Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren have accused UnitedHealth of refusing to hand over internal records related to its policies on nursing home resident hospital transfers. The senators launched an inquiry last summer after reports about UnitedHealth’s bonus payments to nursing homes that limit hospitalizations, a move that saves the insurer money. Despite repeated requests, UnitedHealth has provided only brief answers and no internal documents, prompting the senators to renew their inquiry with heightened concern. This comes after reports of deaths related to the company’s nursing home care program, as families have filed lawsuits alleging that UnitedHealth delayed or denied necessary medical care to increase profits.
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The article alleges that UnitedHealth Group employees, specifically those from its Optum subsidiary, contributed to the deaths of three nursing home residents by delaying or denying necessary hospital care. These cases, alongside whistleblower complaints, suggest a potential conflict of interest, as UnitedHealth acts as both insurer and provider. The company, facing lawsuits and scrutiny, denies wrongdoing, citing patient-centered care and disputing the claims’ validity while also highlighting that many hospitalizations of nursing home residents can be unnecessary.
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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.
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John Q. Hosedrinker