Briana Boston, a 42-year-old Florida resident, was arrested and charged with making threats against her health insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, after her medical claims were denied. The case sheds light on the growing frustration among consumers with the insurance industry in the United States.
Incident Details
On December 10, 2024, Boston contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield to dispute the denial of her medical insurance claims. During the recorded call, she said, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next,” a statement that quickly drew the attention of law enforcement.
Connection to the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder
Boston’s use of the phrase “Delay, deny, depose” alarmed authorities due to its connection to the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This phrase was engraved on bullet casings found at the crime scene and has since become a symbol in online discussions criticizing insurance companies for alleged strategies of delaying and denying claims.
Police Response and Investigation
The FBI was alerted to the potential threat and informed the Lakeland Police Department. Officers visited Boston’s residence, where she admitted to making the statement. Although she apologized and claimed she posed no threat, Boston was formally charged with making written threats to commit a mass shooting or act of terrorism.
Boston’s Statements
During questioning, Boston stated that she learned the phrase from news coverage of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder and used it out of frustration with the insurance industry. She described health insurance companies as “evil” and deserving of “karma.” Boston also claimed she does not own firearms and insisted she had no intention of causing harm.
Growing Frustration with the Insurance Industry
Boston’s case reflects the increasing dissatisfaction among consumers with health insurance companies in the United States. A recent survey revealed that over 50% of insured adults have faced challenges with their insurance providers, including claim denials and delays. These practices fuel consumer frustration and highlight ongoing issues within the health insurance sector.
