DOJ Investigates UnitedHealth Medicare Payment Practices Amid Stock Decline

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth Group's Medicare payment practices, focusing on how the company recorded diagnoses that result in higher Medicare Advantage payments. Former employees have been interviewed by the DOJ healthcare-fraud unit, FBI, and HHS Office of Inspector General regarding these practices. UnitedHealth denies wrongdoing and highlights a past Special Master review that found no evidence of overpayments or fraud. Despite these assurances, the investigation has coincided with a decline in the company's stock value by nearly 40% this year, reflecting broader concerns including surging medical costs and management changes.