UnitedHealth's Trading Volume Drops 41.8% to $8.065 Billion Ranking Seventh in Market Activity

On May 22, 2025, UnitedHealth's trading volume reached $8.065 billion, marking a 41.8% decrease from the previous day and ranking seventh in the day's stock market activity. UnitedHealth's stock price fell by 2.08%, marking the second consecutive day of decline and a total decrease of 7.75% over the past two days.

UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S., has faced significant backlash from patients, providers, and lawmakers due to its handling of billing disputes and claims denials. Sue Cover, a San Diego benefits advocate, shared her experience of resolving a $1,000 billing dispute with UnitedHealthcare, highlighting the complexity and frustration patients often encounter. Cover's experience is not unique; many Americans have similar stories, reflecting broader public dissatisfaction with the U.S. health insurance industry.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has seen its CEO, Andrew Witty, step down amid public and investor criticism. The company also withdrew its 2025 earnings guidance due to rising medical costs. UnitedHealth Group's market capitalization has dropped significantly this year, losing nearly $300 billion in market value following Witty's exit and the company's first-quarter earnings report. Additionally, a reported criminal probe into possible Medicare fraud has added to the company's challenges.

UnitedHealth Group's extensive reach in the U.S. health insurance market, controlling an estimated 15% of the market, has made it a target for criticism. The company's for-profit business model, which focuses on managing claims to limit payouts, has been scrutinized for denying necessary care and leaving patients with hefty bills. UnitedHealthcare has also faced numerous lawsuits and government investigations, further complicating its public image.

In February 2024, UnitedHealth Group's subsidiary, Change Healthcare, experienced a ransomware attack that affected around 190 million Americans. The cyberattack disrupted the health-care sector, causing significant financial strain for providers. UnitedHealth Group paid a $22 million ransom to protect patients' data and launched a temporary funding assistance program to help providers. However, the company's aggressive repayment demands have drawn further criticism.

UnitedHealth Group's challenges extend beyond its core insurance business. The company's ownership of Optum Rx, a powerful pharmacy benefit manager, has raised concerns about its influence over drug pricing and patient care. Optum Health's employment of nearly 10% of U.S. physicians has also been criticized for directing patients to UnitedHealth Group's own providers, potentially maximizing profits at the expense of patient care.

Despite these challenges, UnitedHealth Group continues to face an uphill battle in regaining public trust. The company's recent announcement to eliminate prior authorizations on dozens of drugs is a step towards addressing patient and provider concerns. However, structural changes to the insurance industry, which may require legislative action, will be necessary to significantly improve care for patients.