STAT’s Health Care Inc.: The biggest stories of 2025
Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.
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Hello, dear readers. This is the last Health Care Inc. of 2025, so I thought it was only fitting to look back and see which companies, characters, and storylines defined the year. What did I miss? I hope you all have a great holiday season, and I’ll see you in 2026.
The UnitedHealth fallout
We entered 2025 with a grim storyline: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had just been murdered on a Manhattan sidewalk, and many Americans used the event as an opportunity to voice frustration with the “inherent unfairness” of the health care system. It was this generation’s version of the discontent seen earlier in movies like “John Q.” (2002) and “As Good As It Gets” (1997).
The shocking incident sent shockwaves through the health care industry, with many questioning the safety of healthcare executives and the underlying tensions within the system. UnitedHealth’s stock plummeted, and the company faced scrutiny over its practices and policies.
As the investigation unfolded, it revealed a web of deceit, corruption, and power struggles within the company. Rumors of internal conflicts and power struggles emerged, painting a picture of a company in turmoil.
Despite the tragedy, the fallout from Brian Thompson’s murder sparked a national conversation about the need for transparency and accountability in the healthcare industry. It shed light on the pressures faced by healthcare executives and the challenges they encounter in navigating a complex and often opaque system.
The events of 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of the healthcare system and the need for reform. As we look towards 2026, it is essential that we continue to address the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic events and work towards a more equitable and just healthcare system for all.
