What's Happening?
UnitedHealth Group has released the results of an independent audit of its business practices, committing to a series of improvements. The audit, conducted by two consultancies, reviewed the company's policies and performance metrics, particularly in its Medicare Advantage programs and pharmacy benefit management. UnitedHealth has adopted 23 action plans to implement recommended improvements, aiming to complete these by March next year. The audit comes amid public backlash over insurer practices and ongoing Department of Justice investigations into Medicare billing.
Why It's Important?
The audit and subsequent improvements are significant as they address public concerns about insurer practices and transparency in the healthcare industry. UnitedHealth's commitment
to enhancing its operations could rebuild trust with patients and stakeholders, potentially influencing industry standards. The changes may improve access to care and reduce costs for patients, impacting the broader U.S. healthcare system.
What's Next?
UnitedHealth will continue to implement the recommended improvements, with oversight from its internal audit team. The company aims to complete 65% of the action plans by the end of 2025 and all by March next year. Stakeholders, including patients and healthcare providers, will be monitoring the company's progress and assessing the impact of these changes on service delivery and cost management.
