Texas AG Paxton Launches Investigation Into UnitedHealth Over Care Denials

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into UnitedHealth Group on Oct. 5, citing allegations of "deceptive and unlawful practices" that may have denied Texans medically necessary care. The announcement references reports that the company bribed nursing homes to delay hospitalizing patients who needed care, and raises concerns that coverage determinations overrode physicians' medical judgment. Paxton's office issued Civil Investigative Demands to UnitedHealth to assess compliance with state law. This follows a similar investigation Paxton's office opened in late September into Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and its parent, Health Care Service Corp., over care denials, delays, and prior authorization concerns.

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