UnitedHealth Faces Criminal Probe, Lawsuit, and Market Rout

UnitedHealth Group is undergoing a major crisis involving a sudden leadership change, intensifying regulatory scrutiny, and a steep decline in its stock price. CEO Andrew Witty has resigned amid rising medical costs and a federal criminal investigation into possible Medicare fraud, with former CEO and chairman Stephen Hemsley stepping back into the leadership role. The company has suspended its 2025 financial outlook due to unexpectedly high medical expenses, especially within Medicare Advantage plans, and accelerating care activity. UnitedHealth has also faced a major cyberattack disrupting healthcare payments, the fatal shooting of a top executive, and a shareholder lawsuit alleging investor misinformation. Since April, UnitedHealth's stock has lost nearly half its value, and analysts have sharply downgraded their price targets. Hemsley's return aims to stabilize the company as it contends with ongoing legal, operational, and financial challenges.