Opinion: A Call for Unity to Fix a Broken Health Care System

In a recent and deeply troubling event, Luigi Mangione, a man battling chronic illness, allegedly attacked and killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. This incident has sparked conversation about the frustrations faced by those navigating a deeply flawed health care system. While violence can never be justified, the desperation that drives such actions demands our attention. As someone living with a chronic illness and working as an occupational therapist, I have experienced firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll of chronic conditions. I’ve also witnessed the widespread impact these systemic failures have on patients across all ages and backgrounds. It is time we unite to address the broken system that affects us all.

Chronic illness is a daily battle that goes beyond managing symptoms. It’s about surviving a health care system riddled with barriers: skyrocketing costs, bureaucratic insurance policies, and the lack of accessible mental health support. These challenges are universal, cutting across age, income, and political affiliation. They leave individuals feeling powerless and trapped, with little hope for improvement. Yet the issues we face are not inevitable. They are the result of policy decisions that we, as a society, have the power to change.

The cost of care is a critical barrier. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that nearly 30% of Americans with chronic illnesses delay or forgo treatment because they cannot afford it. This isn’t just a problem for those living in poverty – middle-class families, too, are drowning in medical debt. A single unexpected bill can lead to impossible choices: Do you pay for your medication or keep the lights on? Do you go to your next therapy session or buy groceries? These decisions are devastating, preventable, and emblematic of a health care system prioritizing profits over people.

Insurance coverage is another significant obstacle. Policies designed to manage costs often lead to essential treatments being denied. As a therapist, I’ve fought for patients whose critical therapy sessions are deemed “unnecessary” by insurance companies. While I can sometimes advocate successfully, many patients lack the resources or support to fight for their needed care. The result? A system where people feel abandoned, isolated, and increasingly desperate.

Mental health support is also woefully inadequate. Depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation often accompany chronic conditions. Despite this, mental health services remain underfunded and inaccessible for many. Ignoring this crucial component of care perpetuates a harmful cycle where untreated mental health issues exacerbate physical illnesses, creating a compounding burden on individuals and families alike.

There are bright spots within the system. Community health programs, nonprofit organizations, and even some innovative insurance models are working to bridge these gaps. But these efforts are not enough. They are small patches on a system that needs a complete overhaul. True reform requires all of us – patients, providers, and citizens alike – to share our stories, advocate for change, and demand policies prioritizing people over profit.

This is not a partisan issue. Chronic illness does not discriminate based on age, race, or political beliefs. It affects everyone, and fixing the health care system is something we should all care about, regardless of background or ideology. Each of us has the power to use our voice for good – to vote, advocate, call our representatives, and share our experiences. When we come together to push for universal access to care, streamlined insurance processes, and better funding for mental health, we can make meaningful change.

The tragedy involving Luigi Mangione is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. His actions are indefensible, but the despair that fueled them is something we must address. We cannot wait for more people to reach the breaking point. We must act now.

Sharing stories is one of the most powerful tools we have. Personal experiences illuminate the real-world consequences of policies and humanize issues that might otherwise seem abstract. By sharing my story as someone living with chronic illness and working in health care, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Let’s make this a turning point. Let’s demand a system that treats health care as a right, not a privilege.

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Sue Ram is an occupational therapy practitioner specializing in children with chronic health conditions and a Ph.D. student at Texas Woman’s University researching gaps in psychosocial and physical care in the health care system. Combining clinical expertise with research aims to improve care access, equity, and outcomes for vulnerable populations.