United Healthcare Faces DOJ Criminal Fraud Investigation Amid New CEO Resignation & Financial Woes

United Healthcare Faces DOJ Criminal Fraud Investigation Amid New CEO Resignation & Financial Woes

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Department of Justice has been investigating UnitedHealthcare for criminal Medicare fraud since last summer, focusing on its Medicare Advantage business. Details remain unclear.

UnitedHealth responded: “We stand by the integrity of our Medicare Advantage program” and said, “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.” The DOJ declined to comment.

This investigation follows ongoing probes, including an antitrust inquiry into UnitedHealthcare’s relationship with Optum, and a civil investigation into Medicare Advantage billing practices. After a poor Q1 financial report and CEO Andrew Witty’s resignation—with former CEO Stephen Hemsley returning—UnitedHealth suspended its 2025 outlook. Its stock fell nearly 20% Thursday.

Morningstar analysts warned, “If criminal charges are filed, the penalties could be stiff,” but added, “the company’s ability to generate economic profits looks secure,” keeping its “narrow moat rating safe.”

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