Stocks Drop Tuesday After Mixed News On The Economy Oct 21, 2009
The report overshadowed strong earnings reports from Apple Inc., Caterpillar Inc. and insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.. The Dow was down 51 at 10,041. (KWTX.com, TX)
Stock futures point to higher Wall Street open Oct 21, 2009
Chemical maker DuPont and health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. have already reported earnings gains Tuesday, each citing company cost-cutting efforts. Caterpillar Inc. and Coca-Cola Co. are also slated to report results before the opening bell. (WCAX.com, VT)
Political Risk Shadows Health-Insurance Stocks Oct 21, 2009
Health insurers like UnitedHealth Group are doing well, yet their stocks have been terrible investments. Blame Washington's health-care reform debate. (BusinessWeek)
UnitedHealth profit tops $1B in 3Q Oct 21, 2009
UnitedHealth Group said the challenging economic climate and employment attrition at its customers were the most significant factors in the decrease ... UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), which employs about 75,000 workers, recorded $2. (Columbus Business First, OH)
Stocks retreat as housing report overshadows earnings Oct 21, 2009
61, while UnitedHealth Group jumped $1. 04, or 4. (USA Today -- Money)
GOP Pushes Portability, Other Health Amendments Oct 20, 2009
Major health insurers -- which include UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), WellPoint Inc (WLP.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Humana (HUM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Cigna Corp (CI.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Aetna Inc (AET.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) -- have become the Democrats' main target in the reform debate. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to end the industry practice of denying coverage... (Newsmax)
Motley Fool: The recessions second wave Oct 19, 2009
Companies as diverse as General Electric, UnitedHealth Group, Google, and Sirius XM participated in the recent spate of insider selling. (Msnbc. (MSNBC -- Business)
Will Insurers' Health-Care Attacks Backfire? Oct 17, 2009
Aetna also recently beefed up its own lobbying shop, as did UnitedHealth Group and Humana. Health insurers may simply be realizing that they have much more to lose than gain in the current tussle; most observers believe they waited too long to tackle reform head-on, and even the insurers themselves have to know they hold precious little credibility with the American public. (Time.com)
Insurers' Health Reform Attack Draws Fire Oct 13, 2009
Forbes magazine reports that William W. McGuire, CEO of UnitedHealth Group) received compensation of $124 ... William McGuire of UnitedHealth Group, the nation. (CBS News)
BUYINS.NET Issues Short Sale Report On WellPoint Oct 10, 2009
The healthcare industry has higher than usual short volume in recent trading days, and healthcare plan companies that should be closely monitoring their trading activity include: Unitedhealth Group, Aetna, CIGNA, Humana, Coventry Health Care. Highlights from the WellPoint report. (Primezone Releases)
Health-Insurance Forms Also Need Reform Oct 9, 2009
ASI, the for-profit arm of the , is working on efforts to "better communicate" Medicare insurance plans in 2010, ASI and UnitedHealth Group () will introduce a clearer, easier-to-comprehend explanation of benefits as well as a remodeled certificate of insurance. And Cigna () has released new guidelines for its customer service representatives. (BusinessWeek)
Report: 6 arrested at UnitedHealth HQ during health care protest Oct 7, 2009
Protestors alleged that UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UHG) and other insurers make people sicker because they don t offer adequate coverage for many patients. UnitedHealth Group has been actively involved in healthcare reform for many months, said Kim Olson, a spokeswoman for the company. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Connecticut Steps Into Federal Health Care Debate Oct 3, 2009
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Healthcare Advocate Kevin P. Lembo asked Aetna Inc., ConnectiCare Inc., Anthem Health Plans of Connecticut, HealthNet of Connecticut and UnitedHealth Group for information the companies may have sent regarding the impact of proposed legislation on Medicare Advantage and prescription drug programs ... Terence O'Hara, a spokesman for UnitedHealth Group, said in an e-mail that the insurer "has a strong commitment to communicating clearly and accurately with... (ABC News -- Wire)
State asks insurers what they're telling customers about health care reform Oct 3, 2009
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Healthcare Advocate Kevin P. Lembo are asking the five biggest insurers Aetna Inc., ConnectiCare Inc., Anthem Health Plans of Connecticut Inc., HealthNet of Connecticut, and UnitedHealth Group Inc. to voluntarily provide this information. They want to ascertain whether health insurers are sending any misleading materials to Medicare recipients here, though they said they have no evidence that's happening. (Republican-American)
UHC invests $2.4M in Calif. healthcare Oct 2, 2009
The investment by Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UHC) is part of the company s 20-year, $200 million California Health Care Investment Program to provide capital to health care providers for underserved, low-income and underinsured communities throughout California. UnitedHealth Group bought $2 ... We are delighted with UnitedHealth Group s decision, said Alan Burgess, CEO of Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Docs who treat the poor get state bonus Oct 1, 2009
The state is tracking the doctors' performance in partnership with Ingenix, a health-information firm owned by Unitedhealth Group Inc.. Our responsibility, to our beneficiaries and our taxpayers, is to encourage and promote the highest quality care at the most effective costs, said Barry Maram, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which runs the state Medicaid program and other public-aid programs. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Consumer-driven in reverse? Sep 30, 2009
The health insurer, a division of UnitedHealth Group, has seen HSAs grow 30 percent every year for the last three years. About 10 percent of UnitedHealth s customers rely on HSAs. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
At Least A Dozen Interested In Vacant Hartford City And Town Clerk Job Sep 26, 2009
The other applicants include: Stephen Fournier, a lawyer; LaKesha A. Jones, an analyst for UnitedHealth Group; Eloise McCormack, the city's assistant registrar; Glenda F. Patterson, a customer service representative for ; Renee L. Richards, a legislative assistant in the mayor's office; Marcia L. Rose, a former staff assistant for several Bridgeport city officials; Delroy Alexander Shirley, a consultant and former senior assistant corporation counsel for the city; and Melissa S. Thompson, an... (FOX61, CT)
> Norton Healthcare canceling Anthem contract early Sep 24, 2009
He added that Anthem pays about 20 percent less overall than insurers such as Humana Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Cigna Corp.. Meyers said the company is starting new contracts with Humana, Cigna and Aetna Inc. as of July 1 and has a tentative deal with UnitedHealth. (Louisville Business First, KY)
50 most powerful in business Sep 20, 2009
50 Most Powerful Women in Business 2008: Full list- from FORTUNE. Archer Daniels Midland. (CNN -- Money)
20 comments Sep 16, 2009
5 percent; and UnitedHealth Group 1. 5 percent. (Human Events Online)
Natividad Medical Center Receives Large Grant Sep 16, 2009
The $570,000 grant from UnitedHealth Group will enable Natividad to become one of California's first wireless and paperless safety-net hospital with a full medical grade network and electronic health record ... A ceremony, which will feature an oversized check from UnitedHealth Group given to Natividad Medical Center, will be held on Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. at the medical center in Salinas. (KSBW 8, CA)
Senate Health Bill Would Cost Insurers $6 Bln Fee Sep 10, 2009
Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the America's Health Insurance Plans, or AHIP, trade group, said in a statement that the insurance fee proposals "will only make it harder for families and small business to afford coverage." Members of AHIP include Aetna Inc. (AET), Humana Inc. (HUM), Cigna Corp. (CI) and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH). "The American people want reform that eases the burden of rising medical costs and puts our health-care system on a sustainable and fiscally responsible path -... (SmartMoney)
Grants offered to help combat obesity Sep 4, 2009
- UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is giving children in Virginia the opportunity to become "Health Heroes" by learning about childhood obesity, designing programs to address it and implementing the programs in their communities ... Two UnitedHealth Group companies, UnitedHealthcare and Unison, are partnering with Youth Service America (YSA) to launch the second year of the nationwide program ... Earlier this year, UnitedHealth Group awarded 67,000 in HEROES grants to 100 schools and community... (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Group: Insurers Urged Workers to Fight Reform Sep 3, 2009
-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. said workers looking to get in touch with elected officials could get help from "advocacy specialists." It said employees might be contacted about the issue during business hours. WellPoint Inc., a Blue Cross/Blue Shield operator based in Indianapolis, said most of the proposed health care legislation was not responsible or sustainable. (ABC News -- Wire)
Democrats probe 'purging' of health coverage Sep 2, 2009
Aetna Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., WellPoint Inc., Humana Inc., Medica and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield received the letters. America's Health Insurance Plans, which represents the companies, said Waxman's investigation was designed to smear private insurers and bolster support for a public insurance option. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Waxman, Stupak Continue to Press Insurance Companies Sep 1, 2009
The letters went to insurers Aetna, Humana, Medica, UnitedHealth Group, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and WellPoint. The missives are the latest in an ongoing assault by House Democrats on the insurance industry as the party seeks to rally support for its struggling health care overhaul plans. (Roll Call)
Insurers Poised To Gain From From Health Care Reform Aug 31, 2009
Whatever the outcome, the stakes are high for the thousands of insurance company employees in Connecticut many of them concentrated in Greater Hartford at insurance giants Aetna, CIGNA and UnitedHealth Group. "There's going to be shared pain by everybody," Bertolini said. (FOX61, CT)
Our views: Killing your paycheck Aug 30, 2009
In 2007, the nations two biggest health insurance companies UnitedHealth Group and WellPoint made $4. 6 billion and $3. (Florida Today)
Rules rein in Medicare Advantage marketing Aug 30, 2009
Currently, UnitedHealth Group and Humana together cover almost. Most health industry players would win under overhaul. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
> Many insurers to offer free H1N1 flu shots Aug 29, 2009
Last week, UnitedHealth Group announced it will cover the cost of the vaccine even for enrollees whose health plans do not include immunizations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that the following population segments receive the vaccine. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Younger Americans Over-Exposed to Radiation Risk Aug 29, 2009
The team used medical claims data from people insured by UnitedHealth Group Inc in five U.S. markets between January 2005 and December 2007. CAT SCANS. (Newsmax)
Chambliss: Tax credits will help uninsured Aug 27, 2009
The Lewin Group is owned by a company that is a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, which includes the insurance company UnitedHealthcare. According to The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation's Characteristics of the Uninsured, about 11 million people who are uninsured are probably eligible for Medicaid and 56 percent are not eligible and have incomes that would make it difficult to afford health insurance without some assistance. (The Augusta Chronicle)
United Healthcare to pay $536,000 Aug 26, 2009
-based insurer UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is the parent company of. which is based in Maryland Heights, Mo. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Judge asks SEC to explain Bank of America actions Aug 26, 2009
A federal judge has approved a $17-million settlement resolving the last of the lawsuits against managed care company UnitedHealth Group Inc. over its stock option backdating practices. The case involved retirement savings accounts, and plaintiffs contended among other things that improperly backdated stock options left the insurer's stock overvalued, according to an order from U.S. District Judge James M. Rosenbaum approving the settlement. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
UHC one of best companies for Latinas Aug 26, 2009
UnitedHealth Group is based in Minnetonka. jniemela@bizjournals. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
UHC exec. on Forbes powerful women list Aug 21, 2009
Boudreaux runs the most-profitable division of UnitedHealth Group. Forbes cited Boudreaux s consolidation of the company s six national regions into four and her plans to grow profits by focusing on local markets. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Hidden hospital costsdevastate families Aug 21, 2009
In a victory that same month, the American Medical Association and others reached a $350 million settlement with UnitedHealth Group, the nations second largest insurer, over what the AMA charged were unfairly low out-of-network payments. That dovetailed with another agreement New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reached with UnitedHealth to help fund a new independent means of determining appropriate payment rates for out-of-network care. (MSNBC -- Health)
Meritain cited for consumer-driven plans Aug 21, 2009
Meritain Health rounded out the top five with UnitedHealth Group, Aetna, CIGNA Healthcare, and Humana. The company provides plan administration and innovative wellness, medical management, disease management, network management and cost management services. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
UnitedHealth to cover H1N1 flu vaccine Aug 21, 2009
In light of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention s guidance, we felt it was important to remove barriers to ensuring the widest possible administration of the vaccine, said Reed Tuckson, chief of medical affairs for UnitedHealth Group. Reader Comments. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Insurance spokesman decries 'fishing expedition' Aug 20, 2009
Spokesmen for three large insurance companies, Aetna, UnitedHealth Group Inc., and WellPoint Inc., confirmed the firms had received the letters but declined comment. The letter from Waxman and Stupak requested the information be provided by early September. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
House Dems seek info from health insurers Aug 20, 2009
Spokesmen for three large insurance companies, Aetna, UnitedHealth Group Inc., and WellPoint Inc., confirmed the firms had received the letters but declined comment. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Rally held to protest health-care reform plan Aug 20, 2009
The Lewin Group, a private health-care consulting group affiliated with UnitedHealth Group (which owns Golden Rule Insurance) and used by both Democrats and Republicans, places the number of Americans without health insurance at just under 46 million, and predicts that number to rise to nearly 49 million next year. State Rep. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
Free-market death panels Aug 20, 2009
An economic note: In 2006, William Dollar Bill McGuire, CEO of parent-company UnitedHealth Group, walked off with a $1. 1 billion golden parachute (on top of the $500 million he had already raked in) though he had to return some of it in an options backdating scandal. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Congress requests CEO pay data from Centene, WellPoint Aug 20, 2009
UnitedHealth Group, Corp Group, , , , , WellPoint Inc.. Reader Comments. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Newsweek: Keep your insurance? Not everyone will Aug 20, 2009
A , a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that operates independently of the health care company, found that under this scenario in the original House bill, 33. 6 million would go onto the federal health plan. (MSNBC -- Politics)
RedBrick Health partnering with WellPoint Aug 20, 2009
It s been a good year for RedBrick, which was by veterans of Definity Health, a pioneer in consumer-directed health coverage that was bought by Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) for $300 million in 2004. Retail giant Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT), based in Minneapolis, in May to administer a new wellness program for Target employees. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Cargill annual profits down Aug 19, 2009
The next largest, Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group Inc., had $81. 2 billion in revenue in its most recent fiscal year. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
U.S. Rep. Johnson schedules more town hall meetings Aug 18, 2009
Ingenix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group" [Or they did when I lifted this by Edit/Copy last week; the heat may have grown to the point that they have hidden it by now.]If you don't get it, Lewin is OWNED thru a subsidiary by ONE OF THE LARGEST US HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES. And you think they are deliver "non-partisan"advice to their owners?? Tell TimJohnson he is "misleading" the people. ". Most commented. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Berkshire Reveals Changes in Stock Portfolio Aug 15, 2009
Berkshire reduced its holdings in CarMax Inc., ConocoPhillips, Eaton Corp., Home Depot Inc., and health insurers UnitedHealth Group Inc. and WellPoint Inc.. But the filing also says Berkshire has received permission from the SEC to omit some information to protect its trading strategy, so the document offers an incomplete picture of the company's investments. (ABC News -- Wire)
Berkshire Reports Becton Dickinson Stake, Ups J&J Aug 15, 2009
In addition, Berkshire reported lower stakes in a half-dozen companies including health insurers UnitedHealth Group Inc and WellPoint Inc. "He recognizes that global growth is what is going to drive future returns, so if you look at health-care companies being put in the portfolio, it is more global pharmaceutical and diversified medical," said Michael Yoshikami, president of YCMNET Advisors in Walnut Creek, California, which he said invests $800 million and owns Berkshire stock. (ABC News -- Wire)
Berkshire Hathaway Acquires Stake in Medical-Supply Maker Becton Dickinson Aug 15, 2009
5 million shares and sold 24 percent of its shares in UnitedHealth Group Inc., lowering its total to 3. 4 million shares. (Bloomberg -- US)
LETTER: System puts profit ahead of health Aug 13, 2009
Ingenix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group" So BE AWARE that whenever you hear a conservative quoting the "non-partisan Lewin Group", they are simply mouthpieces for insurance companies. Old enough to remember Edgar Bergen and his dummy, Charlie McCarthy?? Then you get the picture. ". Most commented. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
President plans stop in Bozeman Aug 13, 2009
nutmeg wrote on Aug 6, 2009 7:14 PM:" sassylady, 5kranch, freetime, firecracker...Bill McGuire is also opposed to national healthcare. As the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, Inc., McGuire accumulated a personal fortune of 1.5 BILLION DOLLARS ($1,500,000,000)!! ". freetime wrote on Aug 6, 2009 5:02 PM:" Oh pleeze...do not bring race into it.I do not trust Obama's health care reform and why is it so darn important that our government gets one in place so fast.And yes, I do would be saying the same... (Helena Independent Record)
Analysis: Obama's Claim On Insurance Profits Were Untrue Aug 13, 2009
One notes that UnitedHealth Group moved up in the Fortune 500 rankings of corporations, but even that article says the in 2008 than in 2007. Its true that UnitedHealths numbers for the second quarter of 2009 beat analysts expectations, as we last week, but the company posted higher profits in, say, the first quarter of 2008. (Nebraska Statepaper)
$895m UnitedHealth deal OK’d Aug 12, 2009
CHICAGO - UnitedHealth Group, the largest US health insurer, and its investors have won final court approval of the $895 million settlement of a lawsuit in which the company was accused of improperly backdating stock options. US District Judge James M. Rosenbaum approved the accord Monday in Minneapolis. (Boston Globe)
Lerach Costs Former Firm $45 Million in Fees Aug 12, 2009
Yet the judge still awarded Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins a hefty $65 million for its work on a securities class action against UnitedHealth Group. U.S. District Judge James Rosenbaum, in , approved a mammoth $925 million settlement against UnitedHealth and its former executives over backdating the grant dates on stock options. (Law.com)
Judge OKs UnitedHealth $925.5 Million Backdating Pact Aug 12, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group Inc and former chief executive William McGuire will pay $925 million to resolve an investor class-action lawsuit accusing the health insurer of improperly backdating stock options. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company will pay $895 million toward the settlement fund, while McGuire will pay $30 million and former general counsel David Lubben will pay $500,000. (ABC News -- Wire)
Obamacare a 'rotten fish,'says Broun at town hall Aug 12, 2009
Citing a study by the Lewin Group, a consulting firm owned by the insurance company UnitedHealth Group, Broun said 114 million Americans will be forced off their employers' insurance plans and onto a competing government-run plan because small businesses will not be able to pay for the mandated insurance. The Democrats' plan would be a precursor to a single-payer system, he said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Time for action Aug 8, 2009
UnitedHealthcare , a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is expanding the availability of Quicken Health Expense Tracker SM to help nearly 700,000 of its commercial health plan enrollees nationwide better manage their health-related finances and information ... -based Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU) and UnitedHealth Groups Ingenix subsidiary, Quicken Health Expense Tracker helps consumers organize and understand their health care financial information in a simple, clear way that will help them... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Mixed up about heroes Aug 8, 2009
UnitedHealth Group Offering Grants to Help Combat Childhood Obesity. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is giving children the opportunity to become Health Heroes by learning about childhood obesity, designing programs to address it and implementing the programs in their communities. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
The Health Insurers Have Already Won Aug 7, 2009
The likely victors are insurance giants such as UnitedHealth Group (), Aetna (), and WellPoint (). The carriers have succeeded in redefining the terms of the reform debate to such a degree that no matter what specifics emerge in the voluminous bill Congress may send to President Obama this fall, the insurance industry will emerge more profitable. (BusinessWeek)
Health insurers are under fire, to dismay of good-will lobbyist Aug 6, 2009
The other big insurers, including UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Cigna, largely rely more on offering group coverage through employers and have a smaller share of the individual market, so may be more willing to go along with whatever Congress devises ... The other big insurers, including UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Cigna, largely rely more on offering group coverage through employers and have a smaller share of the individual market, so may be more willing to go along with whatever Congress... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Physician speaks out against health care proposals Aug 1, 2009
7 Billion," Department of Justice News Release, June 26, 2003. http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2003/June/03_civ_386.htm Executive Compensation Michael B McAllister earned $3.33 million in compensation as CEO of Humana. "Forbes 2006 Executive Pay list," April 20, 2006. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/12/AG0Q.html. John W Rowe earned $22.2 million in compensation as CEO of Aetna. Rowe has since left Aetna. "Forbes 2004 Executive Pay list," April 21, 2005.... (Helena Independent Record, MT)
New idea puts emphasis on quality health care in Arizona Jul 31, 2009
The computer giant persuaded a health insurer, UnitedHealth Group, to test a new system in Arizona that pays doctors based on keeping patients healthy. That represents a departure from the fee-for-service model that pays doctors based on the number of patients they see and procedures they perform. (AZCentral -- News)
