Congressman calls for expedited DOJ probe into UnitedHealth, Optum: 5 things to know

U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan has urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to strengthen the Justice Department’s antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group and Optum, according to a May 20 news release from Mr. Ryan’s office.

Here are five things to know:

1. According to reports, the potential monopoly investigation into UnitedHealth Group and Optum Health, one of the company’s subsidiaries, is delayed due to staff reductions at the Justice Department. 
2. Mr. Ryan completed a community inquiry into UnitedHealth, which resulted in responses detailing dysfunctional operations at practices owned by Optum, including declining quality of care, incorrect billing and customer service problems. 
3. UnitedHealth has market control of 10% of all physicians across the U.S. The company also owns the largest insurance company, the largest medical claims manager and one of the three largest pharmacy benefit managers. 
4. In February 2024, the Justice Department opened up the antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth, questioning the relationship between Optum and UnitedHealth and how physician group acquisitions have affected local communities.
5. Mr. Ryan asked for immediate action into the investigation and “take strong enforcement action as necessary.”

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