Not Just Buffett and Burry, But This Billionaire Investor Also Bet Big on UnitedHealth Stock (UNH) in Q2
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
UNH stock gained 14% on Friday as bullish bets from Top hedge funds boosted investor hopes for a rebound.
According to a recent 13F filing, Tepper's Appaloosa Management LP added 2.3 million shares of UNH, bringing the total value of the stake to $764 million. This makes UNH the fund's second-largest holding after Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA).
Tepper's bet comes at a turbulent time for UnitedHealth, which is dealing with a criminal probe into Medicare billing, a CEO shakeup, and the aftermath of a massive cyberattack. UNH stock has plunged about 40% year-to-date.
Tepper Shifts Strategy on China
Tepper's bet on UNH aligns with his investment strategy, which involves making bold bets on companies that others are avoiding. It is similar to his earlier investment in Chinese stocks, which he began buying last year when many investors were pulling back over economic and geopolitical concerns.
It must be noted that those investments paid off as China's MSCI benchmark surged 46% over the past year due to Beijing's economic stimulus efforts.
However, Tepper is now taking a more cautious approach. The fund reduced its holdings in major Chinese companies amid rising trade tensions. Appaloosa cut its stake in Alibaba by over 20% and also trimmed its positions in JD.com (JD), Baidu (BIDU), and PDD Holdings (PDD).
Tepper's Other Bullish Bets
Apart from UNH, the investor also ramped up his stake in Nvidia (NVDA), adding 1.45 million shares for a total of 1.75 million. This 483% increase brings the position's value to over $276 million.
Also, he made some notable new investments last quarter. These include tech giant Intel (INTC), with 8 million shares valued at $179.2 million, and aerospace and defense company RTX (RTX), with 585,000 shares worth $85.4 million.
The third-largest new buy is health information technology and clinical research provider IQVIA Holdings (IQV), with 300,000 shares valued at $47.3 million.
Is UNH a Good Buy Right Now?
Turning to Wall Street, UNH stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 18 Buys, four Holds, and two Sells assigned in the last three months. At $312.65, the average UnitedHealth stock price target implies a 2.17% upside potential.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
18 minutes ago
- Business Insider
Chinese and Indian automakers race to Africa's richest nation amid US trade barriers
South Africa is rapidly cementing its role as a gateway for international automakers, particularly from China and India, with several major brands preparing to launch or expand operations in the country in the coming months. South Africa is emerging as a strategic hub for international automakers, gaining prominence as an entry point to African markets. Prominent brands like Leapmotor, LDV, and Tata Motors are committing to expanding their presence in South Africa in the near future. These developments highlight South Africa's growing influence within the BRICS trade network and as a leader in the continent's EV market. South Africa has recently witnessed a wave of announcements from carmakers such as Leapmotor, LDV, and Tata Motors, all signaling plans to expand into Africa's richest nation. The flurry of activity reflects growing momentum in the continent's automotive sector, as manufacturers seek to capture new markets amid shifting global trade dynamics. The development comes against the backdrop of South Africa's strained relations with the United States, where recent tariff measures have unsettled trade flows. Pretoria has responded by accelerating efforts to diversify its partnerships, turning to Asian and emerging-market players to reduce reliance on Washington. The moves underscore the country's growing influence in the African auto sector and its strategic role within BRICS trade dynamics. Leapmotor, LDV and Tata Motors eye African expansion Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) brand Leapmotor is preparing to enter the South African market in September 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Stellantis-backed company. The company will debut the C10 extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) at select Stellantis NV dealerships, with additional models expected next year. Stellantis, Europe's second-largest automaker, holds a 20% stake in Leapmotor and will provide its established sales infrastructure to support the brand's regional rollout. The C10 follows Leapmotor's successful debut in Mauritius, with the company reporting record-breaking deliveries of 48,006 vehicles in June, marking its second consecutive month of record sales. With its focus on electric vehicles, Leapmotor will cater to South Africa's growing demand for sustainable mobility. Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa noted, 'South Africa offers the right combination of infrastructure, consumer demand, and regional connectivity to grow EV adoption,' Meanwhile, LDV, a sub-brand of China's SAIC Motor Corporation, is preparing to launch its new Terron 9 bakkie at the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from August 28 to 31, 2025. The large pickup aims to compete in South Africa's premium segment alongside models like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and GWM P500. Since its South African debut last year, LDV has primarily focused on the T60 midsize bakkie for private households. Bevan Nel, CEO of LDV South Africa, described the Terron 9 as the brand's flagship vehicle for the market, 'Exciting times are near as we prepare to launch the Terron 9 at the end of August, starting off with an exclusive sneak peek, we are excited to bring this powerhouse to the South African market.' He said. India's Tata Motors is also making a strategic return to South Africa's passenger vehicle market, targeting SUVs, crossovers, and hatchbacks. According to CarMag, The automaker had stopped exporting cars to the African market in 2017-18, but has now partnered with Motus Holdings Ltd, South Africa's leading passenger vehicle retailer, to distribute its vehicles. The company plans a launch event on August 19, 2025, highlighting both sales and local value creation, including employment across service, parts distribution, and technician training. 'South Africa is an important market in our global expansion journey, ' Yash Khandelwal, head of International Business at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles said. ' With our class-leading products and a reputed partner in Motus, we are here to offer our South African customers a choice of vehicles that are safe, stylish, and innovation-driven. ' He added. The convergence of these launches underscores South Africa's growing role as Africa's automotive and EV hub, bolstered by BRICS partnerships with China and India. The country's established dealership networks, manufacturing capabilities, and consumer base make it a launchpad for new-energy and mass-market vehicles across the continent. Analysts suggest that South Africa's influence in automotive trade will only increase as more BRICS-based manufacturers view the country as a gateway to Sub-Saharan markets.
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Navigating DME Billing Audits: Best Practices for Providers
Durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers and provider offices face an increasingly scrutinized reimbursement environment. Audits — whether from Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs), Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), Office of Inspector General (OIG), or private payers — target documentation gaps, improper enrollment, billing mistakes, and non-compliance with DMEPOS supplier standards. This article gives providers an actionable roadmap to reduce risk, respond effectively when audited, and build durable compliance processes. Medicare and related programs continue to refine oversight of DME claims. Recent updates to the DMEPOS quality standards, continuing OIG findings of improper payments, and active MAC/RAC programs mean that suppliers who rely on old processes risk costly recoupments and loss of billing privileges. Staying current with CMS guidance and audit trends is not optional — it's central to financial and regulatory health. Understanding what draws attention helps you prioritize controls. Typical triggers include: Missing or incomplete Standard Written Orders (SWOs) and supporting medical records. Inadequate proof of delivery (POD) or beneficiary authorization. Non-compliance with updated DMEPOS supplier standards (accreditation, patient training, servicing). Incorrect coding, units, or billing for items excluded by the Master List or specific policy. Billing during inpatient stays or hospice periods when Medicare rules prohibit payment — a frequent OIG finding. Preventing large-scale recoupments starts with pragmatic, repeatable controls you can implement today. Tighten enrollment and supplier credentials. Maintain current PECOS enrollment, NPI/Taxonomy data, and DMEPOS accreditation records. CMS enrollment errors and lapsed accreditation are immediate grounds for payment suspension. Standardize documentation at the point of intake. Create mandatory intake checklists that capture SWO, referring provider details, medical necessity rationale, beneficiary signature/authorization, and delivery/POD info. Store these documents in searchable, time-stamped electronic records. Refer to DME MAC and MAC-region checklists for the exact documentation required by item. Map clinical criteria to billing codes. Maintain a brief clinical-to-code map for high-risk items (power mobility devices, oxygen, complex rehabilitative equipment). Cross-reference the CMS Master List and product-specific service requirements to avoid billing excluded items or insufficiently documented claims. Train staff regularly and test knowledge. Front-line intake staff and billers should receive quarterly refreshers on SWO requirements, proof of delivery, and beneficiary authorizations. Run periodic chart audits to identify recurring documentation gaps before an external auditor does. Use technology for retention and retrieval. Implement a records-retention policy aligned with CMS and MAC guidance, and employ searchable EHR or document management solutions so you can respond to Additional Documentation Requests (ADRs) promptly. Even the best-prepared suppliers get audited. What matters is your response. Acknowledge and triage immediately. Confirm the identity of the auditor and the scope of the request. Only accept legitimate requests through the channels specified by CMS or your MAC; beware of phishing. (MAC and CMS websites list legitimate communications.) Assemble a response team. Assign a lead (compliance officer or senior manager), the biller who handled the claim, the clinician for clinical questions, and legal or external counsel if exposure is large. Keep communications centralized and documented. Prioritize requests using risk and volume. Start with high-value claims and any items where policy is explicit (e.g., power mobility device repairs, oxygen). OIG audits frequently flag expensive categories; tackle these first. Provide exactly what's requested — no more, no less. Over-sharing may create new lines of inquiry. Prepare a clean, indexed package. For ADRs from RACs or MACs, respond within the stated timeframe and follow the ADR formatting guidance on the MAC portal. Document every interaction. Log phone calls, emails, uploads, and internal decisions. If you make voluntary refunds or adjustments, do so through standard claim adjustment procedures and preserve evidence of the action. If you disagree with a determination, use the MAC/RAC appeals process. Common successful appeals hinge on clear documentation that proves medical necessity or corrects a misunderstanding (e.g., updated SWO vs. original claim). If systemic issues caused the denial, quickly implement corrective action plans and document training/controls to mitigate further liability. One-time fixes are insufficient. Build an audit-ready culture: Monthly internal audits: Sample claims, focusing on top revenue items and recent policy changes. Sample claims, focusing on top revenue items and recent policy changes. Policy watch: Assign responsibility to monitor CMS, MAC, and OIG publications for new guidance or audit trends. (Subscribe to MAC listservs; CMS posts DMEPOS rules and updates.) Assign responsibility to monitor CMS, MAC, and OIG publications for new guidance or audit trends. (Subscribe to MAC listservs; CMS posts DMEPOS rules and updates.) Key performance indicators (KPIs): Track ADR turnaround time, percent of claims with complete SWOs, and audit recoupment dollars by month. Track ADR turnaround time, percent of claims with complete SWOs, and audit recoupment dollars by month. External reviews: Consider an annual external compliance audit or targeted coding review from a specialist familiar with DME audits. If you use third-party billers or clinicians who order DME, ensure contracts require compliance with documentation standards and give you audit access to records. Outsourced relationships remain your responsibility — vendors must conform to your policies and respond under your oversight. If you're evaluating dme billing services, require proof of experience with MAC/RAC audits, sample documentation processes, and references. (One clear performance condition: how they handle ADRs and appeals.) OIG and CMS audits consistently reveal a few recurring themes: lack of clinical justification, insufficient proof of delivery, billing during excluded periods (inpatient/hospice), and failure to meet product-specific requirements. These are actionable — close those gaps and you materially reduce audit exposure. Confirm PECOS enrollment and DMEPOS accreditation are active and documentation stored. Run a four-week sample audit of high-risk codes and correct deficiencies. Update intake checklists to always capture SWO, beneficiary authorization, and POD. Subscribe to your MAC's updates and the CMS DMEPOS quality standards page; assign someone to review and summarize changes weekly. Navigating DME billing audits requires a mix of tactical readiness and strategic change. By standardizing documentation, training staff, using technology for retention and quick retrieval, and staying current with CMS/MAC/OIG guidance, providers can turn audits from existential threats into manageable compliance events. The more you anticipate audit triggers and institutionalize best practices, the less disruptive — and costly — an audit will be. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump administration tiptoes into testing prior authorization in traditional Medicare
Traditional Medicare plan holders have typically not had to wait for prior authorization before receiving medical treatment. Until now. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a new program to test prior authorization requirements for certain services in six states starting Jan. 1. The states — New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington — will apply prior authorization evaluations to more than a dozen services. CMS says the pilot program is intended to root out 'fraud, waste, and abuse,' but as Medicare Advantage members know well, prior authorization can lead to frustrating delays in care. How it works CMS will contract with private companies to deploy 'enhanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)' to conduct the authorization reviews. It won't apply to in-patient or emergency services or treatments 'that would pose a substantial risk to patients if significantly delayed,' according to a CMS press release. Specific services that will require prior authorization are skin and tissue substitutes, electrical nerve stimulator implants, and knee arthroscopy. There is genuine concern about the costs of some of these items and services. A recent New York Times article highlighted pricey medical products, including paper-thin bandages made of dried bits of placenta, for Medicare patients. The Biden administration had approved a plan to limit Medicare's coverage of the bandages, known as skin substitutes, which were reportedly being sold for roughly $10,000 per square inch. An updated Medicare policy proposes setting a significantly lower payment rate. The new prior authorization program 'is focused on reducing wasteful spending, which is an important goal for Medicare,' Jeffrey Marr, a health economist at the Brown University School of Public Health, told Yahoo Finance. 'I expect that the use of prior authorization in this model is likely to reduce the overall level of Medicare spending,' he said. 'Selecting potentially low-value services is a critical part of setting up a well-functioning prior authorization system.' The key question for CMS to address is whether prior authorization can work in traditional Medicare in a way that does not deny or discourage high-value care that improves beneficiaries' health, Marr said. One red flag: 'The companies that will make the prior authorization decisions will be paid a percentage of the savings that they generate for Medicare. This creates an incentive for participants to deny a high share of services,' he said. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Prior authorizations are part of the Medicare landscape How often do prior authorizations pop up for seniors with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans? In traditional Medicare, services that often require prior authorization include certain outpatient hospital services, non-emergency ambulance transport, and durable medical equipment. For 2023, under 400,000 prior authorization reviews for traditional Medicare beneficiaries were submitted to CMS, according to KFF data. Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurers, are a different story. Almost all Medicare Advantage enrollees — 99% according to KFF research — must receive prior authorization for some services. These are typically higher-cost services, such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility stays, chemotherapy, and other drugs. That common practice, combined with AI used to scan these requests, is a thorny issue. 'Prior authorization processes and requirements, including the use of artificial intelligence to review requests, may result in administrative hassles for providers, delays for patients in receiving necessary care, and in some instances, denials of medically necessary services, such as post-acute care,' according to Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, co-author of the KFF report. To allay that fear, CMS noted in the announcement: 'While technology will support the review process, final decisions that a request for one of the selected services does not meet Medicare coverage requirements will be made by licensed clinicians, not machines.' The prior authorization program will not alter Medicare coverage or payment rules, for now, but other services may be added later. There has been pushback. More than a dozen members of Congress sent a letter on Aug. 7 to CMS administrator Dr. Memet Oz to urge him to 'put patients and providers first by cancelling' the model and requested more details about how the program will be implemented. 'The use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage shows us that, in practice, [this proposal] will likely limit beneficiaries' access to care, increase burden on our already overburdened healthcare workforce, and create perverse incentives to put profit over patients,' the lawmakers wrote.A pivot in MA authorization In an odd juxtaposition, a week prior to trumpeting this new Medicare pre-authorization model, the administration announced that it had a non-binding commitment from insurance plans to reduce prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. In late June, the Department of Health and Human Services announced an initiative coordinated with companies including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, to streamline prior authorization processes for patients covered by Medicare Advantage. Under the initiative, electronic prior authorization requests would become standardized by 2027. 'Pitting patients and their doctors against massive companies was not good for anyone,' US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. 'We are actively working with industry to make it easier to get prior authorization for common services such as diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and outpatient surgery.' Oz added: 'These commitments represent a step in the right direction toward restoring trust, easing burdens on providers, and helping patients receive timely, evidence-based care.' Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist and the author of 14 books, including the forthcoming "Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future," "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work," and "Never Too Old to Get Rich." Follow her on Bluesky. Sign up for the Mind Your Money newsletter
