Texas AG probes UnitedHealth over alleged patient care denials

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into UnitedHealth Group over allegations of deceptive and unlawful practices that reportedly denied or delayed medically necessary care for patients in Texas. On October 5, Paxton's office issued Civil Investigative Demands to UnitedHealth, seeking evidence of potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other state laws. The investigation follows reports that UnitedHealth may have paid nursing homes to delay hospitalizations for patients requiring medical attention. Additionally, the attorney general cited a case where a Texas patient received approval for a procedure at RedBud Surgery Center in Austin, only to later be informed that the approval had been withdrawn, leaving the patient with a substantial medical bill.

Paxton's office is also examining whether UnitedHealth's coverage determinations improperly interfere with physicians' medical judgment, potentially delaying care and harming patients. The attorney general stated, "Alarming reports keep piling up about how United treats Texas consumers. No Texan should be denied medically necessary care, dragged through endless appeals, or stuck with devastating bills after trusting their insurer’s word." The investigation does not confirm any violations but aims to gather evidence before determining if further legal action is necessary.

The inquiry follows a separate investigation by Paxton's office into Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and its parent company, Health Care Service Corporation, over alleged denials and delays of urgent and medically necessary care. UnitedHealth has not publicly responded to requests for comment as of publication. The investigation comes as Paxton campaigns for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Texas Senate race, having raised over $18 million during the third quarter, according to The Texas Tribune.