Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile5 entries
2026
Maryland AG sues UnitedHealth Group and Optum over Medicaid system
Lawsuit filed
In a controversy involving UnitedHealth Group, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued UnitedHealth Group and Optum, Inc. The suit alleged that the companies defrauded the state Medicaid Program by supplying a defective computer system. The event was reported on August 27, 2026.
Company response
Denial — Optum
The Department’s deeply flawed position is based on highly speculative theories that do not reflect the realities of the health care system.
Source excerpt
Federal regulators are suing to block UnitedHealth Group’s purchase of the technology company Change Healthcare, a deal announced more than a year ago.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday that the proposed deal would hurt competition in markets for health insurance and technology used by insurers to process claims and cut costs.
Federal regulators are suing to block UnitedHealth Group’s purchase of the technology company Change Healthcare, a deal announced more than a year ago. The U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 that the proposed deal would hurt competition in markets for health insurance and technology used by insurers to process claims and cut costs.
2024
Change Healthcare ransomware attack
A ransomware attack brought major Change Healthcare systems offline and disrupted medical claims, pharmacy transactions, and provider payments. The incident led to congressional hearings, government scrutiny, questions about ransom payment and recovery, and disclosure that patient information had been accessed.
2024
Killing of Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, was killed outside a New York City hotel during a UnitedHealth Group investor event. The killing generated widespread public reaction focused on the American health insurance system and criticism of UnitedHealthcare, while also producing a leadership transition at the subsidiary.
2021
UnitedHealth announces $15.6 million settlement over behavioral health coverage
Settlement
The Department of Labor announced that UnitedHealth Group and subsidiaries, including United Behavioral Health, would settle a case concerning payment of mental and behavioral health claims for $15.6 million, including $13.6 million for affected participants and the remainder in penalties. The complaint alleged violations involving claim reductions and review practices.
Source excerpt
The suit was accompanied by a press release from the Department of Labor announcing that UnitedHealth will settle the case, which concerned the payment of mental and behavioral health claims.
The press release stated that UHG will pay $15.6 million, with most $13.6 million going to affected participants and the remainder in penalties.
UBH was accused of violating MHPAEA in two different manners.
2006
Stock-option backdating controversy
UnitedHealth faced scrutiny over the backdating of employee stock options. Chief executive and chairman William W. McGuire left the company leadership, and the matter involved repayment and reduction of his anticipated exit compensation.