Investors push UnitedHealth to disclose costs of care denials

Seven UnitedHealth Group shareholders have taken a significant step by urging the health care conglomerate to compile a detailed report on the frequency with which its policies result in denied or delayed care, and the subsequent impacts on patients and the economy.

The proposal, which is potentially set to be presented for a vote by UnitedHealth’s investors at the company’s upcoming annual meeting, comes at a time when the company is facing intense public scrutiny for its utilization management tactics such as prior authorization and care denials. The recent tragic incident involving the CEO of UnitedHealth’s health insurance division in early December has sparked widespread outrage, not directed towards the alleged perpetrator, but towards health insurers like UnitedHealth that many hold responsible for the dysfunction within the industry.

The shareholders who have initiated this proposal are affiliated with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a non-profit coalition comprising over 300 institutional investors that actively advocate for issues related to health equity, climate, and labor rights. In recent years, the group has predominantly focused on analyzing how the policies of pharmaceutical companies impact access to essential treatments.

The call for a comprehensive report on the consequences of UnitedHealth’s policies reflects a growing concern among investors and stakeholders regarding the transparency and accountability of the company’s operations. It highlights the need for greater visibility into the decision-making processes that govern patient care and the potential economic ramifications of denied or delayed treatments.

As the debate surrounding healthcare policies and practices continues to intensify, the demand for increased disclosure and oversight within the industry is becoming more pronounced. The outcome of this proposal and the subsequent actions taken by UnitedHealth Group could have far-reaching implications for the broader healthcare landscape and set a precedent for other companies to prioritize the interests of patients and the economy in their decision-making processes.