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.

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

The CEO of UnitedHealth Group said Thursday that shortcomings of America’s health care system must be addressed.

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.

The CEO of UnitedHealth Group has defended its role in America's health system as the company posted its first earnings results since the murder of one of its top executives. Sir Andrew Witty spoke to analysts as the firm reported mixed results,

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.