UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED (Delaware) - UNH STOCK NEWS

Optum and LHC Group have announced a strategic acquisition, wherein Optum will acquire LHC Group’s outstanding common stock at $170 per share. The merger aims to enhance value-based care delivery in patients' homes, capitalizing on LHC Group’s reputation for high-quality in-home healthcare and Optum’s extensive resources. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2022, pending necessary approvals. This acquisition anticipates being neutral to UnitedHealth Group's 2022 net earnings but modestly accretive in 2023.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) will announce its first quarter 2022 financial results on April 14, 2022, before the market opens. The company will host a teleconference at 8:45 a.m. ET to discuss these results with analysts and investors. The teleconference will be accessible via a webcast on UnitedHealth Group's Investor Relations page. A replay of the call will be available until April 28. UnitedHealth Group aims to enhance health care access through its dual business model, focusing on technology-driven care and comprehensive health benefits.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi has allocated $169,500 to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to enhance care for children with sickle cell disease and provide behavioral health support. The funding will be distributed as $84,000 to the Center for the Advancement of Youth for pediatric behavioral health resources, and $85,500 to the Department of Pediatrics for rural education and treatment of sickle cell disease. These efforts reflect UnitedHealthcare's commitment to health equity and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.

The United Health Foundation has awarded a $2 million, three-year grant to HealthNet Inc. to improve health access in underserved areas of Indiana, including Morgan and Monroe counties and low-income neighborhoods in Indianapolis. The initiative aims to provide primary and behavioral health care services through a mobile health vehicle, addressing significant declines in preventive care during the pandemic. The program targets increased immunization rates and health screenings, with expected improvements of 15% to 20% in various health metrics among the affected populations.

The United Health Foundation, associated with UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), announced a $1 million donation to aid relief efforts in Ukraine. This donation is divided into $500,000 for Save the Children to support immediate needs like food and hygiene kits, and $500,000 for Direct Relief to supply emergency medical goods to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. Patricia Lewis, the chief sustainability officer, emphasized the importance of this aid amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with Save the Children and Direct Relief already providing substantial support to Ukraine.

Optum has launched Optum® Specialty Fusion™, a unique solution aimed at managing the rising costs of specialty medicines, projected to reach $505 billion by 2023. This innovative platform offers health care payers real-time insights into effective specialty treatments, achieving up to 17% savings on total medical and pharmacy expenses. Specialty Fusion simplifies the prior authorization process and enhances patient care by expediting treatment approvals by an expected 50%, ultimately reducing administrative burdens for healthcare providers.

UnitedHealthcare has secured a contract to administer the District Dual Choice program in Washington, D.C., starting February 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, potentially extendable for four additional years. This program will initially cater to around 12,300 enrollees, focusing on integrated care for dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Approximately 39,000 individuals are eligible for enrollment. UnitedHealthcare has invested over $4 million since 2018 to enhance community health access and equity in the district.

The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) board has authorized a cash dividend of $1.45 per share, set for payment on March 22, 2022, to shareholders on record by the close of business on March 14, 2022. This dividend reflects the company's commitment to returning value to its investors amid its operations in healthcare services and insurance.