UnitedHealth reports $7.9 billion Q2 profits as protesters decry coverage denials

Protesters reiterated their commitment to fighting for healthcare justice, emphasizing the need for systemic changes.

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Omage Credit: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for People’s Action Institute

UnitedHealth Group announced on Tuesday a staggering $7.9 billion in profits for the second quarter of 2024, a day after 150 people assembled outside the company’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, to protest its systemic denial of healthcare coverage. The demonstrators, part of the Care Over Cost campaign organized by the People’s Action Institute, demanded an end to practices they say prioritize profits over patient care.

The protesters blocked the street in front of UnitedHealth’s headquarters, holding signs that read, “United (Denies) Healthcare” and “The Price Is Wrong.” Eleven individuals were arrested during the demonstration, which included those directly affected by UnitedHealth’s coverage denials and retired physicians advocating for change.

“UnitedHealth Group’s $7.9 billion quarterly profit announcement is the result of a business model built on pocketing premiums and billions of dollars in public funds, then profiting by refusing to authorize or pay for care,” said Aija Nemer-Aanerud, Health Care for All campaign director for People’s Action Institute. “People should not have to turn to public petitions or direct actions to get UnitedHealthcare to pay for the care they need to live. That makes no sense, unless you’re a shareholder or executive eyeing your next big luxury purchase.”

The Care Over Cost campaign has been active across the country, helping individuals overturn denials by UnitedHealth and other for-profit insurance companies. One of the speakers at the event, Gina Morin from Auburn, Maine, shared her struggle with having her mental health treatment denied by her Medicare Advantage plan, administered by UnitedHealth.

“Two years ago, my therapist was denied payment for seven of my mental health sessions she provided,” Morin said. “I tried to pay her even though I’m on a limited income and she wouldn’t take the money. If my provider, in her professional opinion, believed I needed those therapy sessions, who is UnitedHealth to deny coverage?”

As Common Dreams reported, UnitedHealth was named in a letter from 52 members of the Democratic caucus in Congress. The letter criticized healthcare companies, including UnitedHealth, for using artificial intelligence to determine coverage decisions for patients with Medicare Advantage plans. This practice has been flagged for potentially denying necessary care based on algorithmic assessments rather than medical evaluations.

Last year, ProPublica reported on the case of Christopher Naughton, a man with ulcerative colitis whose treatment costs $2 million per year. UnitedHealth flagged his account as “high dollar” and contracted a doctor to review his case. The doctor concluded that the treatment for symptoms such as arthritis, debilitating diarrhea, and blood clots was “not medically necessary.” After suing the company, Naughton’s family discovered that UnitedHealth had misrepresented information from Naughton’s personal physician to justify their decision to end coverage.

“Health insurance coverage has expanded in America, but we are finding it is private health insurance corporations themselves that are often the largest barrier for people to receive the care they and their doctor agree they need,” Nemer-Aanerud told CBS News.

In April, People’s Action sent a letter to UnitedHealth noting that its CEO was paid nearly $10 million in 2022, while the CEO of its parent company extracted over $90 million in executive and board pay over four years. The letter also highlighted UnitedHealth’s $22.4 billion profits in 2023 and the $14.8 billion sent to shareholders through stock buybacks and dividends.

The group called on UnitedHealth to:

• Stop denying claims and overturn existing denials for treatments recommended by medical professionals;

• Immediately cease using artificial intelligence and algorithms to initiate bulk claims denials;

• Conduct a publicly shared audit and reimburse federal and state governments for public money diverted by claim and prior-authorization denials within Medicaid (Managed Care) and Medicare (Medicare Advantage).

“The safety and security of our employees is a top priority,” UnitedHealthcare said in a statement. “We have resolved the member-specific concerns raised by this group and remain open to a constructive dialogue about ensuring access to high-quality, affordable care.”

However, Nemer-Aanerud responded, “We have asked UnitedHealthcare for systemic changes in their practices and they have refused. UnitedHealth Group made a decision to spend billions of dollars on stock buybacks, lobbying, and executive pay instead of paying for care people need. They are harming people for profit and should be held accountable for that choice.”

Protesters reiterated their commitment to fighting for healthcare justice, emphasizing the need for systemic changes. “We will never stop fighting for a world where everyone gets the care they need, no matter their race, gender, or background,” said People’s Action. “When greedy corporations deny our care, we organize.”

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Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to progressive causes. Driven by a desire to educate and inspire, Alexandra focuses her writing on a range of progressive issues, aiming to foster positive change both domestically and internationally. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to community empowerment and a belief in the power of informed public action. As a mother, Alexandra brings a unique and personal perspective to her activism, understanding the importance of shaping a better world for future generations. Her writing not only highlights the challenges we face but also champions the potential for collective action to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

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