UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED (Delaware) - UNH STOCK NEWS

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.

UnitedHealthcare Dental has announced enhancements to improve oral health access and member satisfaction. Key offerings include a 24/7 Virtual Dental Visit benefit, allowing members to consult a dentist at no cost sharing up to two times per year. Members can save up to 30% on quip oral care products and participate in a pilot program to earn $600 annually in incentives for oral health activities. The Treatment Plan Calculator aids in estimating treatment costs, aiming to reduce surprise dental bills.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi has announced a $550,000 investment in the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI) to enhance maternal health outcomes. This funding will introduce remote patient monitoring and educational content for high-risk maternity patients, addressing the significant Black-white gap in maternal health outcomes. Currently, Mississippi ranks last in the nation for low birth weight infants at 12.3% of births. This initiative reflects UnitedHealthcare's broader efforts, including nearly $14 million in grants aimed at improving maternal health across the U.S.

Optum establishes a strategic partnership with MarinHealth Medical Center to enhance operational efficiency and support high-quality healthcare services in North Bay. This collaboration aims to simplify administrative processes and improve revenue cycle management through innovative technologies. MarinHealth will retain its independence while benefiting from Optum's resources, allowing caregivers to focus on patient care. The agreement also involves integration of certain MarinHealth employees into Optum.

UnitedHealthcare has partnered with Sesame Workshop to launch new bilingual resources aimed at helping children build resilience and thrive. The initiative includes a comprehensive online course, Roads to Resilience, and storybooks featuring beloved Muppets, designed to aid providers and caregivers in their work. The resources are freely available to all families and providers in English and Spanish. This collaboration underscores UnitedHealthcare's ongoing commitment to supporting families, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) reported strong financial results for 2021, with revenues reaching $287.6 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year. The earnings per share for the full year was $19.02, marking a 13% growth. Cash flows from operations were $22.3 billion, 1.3x net income. For 2022, the company forecasts revenues between $317 billion and $320 billion and adjusted net earnings between $21.10 and $21.60 per share. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare's membership expanded significantly, serving over 2.2 million new members.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) hosted a COVID-19 Q&A session led by Dr. Ethan Berke, Chief Public Health Officer, on January 13, addressing the ongoing pandemic's status and mitigation strategies. Dr. Berke provided insights into testing, masking, vaccines, and treatments based on the latest scientific data. He emphasized UnitedHealth's commitment to safeguarding its 340,000 employees and supporting 140 million Americans during the health crisis, showcasing the company's proactive public health initiatives.