Texas AG investigates UnitedHealth over alleged healthcare denials
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into UnitedHealth Group following allegations of deceptive and unlawful practices that reportedly denied Texans access to necessary healthcare. The probe seeks pre-litigation subpoenas to examine whether the company violated Texas’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act or other regulations. Paxton’s office cited reports claiming UnitedHealth paid nursing homes to reduce hospitalizations for patients in need of care.
One reported case involved a Texan who was initially approved for a procedure at an Austin hospital by UnitedHealth but later had the approval withdrawn, leaving the patient with a substantial hospital bill. Paxton vowed to gather evidence and hold the company accountable, stating, “No Texan should be denied medically necessary care, dragged through endless appeals, or stuck with devastating bills after trusting their insurer’s word.”
UnitedHealth has denied the allegations, with a 2025 article by the Guardian calling the reports “verifiably false.” Paxton has also investigated Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas over similar allegations of denying urgent care. The healthcare giant has faced scrutiny since late 2024, following the killing of its CEO, Brian Thompson, by Luigi Mangione, who pleaded guilty to the crime.
Paxton, who is running for Senate against Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico, emphasized his commitment to protecting Texans from what he described as illegal corporate greed. The Washington Examiner has reached out to UnitedHealth Group for comment on the investigation.