Denying millions from healthcare is much worse

A tragic and all-too-familiar story about the brutal realities of the U.S. healthcare system has sparked widespread outrage online. The death of a man forced to switch to a cheaper, older type of insulin has reignited debates about the morality of profit-driven healthcare and the lethal consequences it can have on vulnerable patients.

Reports suggest that the man, unable to afford the high cost of modern insulin, turned to Walmart’s over-the-counter “ReliOn” brand. While ReliOn is significantly cheaper, it operates differently from newer, faster-acting insulins. This difference, combined with a lack of proper medical guidance, can make dosage and timing more difficult to manage. For this man, the consequences were fatal.

“He began rationing his pricey prescription before a doctor recommended taking ReliOn,” one commenter highlighted, citing an article about the case. “It didn’t work for his body,” the man’s mother reportedly said. The harrowing details were enough to send ripples of anger and frustration through online discussions, with many seeing the incident as yet another example of how a system designed to prioritize profit over people can have deadly outcomes.

While news of this tragedy spread, the public’s reaction was swift and scathing. “To add insult to death, he will probably get a letter from collections for the unpaid medical bills too,” one comment read, referencing the predatory practices often seen in medical debt collection. Another user confirmed, “His fiancée did,” driving home the point that even after death, the financial burdens of the healthcare system linger on.

Many comments pointed to a perceived double standard in how society views acts of violence versus the “legalized violence” of corporate greed. One of the most upvoted comments invoked a line from The Dark Knight, paraphrased to reflect the current situation: “Nobody panics when things go according to the plan. Even if the plan is horrifying… But when I say that one little old CEO will die, well then… everyone loses their minds,” one user wrote. The chilling comparison resonated with many who feel that while corporate negligence results in countless preventable deaths, it remains shielded from the same moral outrage as individual acts of violence.

The irony was not lost on many users. “One rich man dying is a national emergency, but that same rich man killing millions of poor people is just good business,” one commenter observed. Another chimed in, “If killing one person is terrorism, isn’t killing millions genocide?” It was a sentiment echoed across multiple threads, drawing a stark comparison between the moral outcry that follows the death of a CEO and the lack of accountability when corporations engage in life-threatening practices.

There was also significant criticism aimed at the pharmaceutical industry and its manipulation of insulin prices. It’s no secret that the price of insulin in the U.S. is astronomically higher than in other countries. One user broke down the numbers: “The production costs for one insulin vial is $3 to $4. One patient needs around 24 vials per year. That should cost $72 to $96 annually. But instead, Americans are charged hundreds or even thousands.” Another user added, “The founder of insulin sold the patent for $1 so EVERYONE could benefit from its lifesaving value. Today, that same insulin costs $780 a month for some people.”

The discussion also veered into the issue of “legality versus morality,” with users pointing out how legal loopholes allow companies to operate in ways that are technically legal but morally indefensible. “The Holocaust was legal in Germany,” one commenter noted grimly, drawing a comparison to the idea that “legality” does not equal “justice.” Another user summed it up: “People who base their morality on written law should not be taken seriously, and unfortunately, they infest every power structure in our country.”

One especially powerful comment highlighted how acts of corporate greed often receive praise, while individual acts of resistance are condemned. “Kill thousands of people, you’re a job creator and a pillar of the community,” one user wrote. “Kill one CEO responsible for uncountable death and suffering, and you’re a terrorist.” The sentiment struck a chord with many readers, drawing comparisons between how the media portrays different forms of harm.

The story also ignited criticism of the role of insurance companies, with some calling them “the only terrorist group I’m scared of.” One user went further, comparing insurance CEOs to infamous figures. “The only terrorist group I’m scared of is UHC. Brian Thompson was the Bin Laden of healthcare,” one person wrote, referring to the CEO of a major insurance company.

For many, the story was another grim reminder of the systemic issues that plague the U.S. healthcare system. Stories of people dying from rationed insulin are not new, but they continue to provoke visceral anger. “It’s absolutely abhorrent that anyone needs to do so,” one commenter said. “So that means the practice will now be upscaled to ridiculous heights. It would be faster to just shoot the patients,” another wrote sarcastically.

The broader debate extends beyond the insulin crisis. One commenter remarked, “I’m not diabetic, but I take a medication that keeps me from being bed-bound, and it costs $11,000 a month without coverage. I’m lucky and have healthcare coverage, but I don’t know what the f*** people without coverage do.”

Others referenced the high costs of EpiPens, which skyrocketed in price despite minimal production costs. “The EpiPen (for a pack of two) is $600. Something a person with a severe allergy has to carry with them at all times so they don’t die,” one user stated. Another user from Australia countered, “I paid $20 Australian dollars for two of the exact same ones,” showcasing the stark contrast between healthcare systems.

The Reddit thread wasn’t just a venting ground for anger; it also served as a place for reflection on possible solutions. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” one user urged. “Sitting around and waiting for others to lead the marching band will leave you on the couch. Protest, speak out, organize.” Another called for people to get involved in local politics, arguing that it’s the only way to influence healthcare reform. “Get involved in your local politics if you ever want to change things,” they wrote.

The story of one man’s death from insulin rationing reflects a larger societal issue. The underlying problems remain unresolved, and with each new story of preventable death, more questions are raised about how a wealthy nation can allow this to happen. If one thing is clear from the discussions, it’s that people are growing more aware of the need for change, and they’re no longer content with the status quo. As one commenter succinctly put it: “THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT YOU. The systems in place are to benefit and protect the elite.”

The outrage over this story shows no signs of slowing, with many calling for reforms to ensure that basic human needs, like access to insulin, are no longer treated as luxury items. Until then, for some, survival will remain a matter of luck, privilege, or the kindness of strangers.