Following Guardian reporting on whistleblower claims, US lawmakers from both parties are expressing serious concerns regarding UnitedHealth Group’s nursing home programs. Investigations are underway or being called for, targeting allegations of improper sales tactics, bonuses for reduced hospital transfers, and potentially illegal activities to maximize Medicare Advantage profits. These actions stem from sworn declarations alleging UnitedHealth delayed or denied necessary care and aggressively pushed Do Not Resuscitate orders. UnitedHealth vehemently denies all allegations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Guardian.
Read More
UnitedHealth, a major healthcare insurer, is reportedly under investigation for potential Medicare fraud. This isn’t entirely surprising, given the complex nature of the Medicare Advantage program and the significant financial incentives involved. The investigation reportedly involves accusations of manipulating diagnoses to inflate payments.
The alleged scheme involves practices such as adding diagnoses to patient records that may not be entirely accurate, maximizing reimbursement rates. This might involve nurses actively seeking out additional diagnoses, potentially going beyond what doctors initially documented.
Another troubling aspect is the alleged practice of billing Medicare for patients already receiving care elsewhere, essentially double-dipping. This highlights a potential vulnerability in the system where insurers might game the rules for profit.… Continue reading
UnitedHealth, a major player in the healthcare industry, is currently under criminal investigation for potential Medicare fraud, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This isn’t a new issue for the company; past instances of Medicare fraud have resulted in substantial fines and Senate hearings, yet the pattern of alleged misconduct seems to persist. The current investigation highlights a disturbing trend: companies facing serious allegations, whether criminal or civil, often seem to escape significant repercussions, paying fines that are a mere fraction of their ill-gotten gains and continuing their allegedly questionable practices.
The scale of the alleged fraud is significant, impacting millions of individuals and raising serious ethical questions.… Continue reading
UnitedHealth’s recent financial report delivered a shockwave through the market, causing a significant drop in its share price. The unexpected miss on earnings, coupled with a downward revision of the company’s future projections, has left investors reeling. This isn’t simply a matter of fluctuating market trends; it reflects deep-seated concerns about the company’s practices and its future viability.
Many believe the surprise lies not in the poor performance itself, but in the fact that it came as a surprise at all. The widespread dissatisfaction with UnitedHealth’s practices, fueled by numerous anecdotes of denied claims and aggressive cost-cutting measures, suggests that this result might have been foreseeable.… Continue reading
Democratic senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, are demanding answers from Mehmet Oz regarding his past advocacy for Medicare privatization, specifically his 2020 proposal to transition all seniors to Medicare Advantage. The letter highlights concerns about Oz’s financial ties to private insurers, including significant stock holdings in UnitedHealth, a company under federal investigation. Senators question Oz’s commitment to traditional Medicare and his potential conflicts of interest if confirmed to lead CMS. The letter foreshadows a contentious confirmation process, with Democrats demanding assurances against Medicare privatization and full divestment from the insurance industry.
Read More
President-elect Trump’s nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is raising concerns. Dr. Oz, a celebrity physician with limited relevant experience, supports Medicare privatization and expansion of Medicare Advantage, a position opposed by many. This contrasts sharply with CMS’s complex regulatory role overseeing healthcare for 150 million Americans. Critics argue his background in promoting unproven treatments makes him an unsuitable candidate. The potential consequences of his confirmation include further privatization of Medicare and increased costs for taxpayers.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood