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April 17, 2020

UnitedHealth Group Profits Surge as Coronavirus Spreads
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The for-profit health insurance giant United Health Group reported
profits grew by over $160 million during the first quarter of 2020, as
demand for nonessential medical treatment plummeted while coronavirus
hospitalizations surged. United Health reported a 3.4% year-over-year
increase in quarterly earnings to $5 billion. Former health insurance
executive Wendell Potter tweeted in response, "The earnings were so
good, the company said it still expects to make as much in total profits
this year as they predicted in December … when no one could predict the
massive loss of life & jobs caused by the coronavirus. In other words,
they're thriving during a pandemic."


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