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IBX cautioned employees against wearing branded gear in public following UnitedHealthcare shooting

The apparel suggestion is “strictly out of an abundance of caution.”

The Center City skyline, including Independence Blue Cross, One Liberty Place, Three Logan Square and Comcast Technology Center-Headquarters, comes into view when traveling eastbound on the Schuylkill Expressway. Independence employees have been encouraged not to wear branded gear on their commutes and out in public.
The Center City skyline, including Independence Blue Cross, One Liberty Place, Three Logan Square and Comcast Technology Center-Headquarters, comes into view when traveling eastbound on the Schuylkill Expressway. Independence employees have been encouraged not to wear branded gear on their commutes and out in public.Read moreElizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer / Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Phot

In the wake of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week, and after seeing morbid reactions to the killing on social media, one local health-care company cautioned employees about drawing attention to where they work.

A Dec. 6 email to associates from Independence Blue Cross president and CEO Gregory E. Deavens encouraged them to “limit your wearing of IBX- or AmeriHealth-branded apparel or accessories while commuting or out in public.”

The email made clear that Independence has not received any direct threats to its employees or facilities. The apparel suggestion is “strictly out of an abundance of caution.”

A spokesperson for IBX said Monday that the company does not comment on internal security measures.

In the Friday email, Deavens also provided guidance for online safety and outlined security measures in place at the company’s headquarters and other regional offices.

“As you may be aware, much of the public response to this senseless act, particularly on social media, has been unsettling and has extended to the health insurance industry as a whole,” Deavens’ message said.

One employee in the government markets division said they and other coworkers have been “anxious” and “concerned” for their safety after seeing reactions to the fatal shooting on TikTok and Instagram.

Another employee, an analyst, said they hadn’t been worried until seeing the CEO’s message. Both employees asked not to be named out of concern for their jobs.

“I probably will exercise caution,” the analyst said. “The shooting highlighted the hatred/bitterness against health insurance companies.”

“If you look at what’s out there on social media, it’s vile,” said the government markets employee.

In a public statement on Dec. 4, Deavens expressed condolences for Thompson’s family. “Violence is never the answer! It only brings unnecessary pain, suffering, and loss. We must all come together to denounce such acts and work towards a future where respect, understanding, and peace prevail,” Deavens said.

Independence is the region’s largest health insurer and a major employer, with a workforce of about 3,000 at the Center City-based company.