UnitedHealth Group is navigating turbulent waters following an unexpected surge in care utilization among its Medicare Advantage enrollees. The uptick in use during the first quarter of 2025 saw care utilization rates nearly double projections, significantly impacting the medical care ratio, which climbed to 84.8%. This unforeseen development has put pressure on the company's earnings, as reported by distilinfo.com.
Responding to these challenges, UnitedHealth has revised its earnings outlook for 2025, adjusting forecasts to $26–$26.50 per share from the initial range of $29.50–$30, acknowledging a need to recalibrate expectations. This shift has not gone unnoticed by investors, leading to a substantial 22% drop in the company's stock price, marking its steepest single-day descent in over two decades, according to AP News.
Amid these mounting issues, CEO Andrew Witty has stepped down, citing personal reasons, with former CEO Stephen Hemsley reclaiming the helm. Additionally, the company faces scrutiny as Senator Chuck Grassley launches an investigation into Medicare billing practices, questioning efforts to diagnose profitable conditions potentially leading to billions in extra payments. These developments emphasize the ongoing challenges in the company’s Medicare strategy.