UCare shuts down Minneapolis office over alarming phone call

In the United States, specifically Minneapolis, UCare, a Minnesota-based health insurance provider, announced the temporary closure of its office after receiving a concerning phone call late on a Friday. The spokesperson for UCare indicated that out of an abundance of caution, employees were advised to work from home for the entire week. Although the nature of the phone call raised alarms, UCare representatives emphasized that they were not aware of any specific threat to their offices or team. The decision to close the office for a week was reportedly made to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees. Similar actions have been taken by other companies, including Medica, which also closed its offices the previous week, citing no received threats either. This trend of temporary office closures appears to be a precautionary measure amidst increasing concerns of safety in the business community. Some of the heightened cautiousness among health insurance providers follows the tragic incident involving Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was killed a week prior. In response to this event, the FBI has initiated a manhunt for Thompson's unidentified shooter, which has added to the fearful atmosphere within the industry. UnitedHealthcare, reacting to the security concerns post-thompson's death, has even installed a fence around its Minnetonka headquarters as part of its security measures. This situation showcases a significant shift in the operational protocols of health insurance companies regarding employee safety. As the search for the gunman continues, the companies are taking steps to prioritize precaution over traditional workplace norms. It reflects a broader trend of businesses increasing their security measures and adapting to a new reality where employee safety has become paramount.