UnitedHealth’s CEO Expresses Cautious Outlook
The comments from the health insurer's CEO pointed to factors like costs pegged to the federal health law and also "a modest increase" in doctor's office and outpatient visits, although health care usage remains below historical trends.
The Wall Street Journal: UnitedHealth Raises Outlook But Expresses Caution
The Minnetonka, Minn., company tempered its strong 2011 view with some cautious early comments on next year, when factors like investments in the business and costs pegged to the U.S. health care overhaul are expected to apply pressure. UnitedHealth also noted it's seen "a modest increase" in doctor's office and outpatient visits, although health care usage remains below historical trends (Kamp, 10/18).
The Associated Press/Washington Post: Insurer UnitedHealth's Shares Slide After CEO Discusses Challenges Insurer Faces In 2012
Shares of UnitedHealth Group Inc. slipped Tuesday as the health insurer's CEO gave a cautious preview of 2012 after his company delivered a better-than-expected earnings performance for the third quarter and raised its 2011 forecast (10/18).
Minneapolis Star Tribune: UnitedHealth Cautious; Investors Still Nervous
UnitedHealth Group Inc. CEO Stephen Hemsley laid out a positive roadmap for 2012 on Tuesday, though he said the health care giant continues to face headwinds from both the economy and an evolving marketplace. Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth posted third-quarter results Tuesday that beat Wall Street's expectations, while warning of continued challenges. … Yet Hemsley also pointed to uncertainty about the economy and regulatory environment. He sees growing price competition in certain commercial markets, as well as higher medical costs as people return to more normal patterns of doctor's visits (Crosby, 10/19).
