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United health care imploding...
6 months ago tone of their top execs was killed by luigi
yesterday their ceo quit. they also pulled their financial guidance
today it was announced the company is under investigation for medicare fraud
stock is down over 50% in a month and down 25% just this week.
couldnt happen to a nice bunch of guys. hopefully every top exec gets a long stay at the grey bar hotel.
and they all go broke like they have bankrupted others...
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MineralMan
(150,522 posts)Health insurance provider. Plenty of seniors using their Medicare supplements an Advantage plans.
It's less funny if you're in that situation.
rubbersole
(10,962 posts)I signed up for their Advantage plan through my IBEW local when I retired. Other members had it and said it was like our coverage while we were working. I can't get out of it because I have COPD and no carrier will write a policy for me. All said, I've cost them a lot more than what was paid in. If I could do it all over I'd get regular Medicare with a supplemental policy.
Kenneth53151
(9 posts)UHC is my union (APWU) health plan also.
buzzycrumbhunger
(1,605 posts)Advantage plans were simply a way to disenfranchise Medicare at our expense. Huge scam and increasing numbers of providers won’t even accept them anymore, which makes them useless. Stick with Medicare and their supplement plans for best coverage.
Remember that Medicare came about because private insurance companies didn’t want to cover people old enough to start falling apart. 
Be Leave On
(382 posts)buzzycrumbhunger
(1,605 posts)
Trueblue Texan
(4,156 posts)...I would NEVER advise anyone to get one. Stick with regular Medicare with a good plan G supplement.
MadameButterfly
(3,725 posts)They shouldn't be able to use that misleading name. It's not Medicare, there is no Advantage.
This is what you get when government programs are privatized: For profit companies deny benefits; they aren't in it for you. MA was a trick to privatize a beloved government program while not really telling people what is going on. And Trump and the GOP want to keep MA and get rid of the real Medicare.
I get calls all the time from people offering me "help" getting my Medicare benefits. When I ask if they are from the government of a private company they refuse to answer, or say no to both. They are professional scammers. The Medicare Advantage plans I see advertised just claim better benefits, and never come out and say they are private.
CareyOn
(80 posts)and went the medicare and supplement route. We were told it would be difficult to get on regular medicare, but in reality it was
simple and happened fast. I had 2 major surgeries last year and we were so glad we had changed to medicare. Don't give up on the idea.
Just Jerome
(419 posts)for my supplemental.
“Medigap”
lonely bird
(2,710 posts)Through AARP.
Going to go looking elsewhere.
eggplant
(4,132 posts)Unless they (again) deny her prior authorization.
xmas74
(30,008 posts)I'm already worried about my job. This is the icing on the shit cake.
Prof. Toru Tanaka
(2,900 posts)Blue Cross Basic is almost 400 dollars a month cheaper for my wife and I. I go on Medicare later this year and I sure as hell won’t be choosing UHC for supplemental coverage. I am not at all surprised that this greedy company is being investigated for Medicare fraud, either.
AdamGG
(1,860 posts)And Aetna has already announced that they will be ending all of their ACA plans at the end of the year.
JohnSJ
(98,883 posts)considering the full consequences, (NOT)
How many times have I seen something like that happen.
I recall how "satisfied" some felt if Kevin McCarthy was removed from the speakership, without fully considering the consequences that someone far worse would take his place, and sure enough, that is exactly what happened in Johnson, who had no problem supporting a president who incited an insurection.
The attitude by some how there is no difference between "both sides", and the only way to learn is a "pox on both their houses" so to speak. That reckless assumption contributed to 2000, 2016, and 2024, and why we are in the situation we are in today.
As the idiom says "when you're up to your ass in alligators, it's hard to remember you were trying to drain the swamp"
and cutting off one's nose to spite one's face may provide short-term superficial satisfaction, but end up screwing you in the end.
It is time to stop with this "all or nothing" crap. We are at DEFCON 1, and it is time to realize we MUST do whatever it takes to unify and regain control, and if that means setting aside our disagreements among each other until that is achieved, then that is what MUST be done.
Mr.WeRP
(1,098 posts)MineralMan
(150,522 posts)Meanwhile, people still need medical care and we have the systems we have for that. In the real world, making those systems as fair and equitable as possible is a goal that we can work for right now.
Single payer medical care is highly unlikely anytime soon.
Mr.WeRP
(1,098 posts)MineralMan
(150,522 posts)Stop what?
Mr.WeRP
(1,098 posts)On my 2025 bingo card. That is what you are doing, whether you realize it or not.
MineralMan
(150,522 posts)However, people need healthcare coverage. It's really not an optional thing. From infancy to old age, we are all subject to becoming ill for one reason or another.
Right now, there is no single payer system in the United States. Until there is, we are all tied to the broken system that is in place. That is why we can't just shut down United Healthcare, for example. That would remove covered healthcare from millions of people.
We must work around what the reality is, at the same time we work to create a better, more equitable healthcare system.
So, that is what I am doing - talking about that reality we all face.
Mr.WeRP
(1,098 posts)
uponit7771
(93,469 posts)ACA corrected a part of it while MAGA has decimated the rest.
This system isn't working when it's not affordable any longer.
MineralMan
(150,522 posts)If we could not prevent that, how is it that you think we can institute single payer healthcare.
Reality sucks, but it is real.
uponit7771
(93,469 posts)... about implementing it
But when 60% of Americans can't afford nominal life and were saying we're keeping it stays quo that was the wrong message!!
Dems going forward better offer more than "we're not him" when people are hurting ... stand for something big and different and pull in the cheaper "don't vote regularly" vs the expensive swing voters.
MineralMan
(150,522 posts)The problem, really, is that your "we" and the actual "we" are far from being the same thing.
It is the real "we" that wins elections, I'm afraid. That's the reality your "we" has to understand and work around.
EarthAbides
(413 posts)UHC was the only Medicare Advantage Plan available in my area that included my GP in their network. Getting a new doctor in the Spokane area takes almost a year.
ToxMarz
(2,727 posts)UHC is/was probably easiest or most widely used for them to work with. They will probably find alternative partners.
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UnitedHealthcare) is the exclusive insurer of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance plans.
That may be why they have so many subscribers.
ShazzieB
(22,148 posts)It wasn't our only option, but it seemed the easiest choice at the time. Not the cheapest choice available, but not nearly the most expensive, either. And we have had UHC before at least once before and had a good experience with it.
(I don't remember exactly when we had UHC, because both of us worked for employers that switched insurance plans a lot, always looking for the best deal - one year it would bs Cigna, another year it would be UHC or BC/BS, and so on and so forth. Fortunately, they were always major carriers, and our doctors were always in their networks, or else it would have been crazy making.)
elocs
(24,486 posts)
Goddessartist
(2,176 posts)Molina contacted me and said I could be covered again. I'm on disability, 62, and had UHC. When I received Molina's letter, I called and am now rid of UHC. I wonder if they would cover you as well.
Ritabert
(1,931 posts)I'd better start shopping around.
redstatebluegirl
(12,755 posts)
Ms. Toad
(38,093 posts)Without going through medical (and a huge jump in premiums, if they will take you).
Now, if it goes out of business, that is another issue . . . But you aren't likely to be able to preemptively change.
Ritabert
(1,931 posts)SCantiGOP
(14,647 posts)Will just be a bit less profitable for their shareholders.
Ritabert
(1,931 posts)
Skittles
(169,244 posts)THEY'RE ALL COMMITTING FRAUD
Javaman
(65,052 posts)And now the knives are out.
Initech
(107,241 posts)These fraudsters must be exposed. 
Skittles
(169,244 posts)yes INDEED
Prairie Gates
(7,131 posts)
sobenji
(323 posts)That part is a nothing burger
in2herbs
(4,158 posts)I figured I'd just stay with CIGNA. Wrong. At that time they were under govt suspension for fraud and could not write Medicare coverage. The suspension lasted a couple of years.
Demovictory9
(37,113 posts)Charlie Chapulin
(371 posts)except for the fact they’re my insurance carrier.
Skittles
(169,244 posts)they might temporarily behave if the Feds are *really* watching them 
Celerity
(53,550 posts)
c-rational
(3,126 posts)Evolve Dammit
(21,420 posts)
BigmanPigman
(54,533 posts)over the past 10 years when they would not accept Tax Credits and subsidies for my ACA coverage (low income). I hope Blue Shield doesn't do the same since I'm running out of different companies, patience and my health sucks and costs me all of my savings.
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(132,350 posts)It used to be the Everett clinic before they were bought out.
Sessuch
(225 posts)AARP?
NH Ethylene
(31,278 posts)So far, WellSense is working out okay for me.
My husband doesn't like change, so decided to stay with UHC. Hopefully he won't find himself without insurance midyear.
spooky3
(38,223 posts)rubbersole
(10,962 posts)
Diraven
(1,795 posts)They have an annoying habit of trying to get out of every claim I make by initially denying it until I call them so they can fill out an "accident form" for the claim that says I wasn't in a car accident (I guess because they want my car insurance to pay instead of them). If they shake things up so I didn't hand have to do that anymore that would be awesome.
RicROC
(1,249 posts)When I turned 65 I went to an insurance broker who set me up on a 'medicare' program. Two years later I went to another broker who sold me a different medicare. Two years later I went back to the 1st broker and asked to be put on my regular medicare. She exclaimed, You have never been on Medicare, but on Medicare Advantage! HUH?
Fortunately, in New York State (and 2 other states) one is allowed to easily switch to Medicare after being on Medicare Advantage. In the other states, one can only switch IF the Medicare underwriters allow it. You have a pre-existing condition? Tough luck.
My point is that this US insurance system is complicated and just because you think you're getting valid information from a broker, you might not. It's Capitalism. People reach into your pockets as fast as they can.
cliffside
(1,580 posts)a birthday or anniversary rule. I looked for a friend who has had claims denied, copays, PT cut short after back surgery.
Exactly!
"My point is that this US insurance system is complicated and just because you think you're getting valid information from a broker, you might not. It's Capitalism. People reach into your pockets as fast as they can."
elocs
(24,486 posts)cliffside
(1,580 posts)the good news is the stock was up over 6% today and well off yesterday's low.
elocs
(24,486 posts)I am happy with it because there is no way I could ever afford original Medicare.
Plus, I get $184/month for healthy food so that with SNAP benefits keep me fed which I enjoy.
I also have a niece who only graduated from high school who works as a phone supervisor for UHC and makes $87,000/year and is doing well.
cliffside
(1,580 posts)getting rid of Medicaid expansion under the ACA has been a goal of the republicans since it passed.
Healthcare should not be a for profit industry. 
https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/04/28/cuts-to-acas-medicaid-expansion-under-consideration-by-congress-would-lead-to-large-coverage-losses-hitting-some-states-harder-than-others/
E. Normus
(111 posts)of a nation's health care should be to get and keep people healthy and disease free. We have a for profit system that would collapse if the mission was achieved. Talk about a conflict of interest. Some things of general welfare cannot be for profit!
yonder
(10,227 posts)
mdbl
(8,020 posts)only poor people.
Clouds Passing
(6,842 posts)
+ 1,000,000DFW
(59,688 posts)It was a huge crooked health insurance scam company operating legally in the USA whose main internal policy was to deny everything--just like United Health Care (in my experience with them, anyway).
The Butler
(41 posts)I am an AT&T retiree. I have United Health Care but as a veteran I use VA. Haven't used UHC.
Dark n Stormy Knight
(10,480 posts)this year for his Rx plan.
cliffside
(1,580 posts)so switched plans.
I'm fine with switching the part D each year if needed, but would rather not mess with the supplemental plan. I'll see where things stand next year.
dflprincess
(29,135 posts)You date your drug plan & marry your medical plan.
I repeated that to the agent I worked with & she said she's going to steal that expression.
cliffside
(1,580 posts)cliffside
(1,580 posts)Interesting chart though, retraced .618 from the Oct 2008 low with a bullish candlestick, if confirmed.
They are my supplemental plan.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicare-advantage-overbilling-feds-kill-bill-after-industry-opposition/
"A decade ago, federal officials drafted a plan to discourage Medicare Advantage health insurers from overcharging the government by billions of dollars — only to abruptly back off amid an "uproar" from the industry, newly released court filings show.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published the draft regulation in January 2014. The rule would have required health plans, when examining patient's medical records, to identify overpayments by CMS and refund them to the government.
But in May 2014, CMS dropped the idea without any public explanation. Newly released court depositions show that agency officials repeatedly cited concern about pressure from the industry.
The 2014 decision by CMS, and events related to it, are at the center of a multibillion-dollar Justice Department civil fraud case against UnitedHealth Group pending in federal court in Los Angeles...'
JT45242
(3,813 posts)Senator (p)Rick Scott is the perfect example of what happens to white collar cheats of Medicare and Medicaid.
geomon666
(7,518 posts)
SleeplessinSoCal
(10,366 posts)After lockdown we were switched to an HMO from a PPO. They provided us with an agent - Via Benefits. David was advised to sign up with Blue Shield of CA and I with UHC.
If UHC goes down I'm going to rely on Via Benefits providing the best option for me.
mopinko
(73,247 posts)i have a uhc medigap. i was looking for a new doc, and very very sick of docs, 1 of whom said to my face, that my problem was my age. there r several oak st health clinics here, and they r medicare only.
so i went there to see what i thought.
the place gave me the creeps. the waiting room reminded me of a timeshare showroom. they have nice green cars they’ll ferry u around in if that’s on your plan. they push u to use any and all parts of your plan- gym memberships, money for groceries, etc.
from the outside, i thought- oh they’re trying to take good care of seniors. hmm.
my 1st visit, w an ap nurse i was assured they had relationships w lots of specialists. when i came back because i was getting sicker i was told- we dont have docs for that.
it was so obvious that they were about milking every dime from the program. they were always mailing me stuff, texting this and that.
ftr, i just had a huge surgery, week in the hospital, lots of tests. dont even know how much the total was. my copay for the hospital was $2k. $5000 test had a $50 copay.
the dental plan, otoh, rejects shit for fun.
Escape
(368 posts)Incredibly affordable and efficient.
Most prescriptions are free and one I take for RA (Humira) is priced at $7,400 for a month's dosage. Free for me and delivered to the door.
I had extensive dental work done last year with six crowns and a bridge. I paid about $300 total.
If you have access to Humana, get it.
Mr.WeRP
(1,098 posts)
NNadir
(37,197 posts)...I haven't had any complaint with the coverage, other than meeting a large deductible - about $500 if I recall - on prescriptions.
ecstatic
(35,003 posts)
Aristus
(71,536 posts)Lock every executive in their own office with a revolver and a single bullet, and tell them they have fifteen minutes.
Problem solved.
Jacson6
(1,737 posts)If you have a serious illness ending up in a hospital and then need extended care it will NOT pay for it. Also if you end up in a out of network hospital you will get a bill so large that it will take your estate if you own real estate or have other assets. A friend of mine went to an out of network hospital when he had a heart attack. He survived it, but was sued by the hospital for payment and they put a lien on his house.
JanMichael
(25,725 posts)And it doesn't in some countries...
mdbl
(8,020 posts)and heavily regulated as to executive compensation while making sure there is no incentive to cheat, overcharge, or underpay.
But I fantasize.
PatrickforB
(15,329 posts)Oh, we all know that 'Merica ain't nebber going to go sosh-a-list!
I mean, that is the propaganda the right wing has been spewing at us since Reagan killed the Fairness Doctrine in 1987.
And this was done so the plan for the corporate takeover of the USA, penned by Nixon Supreme Court pick Lewis Powell in 1971 for the US Chamber of Commerce, could come to fruition with Project 2025. Ron Voght has clearly said to us, "The (billionaire/corporate/Wall Street) coup will be bloodless if the left lets it be."
Don't believe me? Here's the citation for the legal doctrine of shareholder primacy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_v._Ford_Motor_Co.#:~:text=Article-,Dodge%20v.,of%20his%20employees%20or%20customers.
Here's a link to the Powell Manifesto: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/democracy/the-lewis-powell-memo-a-corporate-blueprint-to-dominate-democracy/
So we die in parking lots if we can't pay while people in the rest of the advanced industrialized nations HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE. Why? Corporate tax cuts cuts cuts cuts since the days of Reagan. Massive increases in 'defense' spending. Right now individual taxpayers pay in over 80% of the Federal Government's tax revenue while corporations pay in around 9%.
So there you have it:
THIS WHOLE SHITSHOW WE ARE IN NOW IS THE BILLIONAIRES WINNING THE CLASS WAR AGAINST THE MIDDLE CLASS THEIR ROBBER BARON PREDECESSORS BEGAN BACK IN 1935 WHEN THE NEW DEAL WAS ENACTED.
That's why, and that is why Trump's DOJ is seeking the death penalty for Mangione, who is, by the way, considered a hero by my nearly-forty-year-old son and his friends. I myself have over $10K in HEALTH CARE DEBT because of our shitty, profit-grasping, corporate money-sucking healthcare system in this country.
And, no, I still have not forgiven the Democrats of 2009 for not using the fucking bully pulpit then to shift the Overton Window like Bernie did in 2016. This is also why I am not donating to most Dems except a select few.
And don't anyone have the temerity to preach at me about this because grass roots people like you and I donated OVER A BILLION DOLLARS to Harris in 2024 and 65 billionaire parasites MATCHED us. Who profited? Fucking Wall Street hedge fund managers and shareholders of the publicly traded 'media' companies.
It's pretty fucked up.
dflprincess
(29,135 posts)Would make the fraud investigation disappear. Not unlike what happened with Florida's investigation into Trump University.
ClaireF
(20 posts)ditch their dei program too.
mucholderthandirt
(1,742 posts)They spend money every month having some pharmacist call me and want to talk about my medications, how I'm doing, do I have any questions, and insisting my doctor put me on a statin. I tell them, why are you calling? If I have questions, I'll call the doctor's office. I'm not decrepit and unable to take care of myself. I'm not that fucking old, and long Covid hasn't taken all my brain cells. Also, my doctor doesn't want me on statins and I'd refuse them anyway.
All they want is for me to be on as many medications as possible, apparently to skim money off the top for themselves.
BComplex
(9,734 posts)They have totally messed up our healthcare.