Latest news with #Optum
Health Line
3 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Seasonal Stock Up: Add These Over-the-Counter Buys to Cart for Summer
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Here's our process SPF reccs First aid Bug bites Sweat defense Allergies Gut support Spring is in the rearview mirror, and summer is coming in hot. Double-check your medicine cabinet for these hot weather essentials. School's out. The season is changing. Time to restock on some essentials you're bound to need. Here's what we recommend stocking your medicine cabinet with as you head into the summer's adventures. Consider us your pesky mom who won't let up about wearing sunscreen. Wear it, put it on your kids, remind your neighbors. Spread the word. It's a must, no matter how annoying it is. After testing sunscreens in 2024, we're big fans of SuperGoop's Everyday Lotion and especially love that you can buy an 18-ounce bottle that could easily last you all summer. It comes with a pump top that makes it easy to apply on the way out the door. When it comes to the face, it's hard to beat the beloved EltaMD, but it is pricey. (ThinkSport is another good option for less than half the cost.) Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $43.00 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns Shipping: free shipping for Sephora members Price: $68.00 SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA *Price may vary. Women-Founded Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $21.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $14.99 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Sometimes, the most obvious first aid items are running low. Check your supply for a few of these basics, which you'll want around for any cuts and scrapes that put a damper on your summer outings. Peep the fun bandages — because why not? Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $16.90 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $24.94 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Summer travel lands a lot of us at lakes, oceans, and other buggy environments. Worse, this is the season when poison ivy thrives. Learn how to be on the lookout for the plant, and show up to your hikes and outdoor excursions prepared, just in case you experience a run-in. Returns: free returns Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Price: $10.99 SHOP NOW AT SAWYER *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping over $35 Price: $10.49 SHOP NOW AT CVS *Price may vary. Summer is hot. Hot weather makes us sweaty. Too much sweat can lead to chafing. Chafing can lead to rashes — not exactly the epitome of summer fun. Yet, they happen, so prepare yourself with anti-chafing solutions. Hint: Diaper cream is not just for babies. Calamine lotion is a reliable friend for heat rash (and can also be handy for bug bites if you want to double down on your anti-itch remedies). We also recommend taking some electrolyte packs on the go with you and making them part of your daily regimen as extra defense against dehydration. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $20.85 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shippping for Prime members Price: $20.66 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 365 days Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Price: $6.29 SHOP NOW AT TARGET *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $6.77 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping for Sephora members Price: $20.00 SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA *Price may vary. Care for your nasal ways, folks. You may have gotten through cold and flu season, but seasonal allergies can last well into the summer months. And when you're traveling to new places, you just never know what kind of pollen you'll cross paths with. Enter allergy survival staples for tackling irritated eyes and noses. Returns: returns within 60 days Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35 Price: $8.23 SHOP NOW AT WALMART *Price may vary. Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $99.99 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $13.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. » MORE: How I Hike, Bike, and Run My Way Through Allergy Season Last but certainly not least, let's tackle tummy troubles. Summer tends to mean an influx of barbecues, cookouts, and get-togethers with food at the epicenter. You may also be traveling to new places and experiencing new cuisines, and sometimes, our stomaches loathe what our tastebuds crave. Here are a few solutions in case you need to play both offense and defense (hopefully more of the latter). 4.6 (711+) from Culturelle Returns: refunds within 60 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $17.99 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. Returns: returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $54.00 Use code "HEALTHLINE" for 25% Off! SHOP NOW AT RITUAL *Price may vary. Women-Founded Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Price: $14.95 SHOP NOW AT AMAZON *Price may vary. Returns: free returns within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Price: $2.49 SHOP NOW AT OPTUM NOW *Price may vary. » MORE:The Best Probiotic Supplements for 2025, According to Dietitians
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Can UnitedHealth Stock Hit $552 in 2025?
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is a major healthcare company that provides health insurance through UnitedHealthcare and health services via Optum, serving over 50 million people in the U.S. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported revenues of $109.6 billion. Recently, it has come under legal scrutiny as the U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating possible Medicare fraud related to its Medicare Advantage business, though UnitedHealth says it has not been officially notified of any investigation. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), including those linked to UnitedHealth, accusing them of inflating insulin prices through rebate schemes. On the economic front, recent actions by the U.S. government aim to lower drug prices and protect American pharmaceutical innovation, signaling increased regulatory scrutiny on healthcare companies. Still, analysts remain confident, keeping a 'Strong Buy' consensus rating and a $392.59 average price target on UnitedHealth. Some analysts have even higher hopes for a UNH rebound - like Piper Sandler, which expects the insurance giant to reach $552 per share. UnitedHealth's Recent Financials UnitedHealth Group (UNH) continues to deliver value to shareholders with an annual dividend of $8.40 per share, offering a yield of 2.82%. The company's market capitalization stands strong at about $270 billion, reflecting its dominant position in the healthcare industry. However, the stock has dropped 40% YTD and is down 4% over the past 5 years, significantly outperforming the broader market's returns over both time frames. Given that depressed price action, UnitedHealth's valuation remains cheap, with a forward adjusted price-to-earnings ratio of 13.05 - about a 37% discount to its own 5-year average. On April 17, UnitedHealth reported first-quarter earnings of $6.85 per share, or $7.20 on an adjusted basis, with revenues climbing $9.8 billion year-over-year to $109.6 billion. The number of consumers served by UnitedHealthcare grew by 780,000 so far this year, while Optum Health expects to add 650,000 new value-based care patients in 2025. The company's medical care ratio rose slightly to 84.8% from 84.3% last year, mainly due to increased senior care activity and Medicare funding changes. Operating costs improved, dropping to 12.4% from 14.1%, thanks to efficiencies across UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Cash flow from operations hit $5.5 billion, with nearly $5 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, resulting in a strong return on equity of 26.8%. Meanwhile, Optum Health generated $25.3 billion in revenue, although growth was partially offset by contract changes and shifts in member profiles. Optum Insight brought in $4.6 billion and holds a revenue backlog of $32.9 billion, with new AI-powered claims processing tools boosting productivity by over 20%. Optum Rx also saw strong results, with revenues rising to $35.1 billion, with adjusted prescriptions increasing to 408 million from 395 million last year. UnitedHealth's Next Chapter UnitedHealth Group's next chapter begins with a significant leadership change and a clear signal of confidence from its top executives. On May 13, CEO Andrew Witty stepped down unexpectedly for personal reasons, and the company suspended its full-year financial outlook due to higher-than-anticipated medical costs, particularly in Medicare Advantage. Stepping in immediately is Stephen Hemsley, who previously led UnitedHealth from 2006 to 2017 and remains chairman of the board. Hemsley's return brings a seasoned hand familiar with steering the company through growth and challenges alike. Demonstrating strong conviction in UnitedHealth's future, Hemsley purchased approximately $25 million worth of shares on May 16, acquiring 86,700 shares at an average price of $288.57. Alongside him, President and CFO John F. Rex also invested nearly $5 million in stock, buying 17,175 shares. This cluster of insider buying sends a powerful message to the market. Wall Street's Take The company also lowered its full-year earnings outlook due to higher medical costs and slower-than-expected growth in some areas. Outgoing CEO Andrew Witty summed it up, saying, 'UnitedHealth Group grew to serve more people more comprehensively but did not perform up to our expectations, and we are aggressively addressing those challenges to position us well for the years ahead.' Piper Sandler analyst Jessica Tassan reaffirmed her 'Overweight' rating on UNH, with a $552 price target that implies potential 82% upside. Tassan cited the recent CEO transition as a key catalyst, expressing confidence that Hemsley's return will stabilize operations and help the company navigate current challenges. 'We believe Mr. Hemsley is the right person to turnaround UNH through repricing at UHC and the standardization of care delivery around best practices at Optum Health,' wrote Hassan, adding: "The company has the assets to control trend, improve clinical outcomes, and optimize the healthcare experience for providers and patients alike. We think Mr. Hemsley can realize this potential." Wall Street's consensus on UNH stock is overwhelmingly positive. All 24 surveyed analysts have assigned a 'Strong Buy' rating, with the average price target at $392.59. This implies roughly a 30% upside from the current trading price. Conclusion Can UnitedHealth stock hit $552 in 2025? While it's an ambitious target, the company's strong fundamentals, leadership changes, and analyst optimism make it possible, but not without challenges. Given the current headwinds and legal pressures, a steady recovery toward the mid-$300s seems more likely in the near term. Still, if UnitedHealth executes well on cost management and growth initiatives, reaching that $552 mark isn't out of the question.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Innovative Healthcare: The Synergy of Technology and Business Operations
The global healthcare sector stands at a crossroads. Rising costs, inequitable access, and inconsistent outcomes persist even as technological advancements promise solutions. Yet innovation in healthcare isn't merely about adopting cutting-edge tools—it demands reimagining systems through a lens of human-centered design, strategic collaboration, and measurable impact. Optum India, a global capability center of UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune 4 company, exemplifies how organizations can fuse technology, operations, and empathy to create connected, outcome-focused ecosystems. An interesting conversation was led by Gautam Srinivasan where the leaders from Optum India, discussed how they are fostering innovation to enable a more responsive, insightful, and inclusive health care ecosystem. The panel featured: Together, they delved into the pressing challenges that healthcare is currently facing, the crucial role that technology plays, and how the innovative culture at Optum is driving better care at a lower cost and on a larger scale. Healthcare's "triple aim" framework—reducing costs, expanding access, and improving outcomes—remains a universal challenge. Healthcare expenditure is further compounded by fast-growing aging population and increasing administrative complexities. Meanwhile, rural and underserved communities globally face persistent access gaps. Telehealth emerged as a lifeline during the pandemic, yet questions linger about equity and quality. Surinder Singh underscores that outcomes hinge on timely interventions, data-driven protocols, and continuous monitoring. 'Technology enables real-time management of adherence and outcomes, but its potential remains untapped without systemic alignment,' he notes. The lesson? Siloed solutions fail; integrated strategies that address all three pillars simultaneously are non-negotiable. At its core, healthcare thrives on the clinician-patient relationship. Yet physicians are often burdened with administrative tasks, diverting time from patient care. Abhishek Kumar highlights the shift to value-based models as pivotal to solve these challenges: 'Systems, billing, and tech must empower clinicians, not burden them.' Kumar further added, 'This requires redefining workflows. Automation tools that streamline documentation, coupled with interoperable platforms, can free clinicians to focus on empathy-driven care. The result? Enhanced patient trust and better health outcomes.' Madhuri Raya emphasizes that technology's role is to 'simplify complexity, not add noise.' Remote monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, and wearable devices expand access and enable preventive care. However, their efficacy depends on interoperability—a seamless exchange of data across platforms. Raya said, 'For us, technology is not about building another app! It's about connecting people to their care teams, payers to providers, and ultimately connecting a disconnected health system so that it works better for the people it was created to serve.' Optum's approach prioritizes actionable insights over data overload. For instance, predictive analytics identify high-risk patients, enabling early interventions. This aligns with Rohit Agarwal's vision of 'consumer empowerment through hyper-personalized care journeys.' Innovation cannot thrive in isolation. Rohit Agarwal outlines four strategic trends shaping Optum's roadmap: 1. Consumer Empowerment: Tailored care journeys using behavioral. 2. Wellness-Driven Models: IoT and real-time data for proactive health management. 3. Interoperable Platforms: Bridging claims, clinical care, and pharmacy systems. 4. Value-Based Incentives: Rewarding quality over volume. TheiNNOV8program at Optum embeds innovation into organizational DNA. Initiatives like Bright Ideas (crowdsourcing frontline solutions) and iFactor (a Shark Tank-style accelerator) foster agility. 'Execution at scale turns ideas into value,' Agarwal asserts. Breaking down silos between technology and operations is critical. Kumar advocates co-locating teams to foster empathy and rapid iteration. For example, the 'Sit with Ops' initiative at Optum allows tech teams to witness frontline challenges firsthand. This collaboration extends to capability mapping—streamlining processes from claims to clinical care. 'The closer the partnership, the better the outcomes in experience, efficiency, and cost,' Kumar explains. Innovation must deliver tangible results. Singh stresses metrics like adoption rates, Net Promoter Score, and ROI. 'If it doesn't improve experiences or outcomes, it's not innovation,' he states. Optum pilots solutions rigorously, scaling only those that enhance care delivery and operational efficiency. To future-proof healthcare, leaders must: As Raya notes, 'Reskilling builds for tomorrow, not just today.'
New York Post
5 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Tony Robbins-endorsed OsteoStrong offers tools to reverse osteoporosis
Once a week, Elissa Stein, a spunky 60-year-old partial to hot-pink reading glasses, finds herself in a studio in NYC's Flatiron, pushing and pulling against machines purporting to pressure her bones and reverse the osteoporosis diagnosis she received shortly after her birthday. 'It was terrifying, because I do all the things you're supposed to do: I work out, I eat well, I don't drink or smoke,' she said. Stein, who struggled with an eating disorder in her 20s and 30s, had never been told that her medical history made her more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition accelerated by the loss of bone-protecting estrogen in menopause. Stein is in good company: Between 20% and 25% of postmenopausal women in the US have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the CDC. 3 A woman works out on a machine at an OsteoStrong center. OsteoStrong Stein became intensely focused on strengthening her bones. She started taking the bone density drug Fosamax, using hormone replacement therapy and lifting heavy weights. A Google search led her to the Flatiron outpost of OsteoStrong, where Stein works with a trainer for very short bursts — about 10 seconds — of exertion on machines targeting her upper body, her lower body, her core and her spine. According to OsteoStrong's founder and CEO Kyle Zagrodzky, the machines work by creating 'osteogenic loading,' applying a sufficient amount of pressure to bones to stimulate osteoblast cells that help in building new bones. 'The computer screen on each device shows the member how much force they are producing in real time,' he says. After each session, users get an email report showing their force per session, and over time. Founded in 2012, the company runs as a franchise, with 206 centers in 14 countries. Most insurances don't cover the service, though that's starting to change. United Health Care's Optum program now includes some base OsteoStrong memberships, a benefit used by approximately 4,000 members. The Flatiron center charges a monthly membership of $289 – about $72 per session, which are conducted one-on-one. Another $250 buys 10 sessions with popular biohacking devices: Normatec boots, red light therapy, a BioCharger machine and a PEMF mat, devices which Zagrodzky says benefit cellular health by aiding in microcirculation. 3 The machines at OsteoStrong are said to apply a sufficient amount of pressure to bones to stimulate osteoblast cells that help in building new bones. OsteoStrong Unlike a traditional medical center or physical therapy clinic, OsteoStrong has a distinctly commercial feel, with somewhat cheesy endorsements from Tony Robbins. Medical professionals say that gimmicks aside, the machines may well be effective, particularly when combined with other weight-bearing exercises, and in more severe cases, with prescription medicines like Fosamax or Evenity. 'The concept is sound; it makes sense and it should work. It's hard to evaluate objectively because we don't have studies,' says Dr. Sarah Fishman, an endocrinologist who has herself done a few sessions at OsteoStrong. 'They don't provide data on certain biomarkers, but they do have studies with bone density scans. It's proprietary, so we don't have as much data to make a full assessment.' 3 OsteoStrong has an outpost in NYC's Flatiron neighborhood. OsteoStrong It's a frustratingly familiar refrain for menopausal women, says Stein, author of the book 'Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation.' 'It's hard to know what's valid,' she says. 'I feel like an experiment, because there are a lot of things available, but there's very little evidence-based advice.' In the meantime, Stein says she enjoys her weekly sessions and hopes that, combined with her other exercise, medical and dietary interventions, they'll yield positive results. 'In the end, I just want my bones to be stronger, however I get there,' she says. 'If it takes all these different things to do it, I'd rather this than being so afraid of falling.'
Agriland
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Agriland
Case brings Optum range up to scratch with digital lift
Case IH has applied its latest round of upgrades to its Optum series, which has three different models with rated power outputs of 271hp, 300hp and 340hp. These three machines can now be ordered with new technology packages which are claimed to help customers easily match specifications to their key requirements. Another improvement is that the joystick option for precision control of the front linkage has been revamped to enable control of the rear linkage as well. Joystick precision The configurable joystick incorporated into the Multicontroller armrest on Optum tractors has been updated to proportionately control both the front and rear linkages, for situations where both may be used simultaneously. Joystick functions can now be configured using the tractor's Case IH Pro 1200 touchscreen display, which is claimed to simplify setting up the tractor to suit the operator and the task, whether using a front and rear combination – such as a pair of mowers – or a rear implement only – a plough, for example. The Optum touchscreen is used to set the joystick controls Following the approach used on Case IH Quadtrac, Steiger, Magnum and Puma 185-260 series tractors, Optum models are also now available with tiered technology packages. Case believes that these will allow operators to tailor the features of the Optum models to exactly meet the tasks the tractor is expected to perform. Mix and match The tech packages can be combined with the existing Advanced or Professional specification packages, which Case says will simplify the ordering process while also enhancing resale value. The Optums are designed for heavy work and have been brought up to date with Case's latest digital technology All three packages include the armrest-mounted Pro 1200 touchscreen display, with a readiness package (harness and mount ball) for a second display. Customers can also choose to order the second and third-level tech pack options if they wish to specify greater levels of automation and higher-accuracy AccuGuide auto-steering. Optum connectivity Optum tractors now come with with connectivity as standard, enabling owners to further exploit the tractor's potential in the field. Connected services and Case's FieldOps app capabilities are provided throughout the life of the machine's connectivity modem, with no recurring subscription fees. Additionally, when added to a customer account, new Optum models will enable qualifying existing machines to be upgraded to Connectivity Included at no extra cost. With FieldOps, customers gain near real-time access to both their machine and agronomic data simplifying the monitoring, planning, and evaluation of all operations as well as streamlining workflows and maximising efficiency, whatever the task.
