UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED (Delaware) - UNH STOCK NEWS

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) reported strong 2020 results, with revenues of $257.1 billion, up 6.2% year-over-year, and earnings from operations of $22.4 billion, a 13.8% increase. The fourth quarter net earnings per share were $2.30, with adjusted earnings at $2.52. The company anticipates 2021 net earnings of $16.90 to $17.40 per share, incorporating approximately $1.80 per share in potential COVID-19 impacts. Optum and UnitedHealthcare demonstrated solid performance with significant growth in Medicare and Medicaid programs, while navigating challenges from the pandemic.

UnitedHealthcare has enhanced its virtual care offerings for employer-sponsored plan members by introducing a new Virtual Primary Care service. This service allows eligible members to connect with local physicians for various medical needs, such as wellness checks and chronic condition management. Effective January 1, the updated policy encourages telehealth visits and reimburses providers for virtual consultations. Currently available in 11 states, the service aims to expand in 2021, promoting easier access to primary care and reducing the number of individuals without a primary care physician.

AM Best has announced that the Credit Ratings of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and its insurance subsidiaries remain unchanged following the planned acquisition of Change Healthcare (CHNG) for approximately $13 billion. This strategic move aims to integrate Change Healthcare with UnitedHealth's OptumInsight operations to enhance healthcare performance and improve individual well-being. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2021, will increase UnitedHealth's financial leverage but is not anticipated to negatively impact its operational performance or risk-adjusted capital metrics.

Optum and Change Healthcare have announced a merger aimed at enhancing health care connectivity through advanced technology and analytics. The agreement involves acquiring Change Healthcare’s shares for $25.75 each, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. The merger is expected to benefit UnitedHealth Group’s earnings per share significantly in 2022 and beyond. Key advantages include improved clinical decision-making, reduced administrative waste, and faster payment systems. Change Healthcare’s CEO, Neil de Crescenzo, will lead the merged entity, OptumInsight.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is set to announce its Q4 and full year 2020 financial results on January 20, 2021, before market open. Following the results, a teleconference will take place at 8:45 a.m. ET for analysts and investors, with an option to access the webcast through their Investor Relations page. A replay will be available until February 3. UnitedHealth Group focuses on providing health care coverage through UnitedHealthcare and technology-enabled health services via Optum, aimed at improving health systems for all.<\/p>

AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). Additionally, the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) has been affirmed for its health insurance subsidiaries. The positive outlook reflects the strengthening of profitability metrics. AM Best also upgraded ratings for several subsidiaries, indicating strong balance sheets and operating performance. UnitedHealthcare's business profile is favorable, with growth in premiums and diversified earnings across segments.

UnitedHealthcare has enhanced its well-being program, UnitedHealthcare Motion, offering eligible members access to Apple Fitness+ for six months at no cost. This program is aimed at encouraging fitness through studio-style workout classes and incentives for physical activities beyond walking. Participants can earn over $1,000 annually by meeting daily activity goals. Since its inception, members have collectively walked over 511 billion steps and earned over $60 million in rewards. The enhancements begin on January 1, providing new ways to engage in physical health.

Optum is expanding its partnership with Wider Circle to provide 25,000 meals to vulnerable communities in Los Angeles County during the holiday season. This initiative aims to combat rising food insecurity exacerbated by COVID-19, with nearly two million residents facing challenges in accessing nutritious food. The collaboration will increase the total meals delivered to 75,000, supporting Optum's mission to enhance health outcomes for its patients and address social determinants of health, particularly for older adults in isolation.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Michigan has allocated nearly $100,000 in Community Builder Grants to six organizations to enhance health care access and address social health determinants amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, target underserved populations in Michigan, funding initiatives from housing support to childhood disease prevention. UnitedHealthcare serves over 800,000 people statewide and recently committed $2.5 million to a breast cancer screening program, reinforcing its mission to improve health outcomes.