In his first public comments since one of his executives was shot to death, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said the healthcare system “needs to function better.”

In his first public remarks since the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last month and the backlash against the insurance industry it provoked, Witty said the healthcare conglomerate is looking for ways to simplify and accelerate its prior authorization processes. He did not offer specifics.

UnitedHealth Group promoted the head of its Medicare health plan business to lead the company’s broader insurance division, filling the job previously held by slain executive Brian Thompson.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty honored Brian Thompson, the health insurance executive murdered last month, praising his dedication to improving the U.S. health care system. Witty acknowledged public support following the tragedy and highlighted the nation’s costly health care as the root issue behind access and quality concerns.

Click in for more news from The Hill{beacon} Health Care Health Care   The Big Story UnitedHealth CEO blames drug companies for high costsIn his first public remarks since the murder of

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty acknowledged the U.S. health care problems, cited high prices of medical services as root cause.

The UnitedHealth Group leader whose murder in December unleashed a torrent of public frustration and dissatisfaction with the U.S. health care system was pushing for some of the very improvements that critics have been seeking.

UnitedHealth Group said veteran internal executive Tim Noel will succeed the late Brian Thompson as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurance company.

In its first results since its insurance unit CEO was fatally shot in New York City, UnitedHealth Group reported Thursday weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue, prompting its shares to fall in early morning trading despite quarterly profit beating projections.

UnitedHealth reported fourth-quarter results on Thursday that reflected persistent challenges for the health insurance sector.

CEO Andrew Witty promised that UnitedHealthcare would work to speed up turnaround times for approval of some procedures and services in Medicare Advantage plans.

Jan. 16 at 1:45 p.m. ETUnitedHealth Group's Optum Rx unit made a commitment to pass through 100% of rebates negotiated with drugmakers to the client. | UnitedHealth Group reported $5.5 billion in profit for the fourth quarter of 2024,