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.”

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

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

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said on Thursday the company is confident it will be able to grow its business in fiscal year 2025. His optimism comes shortly after the head of its insurance unit was gunned down in New York City,

Now, amid the backlash, which appears to have not died down, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty finally addressed Thompson’s death and the consumer outrage towards the health care industry. During an earnings call on Jan. 16, Witty expressed gratitude for the condolences and support he and his colleagues received after Thompson’s death.

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.

Witty's comments came during the company's first earnings call since the killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of the company's insurance arm UnitedHealthcare.

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

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.

The updated tally extends the scope beyond what was previously described by company Chief Executive Andrew Witty.

The number of individuals confirmed to be affected by the data breach is almost double the company's previous estimate.