UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED (Delaware) - UNH STOCK NEWS

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio has been chosen by the Ohio Department of Medicaid to manage its revamped Medicaid program starting early 2022. The partnership aims to enhance health care access for approximately 3 million eligible individuals, focusing on coordinated and personalized care that integrates physical, behavioral, and social services. UnitedHealthcare employs over 1,900 people in Ohio and has previously invested over $1.3 million to expand health care access amidst the pandemic. The company's commitment aligns with its mission to improve overall health and wellness in the state.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) reported a strong first quarter in 2021, achieving revenues of $70.2 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, and an operating income of $6.7 billion, up 34.9%. The company raised its full-year earnings outlook to between $17.15 and $17.65 per share. The results reflect growth in both its Optum and UnitedHealthcare segments, driven by increased demand for care amid the pandemic. However, the outlook accounts for approximately $1.80 per share in potential COVID-19 impacts.

Brian Thompson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). With a tenure at UnitedHealth Group since 2004, Thompson previously led the Medicare & Retirement and Community & State businesses. His leadership aims to foster growth within the company's global, employer, individual, specialty, and government benefits sectors while ensuring access to quality health care. CEO Andrew Witty emphasized Thompson's experience as crucial for enhancing healthcare services for various stakeholders.

The state of Hawaii has awarded UnitedHealthcare Community Plan the contract to manage its QUEST Integration Medicaid program statewide, starting July 1, 2021. This five-and-a-half-year contract includes services for TANF, CHIP, ABD, and LTSS programs. UnitedHealthcare aims to enhance the health of Hawaii’s Medicaid beneficiaries through a coordinated, patient-centered care model that addresses medical, behavioral, and social needs. Currently, UnitedHealthcare serves over 114,000 people in Hawaii's commercial and Medicaid sectors.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi has allocated over $285,000 in maternal health grants to eight organizations. This initiative targets enhancing maternal health outcomes and addressing disparities, particularly affecting Black women and infants. Grant recipients include Catholic Charities, Delta Health Alliance, and Mississippi Public Health Institute, among others, each receiving funds to support community-based programs and resources. Mississippi's low birth weight and preterm birth rates are rising, underscoring the need for such initiatives in a state ranked last nationally for maternal health outcomes.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee is allocating over $276,000 in maternal health grants to six organizations aimed at enhancing maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities. The recipients include BSTARS, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, Community Alliance for the Homeless, Mother to Mother, Nashville Diaper Connection, and SisterReach. The initiative arises amidst rising concerns about adverse maternal outcomes, particularly among Black women, with Tennessee ranking poorly in low birth weight and preterm births. This is part of UnitedHealthcare's larger commitment to address maternal health across the U.S.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio has allocated $240,000 in maternal health grants to five community organizations aiming to enhance maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities. This initiative addresses rising rates of preterm births and low birth weight, particularly affecting Black women. Grant recipients include Black Lactation Circle, Breastfeeding Outreach for Our Beautiful Sisters, Cradle Cincinnati, Healthy Moms & Babes, and Restoring Our Own Through Transformation, receiving amounts ranging from $28,000 to $75,000. UnitedHealthcare continues its commitment to maternal health across the U.S.

A new study published in the journal Obesity indicates that Rally Health's digital weight loss program, Real Appeal, leads to substantial medical cost savings. Over a three-year period, participants experienced a medical cost reduction of 12% to 14% compared to a control group while achieving average weight losses of 3% to 4.4%. The financial benefits were reported as being at least two times greater than program fees, highlighting the program's value for employers and payers.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is scheduled to announce its Q1 2021 financial results on April 15, 2021, before market opening. Following this, a teleconference will take place at 8:45 a.m. ET to discuss results with analysts and investors, available via webcast on the Investor Relations page of the company’s website. The replay will be accessible until April 29, 2021. UnitedHealth Group operates through two main divisions: UnitedHealthcare for health care coverage and Optum for health services, aiming to improve health outcomes.