Overview

• The FTC reported that UnitedHealth and two other major pharmacy benefit managers marked up lifesaving drug prices by up to 7,700%, generating $7.3 billion in revenue from 2017 to 2022.
• UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty defended the company, blaming high U.S. healthcare costs on drug manufacturers and hospitals, while pledging to pass 100% of drug rebates to consumers by 2028.
• The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December has intensified public outrage over healthcare access and costs, with the suspect allegedly motivated by grievances against the company.
• UnitedHealth reported $400.3 billion in revenue for 2024, an 8% increase, but faced challenges with Medicare Advantage profitability and Medicaid patient care costs.
• The FTC is considering legal action against pharmacy benefit managers, though its report did not conclude that their practices were illegal.