UnitedHealth Probed as CEO Departs, Stock Plummets

UnitedHealth Group is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential Medicare fraud related to its Medicare Advantage business, alongside ongoing civil and antitrust probes into its billing practices and ties with subsidiary Optum. The company has denied receiving notice of the criminal investigation and maintains its Medicare Advantage program's integrity. UnitedHealth's stock has plunged nearly 50% in the past month, wiping out over $300 billion in market value, following the unexpected resignation of CEO Andrew Witty and the suspension of its 2025 financial guidance due to rising medical costs. Investor confidence has been further shaken by the murder of a top executive and ongoing shareholder lawsuits alleging the company misled investors about its financial health. Analysts suggest UnitedHealth's diversified business may help it withstand the turmoil, but concerns about financial and reputational fallout persist. These developments highlight intensifying federal scrutiny and significant turbulence within the healthcare giant.