Texas Investigates UnitedHealth Over Alleged Patient Care Denials

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into UnitedHealth Group, accusing the health insurance provider of engaging in deceptive and unlawful practices that may have denied Texans access to necessary medical care.

The investigation follows allegations that UnitedHealth paid nursing homes to delay transferring patients to hospitals when further medical treatment was required. Paxton's office also highlighted a case where a Texas patient received approval for a procedure at RedBud Surgery Center in Austin, only to later receive a letter rescinding that approval, leaving the patient with a substantial medical bill.

Paxton stated, "Alarming reports keep piling up about how United treats Texas consumers. I will not tolerate any insurance company putting illegal corporate greed over the people of Texas." His office is seeking evidence to determine if UnitedHealth violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other state laws.

As part of the investigation, the attorney general's office has issued Civil Investigative Demands to UnitedHealth Group to obtain documents and other evidence related to the allegations. UnitedHealth has not yet provided a response to the investigation.