#UnitedHealth

[lost-onpurpose]

My great grandmother uses United and she was in an inpatient physical therapy facility because she fell three times in five days and couldn't use her legs for some reason.

They tried to send her home three days later. Two of those days were a weekend when they didn't do physical therapy. The first day was her evaluation day, where they didn't do any physical therapy.

So they gave her zero physical therapy over three days of an inpatient physical therapy program and said she was able to walk again and could go home.

We appealed it and won when an actual doctor looked at her notes. They tried to send her home again a week later. We fought them every week for THREE months before we had to put her in long term because she was still in a wheelchair and unfortunately our house isn't laid out well for wheelchairs so we couldn't bring her safely home.

We've since moved her to a care home (all women, 5 residents max) so she can get more one on one care than the larger understaffed and way more expensive facility.

She was in long term care at the original facility for less than two months and we still owe them over $8k for that time.

But yeah, United tried to send her home from a physical therapy program after she received no actual physical therapy and then tried to send her home every week after that.

UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurance company in the US, is allegedly using a deeply flawed AI algorithm to override doctors' judgments and wrongfully deny critical health coverage to elderly patients. This has resulted in patients being kicked out of rehabilitation programs and care facilities far too early, forcing them to drain their life savings to obtain needed care that should be covered under their government-funded Medicare Advantage Plan.

It's not just flawed, it's flawed in UnitedHealthcare's favor.

That's not a flaw... that's fraud.

[prcg]

Las mayores filtraciones de datos en 2024: mil millones de registros robados y en aumento

Estamos casi al final de 2024, un año que se recordará por haber visto algunas de las filtraciones de datos más grandes y dañinas de la historia reciente. Y justo cuando crees que algunos de estos trucos no pueden empeorar, lo hacen. Desde enormes almacenes de información personal de clientes robados, robados y publicados en línea, hasta grandes cantidades de datos médicos robados que cubren a la…

[inspire2rise]

UnitedHealth Pays $22M Ransom After Data Breach

On May 10th, 2024, UnitedHealth Group’s CEO, Andrew Witty, confirmed at a hearing earlier this month that its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, experienced a cyberattack in February. The corporation admitted to paying a ransom following the breach. UnitedHealth Group ranked as the fifth largest U.S. company, generated $324 billion in revenue last year. In 2021, it acquired Optum and Change…

[wausaupilot]

UnitedHealth CEO savaged for failings in massive cyberattack that’s crippled health care

"Not a rosy picture."

by Ashley Murray, Wisconsin Examiner May 1, 2024 WASHINGTON — Capitol Hill lawmakers from both parties on Wednesday grilled UnitedHealth Group’s CEO over the largest-ever cyberattack on the U.S. health care industry, which has crippled payments to providers and pharmacies and left millions of patients clueless about whether their information is now on the dark web. A Russia-linked cybercrime…

[innonurse]

Cybersecurity: UnitedHealth aiming to restore Change Healthcare systems by mid-March

- By InnoNurse Staff -

Services provided by UnitedHealth Group Inc. are beginning to be reinstated over two weeks following a cyberattack on its Change Healthcare subsidiary that disrupted the US health system.

Read more at CNBC

[drnic1]

When Medical Thrillers Mirror Healthcare Injustices

One of Michael Crichton’s early successes was the movie “Coma” which came out in 1978. A movie based on the book of the same name by Robin Cook, MD. The book was his first break-out hit featuring corporate malfeasance and greed taken to extremes in a hospital to create a ready supply of donor organs. Michael Douglas starred in the movie. Coma – the Medical Thriller Robin Cook went on to write 40…

[systemtek]

CMA provisionally clears UnitedHealth’s proposed £1.2bn purchase of EMIS

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has provisionally cleared UnitedHealth’s proposed £1.2bn purchase of EMIS following an in-depth investigation. The NHS is increasingly seeking digital and data-driven solutions to help improve the delivery of healthcare in the UK. EMIS supplies data management systems to the NHS, including the electronic patient record system used by the majority of NHS GPs in the UK. Optum, part of the US healthcare giant UnitedHealth, currently supplies software used by GPs when prescribing medicines, as well as data analytics and advisory services that the NHS uses to help improve overall healthcare and health service provision. While the merging businesses do not supply competing services, Optum and its competitors use the data that EMIS holds and integrate their own software with EMIS’s electronic patient record system to compete in other markets, including the supply of population health management services and medicines optimisation software. A CMA Phase 1 investigation had identified initial concerns that the merger ran the risk of worse outcomes for the NHS by reducing competition. These concerns have been probed in more detail in a Phase 2 investigation overseen by an independent panel which has now provisionally found the merger does not raise competition concerns. The investigation confirmed that EMIS, as the lead supplier to NHS GPs across the UK, holds a particularly strong market position in the supply of electronic patient record systems but, further evidence-gathering and analysis found the combination of this position with Optum’s activities should not present competition concerns. In the supply of population health management services, the independent panel provisionally found that the merged business would not, in practice, be able to use the EMIS business to harm the competitiveness of rivals. This is primarily because the NHS would be able to use its oversight role to prevent the merged business from pursuing this kind of strategy. In relation to the supply of medicines optimisation software, the independent panel has provisionally found that it would not be commercially beneficial for the merged business to restrict access to EMIS’s electronic patient record system. In particular, a more detailed analysis of the market shows that such a strategy would likely be unprofitable with any possible gains being limited and capable of being reduced through intervention by the NHS. Kirstin Baker, chair of the independent inquiry panel carrying out the investigation, said: “Digital technology and data analytics play an increasingly important role in supporting high quality healthcare in the NHS and so it’s important we investigate this deal thoroughly. “We want to ensure the NHS continues to benefit from innovation and efficiencies brought about by technology services competing for its business. After carefully considering a broad range of evidence, we have provisionally found that this deal is not expected to harm competition or adversely affect patients.” Today’s findings are provisional, and the CMA will now consult on its findings and listen to any further views before reaching a final decision. The CMA welcomes responses from interested parties to its provisional findings by Friday 1 September 2023. These will be considered ahead of the CMA issuing its final report, which is due by 5 October 2023. More information can be found on the CMA’s Optum / EMIS case page. Read the full article

[trendprospector]

Is UnitedHealth Group's stock a good investment?

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, an American multinational managed healthcare and insurance company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In this article, we will explore the remarkable journey of UnitedHealth Group, from its inception to its current position as a global leader in the healthcare industry. Shaping the Future of Healthcare UnitedHealth Group traces its roots back to 1977 when it emerged as a subsidiary of PacifiCare Health Systems. Recognizing the need for a transformative approach to healthcare, the company set out on a mission to revolutionize the industry. In 1995, UnitedHealth Group took a significant step forward by becoming an independent publicly traded company, marking the beginning of its ascent to greatness. Trust and Confidence As a publicly traded company, UnitedHealth Group's stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol UNH. The company's outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence have garnered the trust and confidence of investors worldwide. Notably, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has recognized the potential of UnitedHealth Group, acquiring approximately 10% of the company's shares. Redefining Healthcare UnitedHealth Group's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence has led to the development of several groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the healthcare landscape. Let's delve into some of their notable ventures: OptumInsight: Empowering Healthcare Organizations with Data Analytics and Consulting OptumInsight, a prominent division of UnitedHealth Group, focuses on harnessing the power of data analytics and consulting to help healthcare organizations enhance the quality and efficiency of care delivery. By leveraging advanced technologies and cutting-edge methodologies, OptumInsight equips healthcare providers with the necessary insights to make informed decisions and drive positive patient outcomes. Revolutionizing Pharmacy Benefit Management OptumRx, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, is at the forefront of revolutionizing pharmacy benefit management. By leveraging their expertise and innovative solutions, OptumRx enables employers and health plans to effectively manage prescription drug costs. Through strategic partnerships, formulary management, and cost-effective strategies, OptumRx empowers individuals to access vital medications while ensuring affordability and quality care. Empowering Individuals for a Healthier Tomorrow UnitedHealth Group's commitment to comprehensive healthcare is exemplified by OptumHealth. This dynamic division offers a wide range of health services aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. From tailored wellness programs and chronic disease management to compassionate home health care, OptumHealth strives to improve the overall health and quality of life for individuals across the globe. A Testament to Success UnitedHealth Group's exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled it to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. As of March 8, 2023, the company's market capitalization soared above an astounding $400 billion. UnitedHealth Group's influence and significance are further underscored by its inclusion in both the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 index. UnitedHealth Group Leading the Way In conclusion, UnitedHealth Group stands as a beacon of innovation, excellence, and customer-centric healthcare. From its humble beginnings as a subsidiary to its current position as a global leader, UnitedHealth Group has consistently redefined the boundaries of healthcare. Through initiatives like OptumInsight, OptumRx, and OptumHealth, the company continues to shape the future of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of millions. With an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of its customers, UnitedHealth Group sets the standard for excellence in the healthcare industry. Read the full article

[naqati]

What is Health Insurance and Why Is It Important?

Health insurance is a vital aspect of financial planning and risk management. It provides individuals and families with a safety net to cover medical expenses and ensures access to quality healthcare services. This article will explore the fundamentals of health insurance, its importance, and why everyone should consider having adequate coverage. What is Health Insurance? Health insurance is a…

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Andrew Perez at Rolling Stone:

EARLIER THIS WEEK, two Democratic senators announced they have requested a criminal investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas — regarding, in part, a loan for a luxury RV provided by a longtime executive at UnitedHealth Group, one of America’s largest health insurers. Thomas apparently recused himself in at least two cases involving UnitedHealth when the loan was active, according to a Rolling Stone review. Yet, he separately chose to participate in another health insurance case and authored the court’s unanimous opinion in 2004. The ruling broadly benefited the industry — shielding employer-sponsored health insurers from damages if they refuse to cover certain services and patients are harmed. Thomas’ advice to patients facing such denials? Pull out your checkbook.

While UnitedHealth was not a party to the case, the company belonged to two trade associations that filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to side with the insurers.  “As we saw so starkly this term, Supreme Court decisions can have sweeping collateral implications: If the court rules in favor of one insurance giant, for instance, it tends to be a boon for all the other insurance giants, too,” says Alex Aronson, executive director at the judicial reform group Court Accountability. “That was the case here, and it’s a perfect example of why justices shouldn’t accept gifts — especially secret ones — from industry titans whose interests are implicated, whether directly or indirectly, by their rulings.” The public had no way of knowing about Thomas’ RV loan at the time of the decision: The loan was only exposed by The New York Times last year. Senate Democrats investigating Thomas believe that much or all of the loan, for a $267,230 motor coach, was ultimately forgiven. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) recently requested the Justice Department investigate whether Thomas reported the forgiven portion of the loan on his tax filings, after he failed to disclose it in ethics forms.

Meanwhile, Thomas’ health insurance opinion has had wide-ranging, long-lasting ramifications, according to Mark DeBofsky, an employee benefits lawyer and former law professor.  “It hasn’t been rectified. The repercussions continue,” DeBofsky tells Rolling Stone. “People who are in dire need of specific medical care, and [their] insurance company turns around and says, ‘That care is not medically necessary,’ and there’s an adverse outcome as a result of the denial of the treatment, or hospitalization, or service — there’s no recompense for what could have been an unnecessary death or serious injury.” Since last year, the Supreme Court has faced an unprecedented ethics crisis, with much of the focus aimed squarely at Thomas. ProPublica reported that Thomas received and failed to disclose two decades worth of luxury gifts from a conservative billionaire, Harlan Crow, who allegedly provided free private jet and superyacht trips to Thomas and his wife; bought a house from Thomas and allowed the justice’s elderly mother to live there for free; and paid for at least two years of boarding school tuition for Thomas’ grandnephew.

[...] Federal law requires Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves in any case where their “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” The justices decide for themselves when such a move is necessary — and when they do withdraw from a case, they rarely say why. Thomas does not appear to have explained his decision to withdraw from the two matters that directly involved UnitedHealth. Thomas did not take similar steps in Aetna Health Inc. v. Davila, a case that broadly affected the health insurance industry. He instead authored the court’s opinion, which expanded insurers’ favorite tool for limiting liability: ERISA. Congress passed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, commonly known as ERISA, in 1974 to protect employee benefits. The law is relatively vague when it comes to “welfare benefits,” and contains a broad preemption clause. The courts have filled in the blanks — including in the Aetna Health case — with distressing results for patients. Half of Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance coverage; nearly all of these plans are governed by ERISA.

Rolling Stone exposes how SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas received a $267K RV from a health insurance executive.

[bob3160]

Is 2FA-MFA Really Important

[sarhadkasakshi]

Healthy Returns: Pfizer pulls sickle cell disease drug from markets – here’s why it matters

Kena Betancur | Corbis News | Getty Images A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions. Hello and happy Tuesday! Today, we’re unpacking a shocking move from Pfizer.  The pharmaceutical giant last week announced it would voluntarily withdraw its sickle cell…

[blogeternal]

UnitedHealth Group Optum Benefits - Comprehensive Care and Support

UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world, offers a wide range of services through its Optum division, focusing on innovative healthcare solutions. Optum is committed to improving the health system by integrating advanced data analytics, technology, and personalized healthcare services. 

Whether it's providing essential support for individuals, businesses, or the overall healthcare system, Optum's benefits are designed to deliver comprehensive, value-based care. However, recent Optum layoffs have sparked conversations about the healthcare giant's adaptability in a fast-changing industry.

Personalized Healthcare Solutions

Optum leverages technology and data to create personalized healthcare experiences tailored to each individual. By using predictive analytics and machine learning, Optum can predict health risks, recommend preventative measures, and ensure early detection of potential issues. This personalized approach ensures that members receive care that is more precise, timely, and efficient.

Behavioral Health and Mental Health Services

Mental health is a significant aspect of Optum’s healthcare offerings. Optum provides a wide array of behavioral health services designed to address mental health conditions, substance abuse, and emotional well-being. This includes access to licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists through in-person or virtual sessions, allowing individuals to seek care in a manner that suits their lifestyle.

Pharmacy Care Services

OptumRx, the pharmacy care services division of Optum, offers an extensive range of prescription drug services. Through OptumRx, members have access to affordable medications, home delivery, and 24/7 support from pharmacists. OptumRx ensures medication adherence by providing easy-to-use tools, such as reminders for refills and direct communication with healthcare providers.

Care Coordination and Integrated Networks

One of the most significant advantages of Optum’s services is its focus on care coordination. Through integrated healthcare networks, Optum ensures that patients receive seamless care across various providers and services. Whether it's primary care, specialty care, or mental health services, Optum integrates all facets of care to minimize gaps and improve patient outcomes.

Employer Health Solutions

For employers, Optum provides extensive health solutions aimed at improving the well-being of employees while reducing healthcare costs. Optum's workplace wellness programs include biometric screenings, fitness programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health resources. These programs not only improve employee health but also increase engagement, reduce absenteeism, and foster a positive work culture.

Conclusion

Optum’s benefits, offered through UnitedHealth Group, are designed to enhance patient care, improve healthcare outcomes, and provide personalized solutions for individuals, businesses, and healthcare providers. By combining cutting-edge technology, a strong focus on mental and physical health integration, cost-effective pharmacy services, and innovative digital solutions, Optum continues to be a leader in transforming the healthcare experience.

 However, Optum layoffs have drawn attention to potential shifts within the organization, underscoring the need for adaptability as the healthcare landscape evolves. Despite these changes, Optum remains focused on delivering quality care and innovative services to individuals and communities across the globe.