UnitedHealth Group has announced that it is currently under federal investigation, both criminal and civil, regarding its prominent Medicare operations. The company indicated that it has reached out to the Department of Justice following reports of such investigations into various aspects of its business practices. In a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, UnitedHealth emphasized its longstanding commitment to responsible conduct and compliance protocols. Earlier this year, reports emerged indicating that federal authorities had initiated a civil fraud investigation scrutinizing the company's practices related to how it records patient diagnoses, which are tied to additional payments for its Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are private alternatives to the government's Medicare program, primarily serving individuals aged 65 and older. Currently, UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States, catering to over 8 million beneficiaries. However, the business has faced challenges recently due to increased healthcare utilization and cuts in reimbursement rates. It was reported that the investigation is centered on billing practices, particularly focusing on the methods employed by the company in collaboration with healthcare professionals to document diagnoses that justify higher payments. In its SEC filing, UnitedHealth expressed confidence in its operational practices and reaffirmed its intention to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations. UnitedHealth Group Inc. operates one of the largest health insurance and pharmacy benefits management sectors in the nation, alongside its expanding Optum division, which provides healthcare services and technology solutions. The company reported revenues exceeding $400 billion in the previous fiscal year, ranking as the third-largest entity in the Fortune 500 list. Its stock reached an all-time high of over $630 last fall. However, there has been a notable decline in its stock value since December, particularly following the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot in Manhattan while on his way to a corporate meeting. A suspect has been charged in connection with this incident. The company's share price fell further in April after revising its financial forecasts due to a surge in healthcare demand, and it subsequently withdrew its guidance following unexpected medical costs associated with new Medicare Advantage members. As of now, the stock price has decreased by approximately 55% from its peak, trading around $282.16. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which includes UnitedHealth, also experienced slight declines, while the broader S&P 500 index saw an uptick. UnitedHealth is scheduled to disclose its second-quarter financial results next Tuesday.