Anonymous sources say the probe is focusing on UHG’s Medicare Advantage business practices, though details are scarce.
May 15, 2025 – Jeff Lagasse, Editor
UnitedHealth Group is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged criminal healthcare fraud, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources familiar with the investigation.
Those sources claim the federal probe is focusing largely on UHG’s business practices surrounding Medicare Advantage, although the nature of the allegations remains unclear.
Shares in the company tumbled 16% when the probe was revealed, hitting a five-year low on Thursday, according to Reuters. While details of the probe remain limited, the news has heightened investor concerns.
A UHG spokesperson said the company was unaware of any investigation by the DOJ.
“We have not been notified by the Department of Justice of the supposed criminal investigation reported, without official attribution, in the Wall Street Journal today,” UHG said. “The WSJ’s reporting is deeply irresponsible, as even it admits that the ‘exact nature of the potential criminal allegations is unclear.’ We stand by the integrity of our Medicare Advantage program.”
In February, WSJ reported on a civil Medicare fraud investigation into the company, but UHG dismissed the report at the time, saying it wasn’t aware of a new investigation.
