UnitedHealthcare controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Fairview sues UnitedHealthcare over alleged Medicare Advantage false advertising
Lawsuit filed
Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services filed a lawsuit in federal court in Minnesota alleging that UnitedHealthcare is falsely advertising its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans by continuing to list Fairview hospitals and clinics as in-network for 2027, after Fairview chose not to renew its contract with UnitedHealthcare in June. Fairview says about 33,000 of its patients enrolled in UnitedHealthcare MA plans could be confused during the annual enrollment period and seeks a temporary restraining order before enrollment begins on October 15, an order requiring UnitedHealthcare to correct its network information, disgorgement of profits from Fairview patients enrolling in 2027 MA plans, and compensatory damages. UnitedHealthcare said it is working with Fairview in good faith toward an affordable agreement and will notify members about a possible out-of-network change per CMS guidelines if no agreement is reached.
Stated objective. Fairview is asking the court to require UnitedHealthcare to correct its network information before Medicare's annual enrollment period begins on October 15, turn over profits it earns from Fairview patients who enroll in its 2027 MA plans, and pay compensatory damages for costs associated with outreach to Medicare patients.
Company response
Clarification — UnitedHealthcare
In a statement to MPR News, UnitedHealthcare wrote that they are actively collaborating with Fairview in “good faith” to reach a mutually affordable agreement, while also maintaining long-term access for the health system’s members.
Clarification — Fairview Health Services
Fairview said it has been communicating directly with patients about the Medicare Advantage change and providing resources to help them understand their coverage options ahead of annual enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Denial — UnitedHealthcare
In a statement to FOX 9, the insurer said it continues to "engage in good faith with Fairview Health in an effort to reach an agreement that is affordable, while maintaining long-term network access to the health system."
Clarification — UnitedHealthcare
If no deal is reached, it said it will tell members about the possibility that Fairview could go out of network, in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines.
Source excerpt
Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services is suing UnitedHealthcare, alleging the nation’s largest health insurer is falsely advertising its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans by including Fairview hospitals and clinics in its network.
Fairview estimates that about 33,000 of its current patients are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare MA plans each year.
The health system is seeking several forms of relief, including a temporary restraining order before Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins on October 15.
2024
Killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson was killed in New York City while serving as UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive. The event generated intense public attention and debate regarding health-insurance practices, though the killing itself should be distinguished from allegations about the company’s conduct.
2023
Medicare Advantage advertising criticism
Patient advocacy organizations alleged that some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage advertising did not sufficiently explain provider-network restrictions and possible effects on people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The groups called for federal regulatory intervention.