costs.
Musk’s comment, posted on X (formerly Twitter), came in response to findings from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation showing that U.S. healthcare administrative costs are nearly five times higher than those of other wealthy nations, FOX Business reported.
The United States spent over $12,742 per person on healthcare in 2022, the highest among developed countries. Musk, tapped to co-lead the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), framed his concerns within a broader critique of systemic inefficiencies.
This conversation comes amidst a chilling backdrop: the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson, 50, was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday in what authorities have described as a “targeted” attack.
As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and the motive remains unclear. The high-profile nature of the crime has drawn national attention to the CEO and his company, the largest health insurer in the U.S., which has been facing mounting criticism for its practices.
The attack occurs as UnitedHealthcare grapples with allegations of wrongfully denying claims. Over the summer, protesters accused the insurer of withholding necessary health treatments, staging demonstrations outside UnitedHealth Group’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Nearly a dozen protesters were arrested during the rally, which was organized by the People’s Action Institute. These events underscore the broader dissatisfaction many Americans feel toward a system plagued by rising costs and inconsistent access to care.
A key area of scrutiny is the United States’ administrative healthcare expenses, which far surpass those of other developed countries. The Peter G. Peterson Foundation revealed that Americans pay more than $1,000 per person annually for healthcare administration, overshadowing investments in long-term and direct patient care. Critics argue that these figures highlight the need for structural reform to balance cost efficiency with improved outcomes.
In response to the protests and allegations, UnitedHealth has defended its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality care. A company spokesperson recently stated that concerns raised by advocacy groups have been addressed and emphasized UnitedHealth’s willingness to maintain a constructive dialogue. However, such reassurances have done little to quiet frustrations among patients and activists demanding systemic change.
The death of Thompson adds a tragic layer to these ongoing debates. Police have yet to release any information linking the crime to his role as CEO or the controversies surrounding UnitedHealthcare. Still, the shocking nature of the attack has intensified public interest in corporate accountability within the healthcare sector.