UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED (Delaware) - UNH STOCK NEWS

The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) board has approved a cash dividend of $1.65 per share, payable on March 21, 2023. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 13, 2023 will receive this dividend. UnitedHealth Group operates in health care and well-being, offering technology-driven care through Optum and health benefits via UnitedHealthcare. This dividend reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Somatus and UnitedHealthcare have expanded their value-based kidney care partnership to include services for members in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. This partnership increases the reach to over 160,000 program members across 36 states, enhancing care for those with chronic and end-stage kidney disease. The initiative aims to lower medical costs and improve care quality through individualized management programs and community-based care teams, ultimately enhancing patient health outcomes.

UnitedHealthcare has launched UnitedHealthcare Rewards, a wellness program that allows eligible members to earn up to $1,000 annually through daily health goals and one-time activities. Members can track their progress using wearable devices and earn rewards that can be loaded onto a prepaid debit card or deposited into a health savings account. With 90% of employees having access to wellness programs but only 23% participating, this initiative aims to increase engagement. The program will be available to select employers in 2023, with plans for broader accessibility in 2024.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New York has announced a $750,000 investment aimed at enhancing health care access for underserved communities. The funds will support grants for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across New York, focusing on hiring community health care workers (CHWs). Each grant will range from $25,000 to $33,000, benefiting up to 15 health centers. This initiative is part of UnitedHealthcare's broader efforts to tackle social determinants of health and improve health care access for over 7 million members in the state.

The United Health Foundation has launched a three-year, $3 million partnership with Children's Minnesota to tackle pediatric health disparities in the Twin Cities. The initiative aims to improve asthma management, mental health support, and vaccination rates among underserved children and families. Programs will be developed in collaboration with local public schools and community partners, leveraging data from Children's Minnesota's health equity metrics. This partnership is part of the foundation's broader commitment, having contributed $50 million to the Twin Cities community since 2020.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has announced a commitment of $10 million as a lead investor in the inaugural round of the Invest Appalachia Fund. This regional initiative, totaling $19 million, aims to enhance community development in Appalachian counties across Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Focus areas include affordable housing, health care access, and food security. The investment aligns with UnitedHealth's mission to improve health equity, particularly in underserved areas.

Optum Rx, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), has launched Price Edge, a new tool designed to compare direct-to-consumer pricing for generic drugs with insurance pricing. This ensures members receive the best price for prescriptions, with Optum Rx offering lower prices nearly 90% of the time compared to other direct-to-consumer options. Transactions via Price Edge count toward members’ deductibles, providing seamless integration without additional administrative costs to plan sponsors. The initiative aims to enhance affordability and transparency in pharmacy benefits, contributing to lower overall healthcare costs.

UnitedHealthcare has launched a virtual behavioral coaching program accessible at no extra cost to over 5 million commercial members as of January 1, 2023. This initiative, aimed at adults facing mild depression, stress, and anxiety, includes personalized support through 30-minute weekly sessions with dedicated coaches. The program is part of UnitedHealthcare’s broader behavioral health offerings, which also feature self-help tools and employee assistance programs. With an extensive network of over 375,000 behavioral care professionals, UnitedHealthcare aims to enhance access to mental health resources, addressing both affordability and accessibility challenges in healthcare.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) reported a strong financial performance for 2022, with revenues of $324.2 billion reflecting a 13% year-over-year increase. Key segments, Optum and UnitedHealthcare, showed double-digit growth, driven by an increase in the number of people served. Net earnings reached $21.18 per share, with cash flows from operations at $26.2 billion. The company projects 2023 revenues between $357 billion and $360 billion, emphasizing continued growth and investment in consumer care.