U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan has urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to strengthen the Justice Department’s antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group and Optum, according to a May 20 news release from Mr. Ryan’s office.
Here are five things to know:
- According to reports, the potential monopoly investigation into UnitedHealth Group and Optum Health, one of the company’s subsidiaries, is delayed due to staff reductions at the Justice Department.
- Mr. Ryan completed a community inquiry into UnitedHealth, which resulted in responses detailing dysfunctional operations at practices owned by Optum, including declining quality of care, incorrect billing and customer service problems.
- UnitedHealth has market control of 10% of all physicians across the U.S. The company also owns the largest insurance company, the largest medical claims manager and one of the three largest pharmacy benefit managers.
- In February 2024, the Justice Department opened up the antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth, questioning the relationship between Optum and UnitedHealth and how physician group acquisitions have affected local communities.
- Mr. Ryan asked for immediate action into the investigation and “take strong enforcement action as necessary.”
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