Paxton Investigates UnitedHealth Over Alleged Denial of Medically Necessary Care
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc. for allegedly denying medically necessary care to Texans, engaging in deceptive practices, and interfering with physicians' medical judgment. This probe follows a similar investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for alleged delays and denials of urgent care. Paxton's office is seeking information from UnitedHealth to determine if violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other state laws have occurred.
Fall into wellness: Preventive health tips for older adults, a Q&A with Jean Reidy
This article provides preventive health tips for older adults as fall approaches, featuring a Q&A with Jean Reidy, an Adult Nurse Practitioner at Oak Street Health. She emphasizes the importance of annual wellness visits, recommended vaccinations, and preventive screenings. Reidy also highlights the significance of mental health awareness, especially during colder months, and encourages proactive healthcare steps.
UNH Exits Select Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027 Amid Cost Pressure
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is reducing its Medicare Advantage (MA) business for 2027, discontinuing plans for approximately 390,000 members due to elevated medical costs and a focus on profitability. This move is part of a broader industry trend where competitors like Humana (HUM) and Centene (CNC) are also pruning their MA portfolios. UNH aims to improve its Medicare business's economics, invest in AI, and shift towards narrower-network offerings, expecting this selective approach to support earnings recovery despite potential membership trade-offs.
Barclays raises target for Humana stock from USD 407.00 to USD 515.00
Barclays has increased its price target for Humana stock from $407.00 to $515.00, upgrading it to Overweight from Equal Weight, primarily due to anticipated improvements in Humana's Medicare Advantage star ratings. The upgrade is based on expectations that Humana's H5216 contract, covering 2.4 million members, has a 75% chance of achieving bonus status, which could significantly boost earnings. Humana also reported strong Q2 2026 results with revenue of $40.87 billion and net income of $693.0 million, and has upcoming investor events in November and December.
1 Large-Cap Stock on Our Buy List and 2 Facing Challenges
This article identifies one large-cap stock, Humana (HUM), as a buy due to its strong revenue growth, large revenue base, and high return on capital. Conversely, it advises selling Waste Connections (WCN) and SLB (SLB) due to slowing sales growth, declining free cash flow margins, and lower gross margins compared to competitors, respectively. The analysis emphasizes long-term potential for Humana while highlighting challenges for the other two.
UnitedHealth Reports on Oct. 13. Here's the 1 Number I'm Watching.
UnitedHealth Group is scheduled to report its third-quarter financial results on October 13. While investors will scrutinize revenue and earnings per share, the author emphasizes the importance of the medical care ratio, which indicates the percentage of premiums paid out for claims. This metric is crucial for assessing the insurer's profitability and will reveal if UnitedHealth maintained its efforts to lower it.
MinuteClinic is helping connect more Americans to care
MinuteClinic is expanding access to care by offering affordable and convenient in-person, virtual, and digital health options, addressing issues like long wait times and high costs. It provides services ranging from acute illness treatment and preventive care to chronic condition management and weight loss support. The initiative also aims to help close the primary care gap by offering accessible ongoing care through its clinics and virtual platforms.
Form 4 Humana Inc For: 2 October By Investing.com
This article from Investing.com is a brief report on a Form 4 filing for Humana Inc. (HUM) on October 2nd. It notes a 2.29% increase in Humana's stock (HUM) and includes general financial market data.
UnitedHealth and Humana cutting Medicare Advantage plans in 2027
UnitedHealth and Humana are discontinuing Medicare Advantage plans covering over one million seniors, with CVS Health's Aetna and Centene also scaling back. This move is a response to rising medical costs and insufficient government reimbursement, leading to insurers pulling back from less profitable markets for the 2027 enrollment year. Affected members will need to select new plans, and UnitedHealth will restructure its offerings to focus on lower-cost options.
UnitedHealth Trades at $365 as It Shuts Plans for 390,000 Medicare Advantage Members. Here’s What It Signals for 2027
UnitedHealth Group is discontinuing Medicare Advantage plans for approximately 390,000 members for 2027, part of a broader industry trend where over a million seniors will need to switch plans. Despite management's claims of competitive benefits, brokers suggest UnitedHealthcare and Humana are making significant cuts. This move, along with a projected fourth-quarter earnings decline and an increased medical care ratio, signals potential challenges and a focus on cost management and quality ratings as the company navigates regulatory risks and aims for continued revenue growth.
Form 4 Humana Inc For: 2 October By Investing.com
This article from Investing.com is a brief announcement regarding a Form 4 filing for Humana Inc. on October 2nd. It does not provide details of the filing but points to the company's stock performance (HUM +0.33%). The article is primarily a stub, surrounded by extensive navigation and market data from the Investing.com platform.
A director acquires 238 stock units at Humana (HUM) by converting a cash fee.
Humana Inc. director Kurt J. Hilzinger acquired 238 restricted stock units on September 30, 2026, by converting a director cash fee. These units are deferred until his resignation from director service, at which point they will be payable in Humana common stock. The acquisition is part of Hilzinger's existing holdings, which also include deferred annual-fee stock units, dividend-reinvestment units, and directly held Humana common shares.
Humana Inc. Research & Ratings | HUM
This article provides research and ratings for Humana Inc. (HUM), including analyst ratings, price targets, stock performance data, and financial estimates. It details the company's segments, key financial figures like EPS and dividend yield, and compares it to peers in the health insurance sector.
Grail’s cancer blood test nears landmark FDA approval, but insurance coverage looms
Grail's Galleri blood test is close to FDA approval, which would be a significant step towards wider adoption. However, securing health insurance coverage from both private insurers and government programs like Medicare is the next major hurdle for the multi-cancer early detection test. Widespread coverage could lead to a multi-billion dollar market, but concerns remain regarding follow-up costs, uncertain benefits, and the need for further research to confirm its impact on reducing cancer deaths.
HCA closes home health, hospice sale to Deaconess
HCA Healthcare has completed the sale of 31 of its home health and hospice locations to Deaconess. The transaction was finalized on October 2, 2026, marking a significant change in HCA's post-acute care services. This move comes as health systems are also expanding other services to reduce reliance on emergency departments.
Some 2027 Medicare plans add $0 in-network lab tests through Humana
Humana is expanding its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans to offer affordable coverage, including $0 cost-sharing for in-network primary care visits and lab tests, along with dental, vision, and hearing benefits. The plans will be available in approximately 2,600 counties across 45 states and Washington, D.C., and will also expand Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) into Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wisconsin. This initiative aims to address beneficiaries' priorities of affordability, stability, access, and choice in healthcare coverage.
Healthcare Services Group (NASDAQ:HCSG) Stock Rating Cut to Hold at Zacks Research
Zacks Research has downgraded Healthcare Services Group (NASDAQ:HCSG) from a "strong buy" to a "hold" rating, aligning with a similar move by Wall Street Zen. Despite this, the stock maintains a consensus "moderate buy" rating with an average price target of $26.50. The company reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding estimates, but revenue slightly missed forecasts.
UnitedHealth, Aetna, Humana roll out 2027 Medicare Advantage plans
UnitedHealth, Aetna, and Humana have begun rolling out their Medicare Advantage plans for the year 2027. The article, authored by Nona Tepper, was published on October 1, 2026, at 10:23 AM CDT.
Elevance Health (ELV) Is Back In The Spotlight, What Is Drawing Attention?
Elevance Health (ELV) has recently drawn attention due to its share price movement, with the stock closing at US$388.82. Despite some softer short-term trading, the company's year-to-date and one-year returns are positive. The most popular narrative suggests ELV is 14% undervalued with a fair value of $451.38, driven by the expected positive impact of AI and digital platforms on cost management and net margins.
Zacks Research Has Optimistic Opinion of Humana Q3 Earnings
Zacks Research has updated its earnings estimates for Humana (NYSE:HUM), raising its Q3 2026 EPS forecast to $(1.13) from $(1.18) and projecting fiscal 2026 EPS of $9.05, while maintaining a "Hold" rating. This optimistic revision follows Humana's latest quarter, where it exceeded expectations with EPS of $7.61 and revenue of $40.89 billion, a 26.2% year-over-year increase. Despite some mixed sentiment from other analysts, the consensus price target remains $408.61, with the company also declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.885 per share.
Why home health expansions are a power play in value-based care
The article discusses how home health expansions by companies like Bayada and Addus HomeCare are strategic moves to secure value-based care contracts. These expansions are highlighted as a significant power play within the evolving landscape of healthcare.
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. Increases Position in Humana Inc. $HUM
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. significantly increased its stake in Humana Inc. by 180.2% in the second quarter of 2026, bringing its total holdings to 38,820 shares valued at $15.4 million. This move is part of a broader trend of institutional investment in Humana, with such investors now owning 92.38% of the company's stock. Despite a mixed analyst outlook, Humana reported strong financial results, surpassing earnings expectations with $7.61 EPS and $40.89 billion in revenue, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.885 per share.
Site-neutral payments could save over $12B
A new analysis by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) suggests that implementing site-neutral payments for certain high-cost, physician-administered drugs could save health plans and employers over $12 billion annually. These savings would result from paying hospital outpatient departments the same rates as physician offices for these medications, despite hospitals arguing for higher rates due to their complex patient care and stringent regulations. While patients may not see immediate cost-sharing relief, the overall reduction in spending could eventually lead to lower premiums for workers and their families.
UnitedHealth shows margin recovery, raises earn...
UnitedHealth is demonstrating clear margin recovery, particularly in its Medicare and Optum Health divisions, leading to raised operating earnings guidance and an improved medical care ratio. Despite challenges in Medicaid and Commercial segments, the company's stock, currently valued at 17.8 times next twelve months price-to-earnings, depends on continued margin improvement. The upcoming Q3 earnings report will be crucial for confirming the sustainability of these improvements and assessing medical cost trends.
Comfort Systems USA (NYSE:FIX) Share Price Crosses Above Two Hundred Day Moving Average - Should You Sell?
Comfort Systems USA (NYSE:FIX) briefly traded above its 200-day moving average of $1,708.46, reaching $1,712.60 before settling at $1,663.68. The company reported strong Q2 earnings with EPS of $12.53 and 50.3% year-over-year revenue growth, and increased its quarterly dividend to $0.90. Despite a consensus "Buy" rating from analysts with an average target of $2,082.86, insiders have sold over $43 million in stock in the last 90 days.
8% of hospital-insurer contract disputes go public: study
A new study in Health Affairs reveals that about 8% of hospital-insurer contract relationships escalated into public disputes between 2021 and 2025, but only 2% of these actually resulted in a contract dissolution. For-profit hospitals are twice as likely to engage in "brinkmanship," publicly threatening to leave an insurer's network to secure better rates, especially when they hold significant but not overwhelming local market power. This tactic is driven by hospitals seeking higher rates to cover rising costs and offset low federal reimbursement, with researchers noting a tension between affordability for consumers and the dramatic negotiation strategies employed by providers.
UnitedHealth Stock Has Gone Nowhere for Five Years. Its Dividend Has Not
UnitedHealth (UNH) stock has seen minimal share price growth over the past five years, up only 3.30%, but its dividend has consistently increased since 2010, now at $9.28 annually. Despite challenges in 2025, the company projects strong operating cash flow for 2026, comfortably covering its dividend payouts. This makes UNH an attractive option for income-focused investors, especially compared to peers like Humana (HUM) which froze its dividend.
UnitedHealth Stock Has Gone Nowhere for Five Years. Its Dividend Has Not
UnitedHealth (UNH) stock has seen minimal price appreciation over the past five years, gaining only 3.30%, but its dividend has consistently increased since 2010. The company's strong operating cash flow is projected to comfortably cover its growing dividends, distinguishing it from peers like Humana which froze its payout. Despite recent challenges like soaring medical costs and negative Medicaid margins, UNH's consistent dividend growth makes it an attractive holding for income-focused investors.
No, the UnitedHealth AI-Denial Lawsuit Isn’t New. Here’s Where It Actually Stands.
This article clarifies that the UnitedHealth AI-denial lawsuit is not new, having been filed nearly three years ago. It details the case, Estate of Gene B. Lokken v. UnitedHealth Group, which alleges that UnitedHealth's nH Predict algorithm, with a 90% error rate, was used to deny care, particularly for Medicare Advantage patients. The lawsuit has survived challenges, leading to court-ordered disclosures and potentially significant implications for UnitedHealth and the broader health insurance industry regarding algorithmic care denials.
Law firm investigates Humana officers for possible breach of duties to shareholders
Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating whether Humana Inc. officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. The law firm is offering free consultations to long-term shareholders who may be eligible for corporate governance reforms or financial awards. Despite the investigation, Humana's stock (HUM) experienced a 1.72% decline, though Pluang order activity shows continued investor interest.
Centene Corporation (CNC) options chain
This article from Yahoo Finance provides the options chain for Centene Corporation (CNC), detailing its stock performance and available options data. It lists the current stock price, recent trading activity, and indicates that there are no calls or puts currently available for the specified strike prices. The article also includes related tickers in the healthcare sector.
Humana stock rose 4.68 percent after Barclays raised its target
Humana's stock rose 4.68 percent after Barclays upgraded its rating to Overweight and increased its price target from $407.00 to $515.00. This upgrade was driven by an improved outlook for Humana's Medicare Advantage segment and strong Q2 earnings, where EPS of $7.61 beat the consensus of $7.27. The company reaffirmed its FY 2026 guidance for adjusted EPS of at least $9.00.
UnitedHealth Stock Is Up 14% in 2026. Time to Sell or Load Up?
UnitedHealth (UNH) stock is up 14% in 2026, reaching $376.59 after appointing a new chief administrative officer and elevating its chief commercial officer. The company's Medicaid and Optum Health segments are projected to improve significantly in 2027, with Medicaid margins expected to recover and Optum Health's margins set to expand. Despite potential risks from Medicare Advantage audits and Star ratings, analysts anticipate strong third-quarter adjusted EPS, suggesting that holding or adding to positions before the October 13 earnings report may be favorable.
Form 4 Humana Inc For: 25 September By Investing.com
This article from Investing.com is a regulatory filing update, specifically a Form 4 for Humana Inc., dated September 25. It reports on insider transactions for the company and notes Humana's stock (HUM) was up 4.63%. The primary purpose of the article is to disseminate this financial information.
Humana surges: Barclays bets big on Medicare star ratings rebound
Humana Inc. shares surged by 6% after Barclays upgraded the health insurer to "overweight" from "equal-weight," anticipating a rebound in Medicare Star ratings. Analyst Andrew Mok cited increased confidence in Humana's ability to achieve "bonus status" for several contracts, particularly the critical H5216 contract which significantly impacts the company's long-term EPS target. Barclays raised Humana's price target to $515 from $407, expecting the star ratings release around October 8.
Humana surges: Barclays bets big on Medicare star ratings rebound
Humana Inc. shares surged 6% following Barclays' upgrade of the health insurer to "overweight" from "equal-weight." The upgrade is based on Barclays' increased confidence in Humana's potential for improved Medicare Star ratings, particularly the critical H5216 contract. Analyst Andrew Mok raised the price target to $515 from $407, citing a stronger position for Humana in the upcoming ratings cycle.
Humana Jumps 7% on Barclays Upgrade and $515 Target; UnitedHealth Nudges Higher
Humana's stock surged 7% after Barclays upgraded the company to Overweight and raised its price target to $515, extending an already strong year-to-date performance. This rally is company-specific, as other managed care stocks like UnitedHealth saw only modest gains, suggesting the move is driven by analyst sentiment rather than broad sector trends. Investors are now watching for other research firms to follow Barclays' lead, as the sustained gain hinges on wider acceptance of this bullish view before Humana's upcoming quarterly earnings.
Humana Jumps 7.9% After Barclays Upgrades to Overweight
Humana Inc. saw a 7.9% surge in its stock price after Barclays upgraded the health insurer to Overweight and significantly raised its price target from $407 to $515. This upgrade, coupled with potential index inclusion, suggests meaningful upside for Humana. The rally reflects strong investor interest, though future performance will depend on operational metrics such as Medicare Advantage enrollment and medical cost management.
New analysis points finger at payers for IDR problems
A new analysis from specialty medical societies contends that payers are largely responsible for problems with the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. The report suggests that payers frequently lose disputes due to non-participation or procedural failures, and often submit unreasonably low offers, contradicting their complaints about high provider win rates. The groups shared their findings with Congress, urging enforcement of payer obligations and allowing recent IDR process changes to take effect before implementing blanket reforms.
Form 4 Humana Inc For: 25 September By Investing.com
This article announces the filing of Form 4 for Humana Inc. on September 25. It is a brief notification from Investing.com, typical for updates on insider transactions. The article provides no further details beyond the announcement itself.
UnitedHealth: Inside the $942 Million Industry Problem Squeezing Its Margins
UnitedHealth (UNH) is facing significant margin pressure in its commercial segment due to issues like arbitration abuse under the No Surprises Act and increased provider coding intensity, which a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association study linked to AI tools used by providers, costing insurers $942 million industry-wide. Management has pushed back commercial margin recovery targets to beyond 2027. UnitedHealth is responding by leveraging its Optum Insight segment, which provides AI-driven coding accuracy and prior authorization tools, to counteract these billing challenges, with its operating margin recently swinging from a loss to a record 25.4%.
Humana Is Dropping Plans Covering 600,000 Members and Hopes 240,000 Choose Humana Again. The Replacement Is Not the Same Plan
Humana is discontinuing Medicare Advantage plans for 600,000 members for 2027, aiming to re-enroll 240,000 of them into other Humana plans through marketing. Affected members must actively choose new coverage as automatic transfers are rare, and the replacement plans will have different networks, drug formularies, and out-of-pocket maximums. A qualifying nonrenewal also opens a guaranteed-issue Medigap window, a critical opportunity for those with pre-existing conditions.
Humana Inc. $HUM Shares Acquired by State Street Corp
State Street Corp increased its stake in Humana Inc. by 0.1% in the second quarter, acquiring an additional 4,080 shares and bringing its total holdings to 5.46 million shares, representing 4.54% of the company. Institutional investors and hedge funds now collectively own 92.38% of Humana. The company reported strong Q2 earnings with EPS of $7.61 and revenue of $40.89 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.885 per share.
Humana's pharmacy brand CenterWell enters a distribution deal with TempraMed.
TempraMed Technologies (TMPTF) has signed a distribution agreement with CenterWell Pharmacy, Humana's pharmacy services brand, to distribute its temperature-sensitive medication storage solutions in the United States. The deal, dated August 25, 2026, aims to expand TempraMed's commercial presence and ensure the proper management of life-saving medications. TempraMed develops FDA-registered thermal-insulation devices that operate without batteries or external power.
TempraMed Announces Distribution Agreement with CenterWell Pharmacy(R), the Pharmacy Services Brand of Humana
TempraMed Technologies Ltd. has announced a distribution agreement with CenterWell Pharmacy, Inc., the pharmacy services brand of Humana Inc. This agreement will facilitate the distribution of TempraMed's temperature-controlled medication storage solutions, including VIVI Cap™ and VIVI Epi™, through CenterWell's extensive network. The collaboration aims to expand the availability of TempraMed's FDA-registered devices for managing temperature-sensitive medications.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) stock price, news, quote and history
This article provides an overview of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) stock performance, current quotes, and recent news headlines. It includes financial data such as stock price changes, year-to-date returns, and comparisons to the S&P 500. Recent news highlights cover UNH's stock trading at a discount, its moves in healthcare costs, and its role in the AI revolution within the insurance industry.
Value-based care is hard, but it’s worth getting right
Value-based primary care often fails not due to flaws in the model, but because it's treated as a contractual exercise rather than a comprehensive system of integrated care. Scaling this model requires connecting all aspects of a patient's health ecosystem, including primary care, health plans, in-home care, retail clinics, and pharmacies, to focus on patient outcomes. CVS Health is actively working to integrate these components to improve medical cost management and patient well-being, acknowledging the significant challenges involved in achieving true value-based care at scale.
Humana stock falls 1.98 percent as plan exits weigh
Humana Inc. (HUM) saw its stock fall by 1.98 percent on September 21, 2026, closing at USD 378.58, following news of Medicare Advantage plan exits affecting 600,000 members in 2027. The company aims to recapture 240,000 of these members. Analysts have a consensus "Hold" rating, with a mixed outlook on price targets, and the stock remains below its yearly high, highlighting retention challenges and their impact on valuation.
Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) Given Average Recommendation of "Hold" by Brokerages
Thirty brokerages have assigned Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) a consensus "Hold" rating, with an average 12-month price target of $403.91. The company recently reported strong quarterly earnings of $7.61 per share, exceeding estimates, and revenue grew 26.2% year over year to $40.89 billion. Institutional investors have significantly increased their stakes in Humana, with 92.38% of the company's stock owned by institutions.
Founder keeps tight grip as Orion180 (Nasdaq: OIG) goes public
Orion180 (OIG) is launching an IPO of 20,000,000 Class A common stock shares at $12.00 each, aiming to raise $240 million. Post-IPO, Founder and CEO Kenneth Gregg will retain approximately 93.9% of the voting power through Class B stock, making Orion180 a Nasdaq "controlled company." The company, a technology-focused specialty property insurer, reported $123.5 million in 2025 revenue and $16.3 million in net income, and intends to use net proceeds to increase capitalization, support growth, and potentially repay part of its $282 million New Credit Facility.
