“UnitedHealth Group’s $1.7 Million Security Spending After CEO’s Tragic Death: What You Need to Know”

UnitedHealth Group spent nearly $1.7 million on security for its top executives last year, with expenses occurring in the final weeks of 2024 after the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson was shot and killed in early December, before the company’s annual investor conference in New York City. A grand jury indicted Luigi Mangione, Thompson’s alleged killer, who could face the death penalty if convicted.

The filing covering all of last year suggests that the security spending dates from the period after Thompson’s death, as there were no security costs incurred by Thompson before his death. UnitedHealth had not provided significant security stipends to its executives in prior years.

Following Thompson’s death, public support shifted towards Mangione, portraying UnitedHealth as a symbol of the country’s dysfunctional healthcare system. In response, UnitedHealth and other insurers increased security for top leaders.

Police were called to UnitedHealth’s campus over 100 times, responding to threats in the aftermath of Thompson’s killing. The company also enhanced security measures at its office buildings. Heather Cianfrocco, CEO of UnitedHealth’s Optum division, incurred the highest executive security costs at nearly $1 million, while CEO Andrew Witty received over $150,000 in security expenses.

UnitedHealth paid Thompson’s estate $28.7 million last year, primarily from stock converted into cash after his death. The company also provided over $271,000 to Thompson’s family for funeral expenses, family transportation, home security costs, and related support.

Witty earned over $16.4 million last year, with most of it coming from stock gains. Executives received lower bonuses due to financial losses from a cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare subsidiary.

UnitedHealth did not comment on Thompson’s security arrangements, but New York police confirmed he was alone when he was shot. The company’s response to the tragedy and the subsequent security measures reflect the challenges faced by healthcare executives in an increasingly volatile environment.