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UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________________________________ 
Form 10-Q
__________________________________________________________ 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED June 30, 2021
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______ TO _______
Commission File Number: 1-10864
__________________________________________________________ 
unh-20210630_g1.jpg
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 __________________________________________________________ 
Delaware 41-1321939
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
UnitedHealth Group Center 55343
9900 Bren Road East
Minnetonka,
Minnesota
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(952) 936-1300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_________________________________________________________  
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par valueUNHNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes No 
As of July 30, 2021, there were 942,917,366 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, issued and outstanding.



UNITEDHEALTH GROUP
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PART I
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share data)June 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$19,832 $16,921 
Short-term investments2,729 2,860 
Accounts receivable, net14,587 12,870 
Other current receivables, net12,630 12,534 
Assets under management4,198 4,076 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets4,940 4,457 
Total current assets58,916 53,718 
Long-term investments44,061 41,242 
Property, equipment and capitalized software, net
8,735 8,626 
Goodwill75,827 71,337 
Other intangible assets, net10,806 10,856 
Other assets11,947 11,510 
Total assets$210,292 $197,289 
Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity
Current liabilities:
Medical costs payable$25,131 $21,872 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities23,013 22,495 
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt3,868 4,819 
Unearned revenues2,365 2,842 
Other current liabilities22,180 20,392 
Total current liabilities76,557 72,420 
Long-term debt, less current maturities44,348 38,648 
Deferred income taxes3,641 3,367 
Other liabilities12,425 12,315 
Total liabilities136,971 126,750 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests1,299 2,211 
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value - 10 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
— — 
Common stock, $0.01 par value - 3,000 shares authorized; 943 and 946 issued and outstanding
10 10 
Additional paid-in capital— — 
Retained earnings73,090 69,295 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(4,086)(3,814)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
3,008 2,837 
Total equity72,022 68,328 
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity$210,292 $197,289 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in millions, except per share data)2021202020212020
Revenues:
Premiums$56,233 $49,394 $111,719 $100,034 
Products8,433 8,247 16,773 16,678 
Services6,099 4,156 12,017 9,141 
Investment and other income556 341 1,008 706 
Total revenues71,321 62,138 141,517 126,559 
Operating costs:
Medical costs46,546 34,678 91,450 75,678 
Operating costs10,359 10,001 20,582 20,016 
Cost of products sold7,660 7,501 15,232 15,188 
Depreciation and amortization778 717 1,536 1,440 
Total operating costs65,343 52,897 128,800 112,322 
Earnings from operations5,978 9,241 12,717 14,237 
Interest expense(410)(430)(807)(867)
Earnings before income taxes5,568 8,811 11,910 13,370 
Provision for income taxes(1,196)(2,115)(2,560)(3,209)
Net earnings4,372 6,696 9,350 10,161 
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests(106)(59)(222)(142)
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders$4,266 $6,637 $9,128 $10,019 
Earnings per share attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders:
Basic$4.52 $6.99 $9.66 $10.56 
Diluted$4.46 $6.91 $9.55 $10.43 
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding944 949 945 949 
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents12 11 11 12 
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding956 960 956 961 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of dilutive effect of common share equivalents11 11 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)2021202020212020
Net earnings$4,372 $6,696 $9,350 $10,161 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gross unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities during the period251 1,120 (513)771 
Income tax effect(58)(257)116 (177)
Total unrealized gains (losses), net of tax193 863 (397)594 
Gross reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net earnings(9)(11)(16)(29)
Income tax effect
Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax
(7)(8)(12)(22)
Total foreign currency translation gains (losses)554 (45)137 (1,544)
Other comprehensive income (loss)740 810 (272)(972)
Comprehensive income5,112 7,506 9,078 9,189 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(106)(59)(222)(142)
Comprehensive income attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders
$5,006 $7,447 $8,856 $9,047 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Nonredeemable Noncontrolling InterestsTotal
Equity
Three months ended June 30,
(in millions)
SharesAmountNet Unrealized Gains on InvestmentsForeign Currency Translation (Losses) Gains
Balance at March 31, 2021944 $10 $— $71,220 $741 $(5,567)$2,909 $69,313 
Net earnings
4,266 88 4,354 
Other comprehensive income186 554 740 
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects
— 292 292 
Share-based compensation
158 158 
Common share repurchases(3)— (221)(1,029)(1,250)
Cash dividends paid on common shares ($1.45 per share)
(1,367)(1,367)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments
(229)— (229)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
85 85 
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
(74)(74)
Balance at June 30, 2021943 $10 $— $73,090 $927 $(5,013)$3,008 $72,022 
Balance at March 31, 2020947 $10 $— $62,327 $306 $(5,666)$2,886 $59,863 
Net earnings
6,637 38 6,675 
Other comprehensive income (loss)855 (45)810 
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects
— 287 287 
Share-based compensation
144 144 
Common share repurchases— — — — — 
Cash dividends paid on common shares ($1.25 per share)
(1,188)(1,188)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments
(43)(43)
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
(33)(33)
Balance at June 30, 2020950 $10 $388 $67,776 $1,161 $(5,711)$2,891 $66,515 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Nonredeemable Noncontrolling InterestsTotal
Equity
Six months ended June 30,
(in millions)
SharesAmountNet Unrealized Gains (Losses) on InvestmentsForeign Currency Translation (Losses) Gains
Balance at January 1, 2021946 $10 $— $69,295 $1,336 $(5,150)$2,837 $68,328 
Net earnings
9,128 168 9,296 
Other comprehensive (loss) income(409)137 (272)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects
— 548 548 
Share-based compensation
400 400 
Common share repurchases(8)— (221)(2,679)(2,900)
Cash dividends paid on common shares ($2.70 per share)
(2,548)(2,548)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments
(727)(106)(833)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
151 151 
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
(148)(148)
Balance at June 30, 2021943 $10 $— $73,090 $927 $(5,013)$3,008 $72,022 
Balance at January 1, 2020948 $$$61,178 $589 $(4,167)$2,820 $60,436 
Adjustment to Adopt ASU 2016-13(28)(28)
Net earnings
10,019 97 10,116 
Other comprehensive income (loss)572 (1,544)(972)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects
607 608 
Share-based compensation
378 378 
Common share repurchases(6)— (510)(1,181)(1,691)
Cash dividends paid on common shares ($2.33 per share)
(2,212)(2,212)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments
(94)(94)
Acquisitions and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests50 50 
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
(76)(76)
Balance at June 30, 2020950 $10 $388 $67,776 $1,161 $(5,711)$2,891 $66,515 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in millions)20212020
Operating activities
Net earnings$9,350 $10,161 
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization1,536 1,440 
Deferred income taxes327 114 
Share-based compensation426 388 
Other, net(214)124 
Net change in other operating items, net of effects from acquisitions and changes in AARP balances:
Accounts receivable(1,218)(439)
Other assets(1,523)(3,784)
Medical costs payable3,086 (2,353)
Accounts payable and other liabilities298 7,591 
Unearned revenues(523)(296)
Cash flows from operating activities11,545 12,946 
Investing activities
Purchases of investments(8,847)(6,412)
Sales of investments1,408 3,548 
Maturities of investments4,650 3,437 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash assumed(4,642)(3,952)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software(1,130)(920)
Other, net(648)(186)
Cash flows used for investing activities(9,209)(4,485)
Financing activities
Common share repurchases(2,900)(1,691)
Cash dividends paid(2,548)(2,212)
Proceeds from common stock issuances764 870 
Repayments of long-term debt(1,900)— 
(Repayments of) proceeds from short-term borrowings, net(176)351 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt6,934 4,864 
Customer funds administered2,395 1,263 
Purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests(1,338)— 
Other, net(662)(421)
Cash flows from financing activities569 3,024 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(143)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents2,911 11,342 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period16,921 10,985 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$19,832 $22,327 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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UnitedHealth Group
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1.    Basis of Presentation
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (individually and together with its subsidiaries, “UnitedHealth Group” and “the Company”) is a diversified health care company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Our two complementary business platforms — Optum and UnitedHealthcare — are driven by this unified mission and vision to improve health care access, affordability, experiences and outcomes for the individuals and organizations we are privileged to serve.
The Company has prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has included the accounts of UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in its annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC (2020 10-K). The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present the interim financial statements fairly.
Use of Estimates
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to estimates and judgments for medical costs payable and goodwill. Certain of these estimates require the application of complex assumptions and judgments, often because they involve matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The impact of any change in estimates is included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is adjusted.
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2.    Investments
A summary of debt securities by major security type is as follows:
(in millions)Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
June 30, 2021
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations$3,526 $88 $(17)$3,597 
State and municipal obligations7,044 386 (7)7,423 
Corporate obligations21,116 628 (57)21,687 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities6,596 167 (30)6,733 
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,623 72 (10)2,685 
Total debt securities - available-for-sale40,905 1,341 (121)42,125 
Debt securities - held-to-maturity:
U.S. government and agency obligations412 — 416 
State and municipal obligations30 — 32 
Corporate obligations148 — (1)147 
Total debt securities - held-to-maturity590 (1)595 
Total debt securities$41,495 $1,347 $(122)$42,720 
December 31, 2020
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations$3,335 $133 $(3)$3,465 
State and municipal obligations6,893 435 — 7,328 
Corporate obligations18,886 863 (12)19,737 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities6,849 245 (3)7,091 
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,116 95 (4)2,207 
Total debt securities - available-for-sale38,079 1,771 (22)39,828 
Debt securities - held-to-maturity:
U.S. government and agency obligations420 — 426 
State and municipal obligations31 — 33 
Corporate obligations187 — 188 
Total debt securities - held-to-maturity638 — 647 
Total debt securities$38,717 $1,780 $(22)$40,475 
The Company held $2.8 billion and $2.3 billion of equity securities as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company’s investments in equity securities primarily consist of employee savings plan related investments, shares of Brazilian real denominated fixed-income funds with readily determinable fair values and other venture investments. Additionally, the Company’s investments included $1.3 billion of equity method investments in operating businesses in the health care sector as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was not material.
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The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of June 30, 2021, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
Available-for-SaleHeld-to-Maturity
(in millions)Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Due in one year or less$2,808 $2,822 $309 $310 
Due after one year through five years13,088 13,460 231 233 
Due after five years through ten years11,550 12,000 28 29 
Due after ten years4,240 4,425 22 23 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities6,596 6,733 — — 
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,623 2,685 — — 
Total debt securities$40,905 $42,125 $590 $595 
The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:
 Less Than 12 Months12 Months or Greater Total
(in millions)Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
June 30, 2021
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations
$1,201 $(17)$— $— $1,201 $(17)
State and municipal obligations777 (7)— — 777 (7)
Corporate obligations4,679 (56)229 (1)4,908 (57)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities2,668 (30)— — 2,668 (30)
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
713 (8)42 (2)755 (10)
Total debt securities - available-for-sale$10,038 $(118)$271 $(3)$10,309 $(121)
December 31, 2020
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations
$346 $(3)$— $— $346 $(3)
Corporate obligations1,273 (9)456 (3)1,729 (12)
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities601 (3)— — 601 (3)
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
195 (1)93 (3)288 (4)
Total debt securities - available-for-sale$2,415 $(16)$549 $(6)$2,964 $(22)
The Company’s unrealized losses from debt securities as of June 30, 2021 were generated from approximately 6,500 positions out of a total of 38,000 positions. The Company believes that it will collect the timely principal and interest due on its debt securities that have an amortized cost in excess of fair value. The unrealized losses were primarily caused by interest rate increases and not by unfavorable changes in the credit quality associated with these securities that impacted our assessment on collectability of principal and interest. At each reporting period, the Company evaluates available-for-sale debt securities for any credit-related impairment when the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. The Company evaluated the expected cash flows, the underlying credit quality and credit ratings of the issuers noting no significant credit deterioration since purchase. As of June 30, 2021, the Company did not have the intent to sell any of the available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Therefore, the Company believes these losses to be temporary. The allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was not material.
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3.    Fair Value
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or have fair values disclosed in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These assets and liabilities are classified into one of three levels of a hierarchy defined by GAAP.
For a description of the methods and assumptions that are used to estimate the fair value and determine the fair value hierarchy classification of each class of financial instrument, see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the 2020 10-K.
The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(in millions)Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Fair and Carrying
Value
June 30, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents$19,703 $129 $— $19,832 
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations3,379 218 — 3,597 
State and municipal obligations— 7,423 — 7,423 
Corporate obligations40 21,416 231 21,687 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities— 6,733 — 6,733 
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities— 2,685 — 2,685 
Total debt securities - available-for-sale3,419 38,475 231 42,125 
Equity securities1,917 20 — 1,937 
Assets under management 1,803 2,292 103 4,198 
Total assets at fair value$26,842 $40,916 $334 $68,092 
Percentage of total assets at fair value39 %60 %%100 %
December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$16,841 $80 $— $16,921 
Debt securities - available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations3,241 224 — 3,465 
State and municipal obligations— 7,328 — 7,328 
Corporate obligations25 19,424 288 19,737 
U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities— 7,091 — 7,091 
Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities— 2,207 — 2,207 
Total debt securities - available-for-sale3,266 36,274 288 39,828 
Equity securities1,795 33 — 1,828 
Assets under management 1,774 2,250 52 4,076 
Total assets at fair value$23,676 $38,637 $340 $62,653 
Percentage of total assets at fair value38 %61 %%100 %
There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 financial assets or liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 or 2020.
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The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(in millions)Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Fair
Value
Total Carrying Value
June 30, 2021
Debt securities - held-to-maturity$494 $93 $$595 $590 
Long-term debt and other financing obligations$— $54,023 $— $54,023 $47,091 
December 31, 2020
Debt securities - held-to-maturity$466 $108 $73 $647 $638 
Long-term debt and other financing obligations$— $51,254 $— $51,254 $42,171 
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities or financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when the Company records an impairment. There were no significant fair value adjustments for these assets and liabilities recorded during either the six months ended June 30, 2021 or 2020.
4.    Medical Costs Payable
The following table shows the components of the change in medical costs payable for the six months ended June 30:
(in millions)20212020
Medical costs payable, beginning of period$21,872 $21,690 
Acquisitions46 41 
Reported medical costs:
Current year92,570 76,338 
Prior years(1,120)(660)
Total reported medical costs91,450 75,678 
Medical payments:
Payments for current year
(69,808)(59,482)
Payments for prior years(18,429)(18,727)
Total medical payments(88,237)(78,209)
Medical costs payable, end of period$25,131 $19,200 
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, prior years medical cost reserve development was primarily driven by lower than expected health system utilization. Medical costs payable included reserves for claims incurred by insured customers but not yet reported to the Company of $16.9 billion and $14.8 billion at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
5.    Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
In May 2021, the Company issued $7.0 billion of senior unsecured notes consisting of the following:
(in millions, except percentages)Par Value
0.550% notes due May 2024
$1,000 
1.150% notes due May 2026
1,000 
2.300% notes due May 2031
1,500 
3.050% notes due May 2041
1,500 
3.250% notes due May 2051
2,000 
For more information on the Company’s short-term borrowings, debt covenants and long-term debt see Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the 2020 10-K.
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6.    Dividends
In June 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly cash dividend to shareholders to an annual rate of $5.80 compared to $5.00 per share, which the Company had paid since June 2020. Declaration and payment of future quarterly dividends is at the discretion of the Board and may be adjusted as business needs or market conditions change.
The following table provides details of the Company’s 2021 dividend payments:
Payment DateAmount per ShareTotal Amount Paid
(in millions)
March 23$1.25 $1,181 
June 29$1.45 $1,367 
7.    Commitments and Contingencies
Pending Acquisitions
The Company has entered into agreements to purchase companies in the health care sector, most notably Change Healthcare (NASDAQ: CHNG), subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The total anticipated capital required for these acquisitions, excluding the payoff of acquired indebtedness, is approximately $9 billion.
Legal Matters
Because of the nature of its businesses, the Company is frequently made party to a variety of legal actions and regulatory inquiries, including class actions and suits brought by members, care providers, consumer advocacy organizations, customers and regulators, relating to the Company’s businesses, including management and administration of health benefit plans and other services. These matters include medical malpractice, employment, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy and contract claims and claims related to health care benefits coverage and other business practices.
The Company records liabilities for its estimates of probable costs resulting from these matters where appropriate. Estimates of costs resulting from legal and regulatory matters involving the Company are inherently difficult to predict, particularly where the matters: involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages or may involve fines, penalties or punitive damages; present novel legal theories or represent a shift in regulatory policy; involve a large number of claimants or regulatory bodies; are in the early stages of the proceedings; or could result in a change in business practices. Accordingly, the Company is often unable to estimate the losses or ranges of losses for those matters where there is a reasonable possibility or it is probable that a loss may be incurred.
Government Investigations, Audits and Reviews
The Company has been involved or is currently involved in various governmental investigations, audits and reviews. These include routine, regular and special investigations, audits and reviews by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state insurance and health and welfare departments, state attorneys general, the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Civil Rights, the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Congressional committees, the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Defense Contract Audit Agency and other governmental authorities. Similarly, our international businesses are also subject to investigations, audits and reviews by applicable foreign governments, including South American and other non-U.S. governmental authorities. Certain of the Company’s businesses have been reviewed or are currently under review, including for, among other matters, compliance with coding and other requirements under the Medicare risk-adjustment model. CMS has selected certain of the Company’s local plans for risk adjustment data validation (RADV) audits to validate the coding practices of and supporting documentation maintained by health care providers and such audits may result in retrospective adjustments to payments made to the Company’s health plans.
On February 14, 2017, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its decision to pursue certain claims within a lawsuit initially asserted against the Company and filed under seal by a whistleblower in 2011. The whistleblower’s complaint, which was unsealed on February 15, 2017, alleges that the Company made improper risk adjustment submissions and violated the False Claims Act. On February 12, 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the Company’s motion to dismiss. In May 2018, DOJ moved to dismiss the Company’s counterclaims, which were filed in March 2018, and moved for partial summary judgment. In March 2019, the court denied the government’s motion for partial summary judgment and dismissed the Company’s counterclaims without prejudice. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the outcome that may result from this matter given its procedural status.
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8.    Segment Financial Information
The Company’s four reportable segments are UnitedHealthcare, OptumHealth, OptumInsight and OptumRx. For more information on the Company’s segments see Part I, Item I, “Business” and Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in the 2020 10-K.
The following tables present reportable segment financial information:
  Optum  
(in millions)UnitedHealthcareOptumHealthOptumInsightOptumRxOptum EliminationsOptumCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues - unaffiliated customers:
Premiums$52,858 $3,375 $— $— $— $3,375 $— $56,233 
Products— 33 8,391 — 8,433 — 8,433 
Services2,440 2,461 930 268 — 3,659 — 6,099 
Total revenues - unaffiliated customers
55,298 5,845 963 8,659 — 15,467 — 70,765 
Total revenues - affiliated customers
— 7,221 1,921 13,792 (478)22,456 (22,456)— 
Investment and other income
176 234 73 73 — 380 — 556 
Total revenues$55,474 $13,300 $2,957 $22,524 $(478)$38,303 $(22,456)$71,321 
Earnings from operations$3,095 $1,128 $762 $993 $— $2,883 $— $5,978 
Interest expense— — — — — — (410)(410)
Earnings before income taxes
$3,095 $1,128 $762 $993 $— $2,883 $(410)$5,568 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues - unaffiliated customers:
Premiums$47,039 $2,355 $— $— $— $2,355 $— $49,394 
Products— 27 8,213 — 8,247 — 8,247 
Services1,895 1,225 764 272 — 2,261 — 4,156 
Total revenues - unaffiliated customers
48,934 3,587 791 8,485 — 12,863 — 61,797 
Total revenues - affiliated customers
— 5,423 1,823 12,865 (447)19,664 (19,664)— 
Investment and other income
173 129 18 21 — 168 — 341 
Total revenues$49,107 $9,139 $2,632 $21,371 $(447)$32,695 $(19,664)$62,138 
Earnings from operations$7,007 $841 $561 $832 $— $2,234 $— $9,241 
Interest expense— — — — — — (430)(430)
Earnings before income taxes
$7,007 $841 $561 $832 $— $2,234 $(430)$8,811 
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  Optum  
(in millions)UnitedHealthcareOptumHealthOptumInsightOptumRxOptum EliminationsOptumCorporate and
Eliminations
Consolidated
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues - unaffiliated customers:
Premiums$105,416 $6,303 $— $— $— $6,303 $— $111,719 
Products— 17 70 16,686 — 16,773 — 16,773 
Services4,790 4,797 1,891 539 — 7,227 — 12,017 
Total revenues - unaffiliated customers
110,206 11,117 1,961 17,225 — 30,303 — 140,509 
Total revenues - affiliated customers
— 14,173 3,742 26,796 (953)43,758 (43,758)— 
Investment and other income
382 413 106 107 — 626 — 1,008 
Total revenues$110,588 $25,703 $5,809 $44,128 $(953)$74,687 $(43,758)$141,517 
Earnings from operations$7,203 $2,090 $1,541 $1,883 $— $5,514 $— $12,717 
Interest expense— — — — — — (807)(807)
Earnings before income taxes
$7,203 $2,090 $1,541 $1,883 $— $5,514 $(807)$11,910 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues - unaffiliated customers:
Premiums$95,632 $4,402 $— $— $— $4,402 $— $100,034 
Products— 16 56 16,606 — 16,678 — 16,678 
Services4,173 2,773 1,655 540 — 4,968 — 9,141 
Total revenues - unaffiliated customers
99,805 7,191 1,711 17,146 — 26,048 — 125,853 
Total revenues - affiliated customers
— 10,875 3,385 25,741 (851)39,150 (39,150)— 
Investment and other income
370 265 30 41 — 336 — 706 
Total revenues$100,175 $18,331 $5,126 $42,928 $(851)$65,534 $(39,150)$126,559 
Earnings from operations$9,895 $1,553 $1,097 $1,692 $— $4,342 $— $14,237 
Interest expense— — — — — — (867)(867)
Earnings before income taxes
$9,895 $1,553 $1,097 $1,692 $— $4,342 $(867)$13,370 
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ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read together with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes and with our 2020 10-K, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in that report. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to the terms “UnitedHealth Group,” “we,” “our” or “us” used throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations refer to UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Readers are cautioned that the statements, estimates, projections or outlook contained in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including discussions regarding financial prospects, economic conditions, trends and uncertainties contained in this Item 2, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. A description of some of the risks and uncertainties is set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2020 10-K and in the discussion below.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
General
UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health care company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Our two complementary businesses — Optum and UnitedHealthcare — are driven by this unified mission and vision to improve health care access, affordability, experiences and outcomes for the individuals and organizations we are privileged to serve.
We have four reportable segments across our two business platforms, Optum and UnitedHealthcare:
OptumHealth;
OptumInsight;
OptumRx; and
UnitedHealthcare, which includes UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealthcare Community & State and UnitedHealthcare Global.
Further information on our business is presented in Part I, Item 1, “Business” and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2020 10-K and additional information on our segments can be found in this Item 2 and in Note 8 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
COVID-19 Trends and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and the ultimate impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows remains uncertain. Overall care activity approached seasonal baselines, including a mix of temporary deferral of care activity and COVID-19 related care costs. The temporary deferral of care was more than offset by COVID-19 related care and testing costs, rebate requirements, and general economic impacts, such as impacts of unemployment. In future periods, care patterns may moderately exceed normal baselines as previously deferred care is obtained and acuity temporarily rises due to missed regular care. From time to time, health system capacity may be subject to possible increased volatility due to the pandemic. Specific trends and uncertainties related to our two business platforms are as follows:
Optum. COVID-19 related care costs continued to impact our OptumHealth risk-based care delivery businesses, which were partially offset by the continued temporary deferral of care. The temporary deferral of care reduced fee-for-service care delivery volume, as well as OptumInsight and OptumRx volume-based business activity, although we expect the impact to continue decreasing as care returns to, and potentially exceeds, normal levels. We believe COVID-19 will continue to influence customer and consumer behavior, both during and after the pandemic, which could impact how and where care is delivered and the manner in which consumers wish to receive their prescription drugs or infusion services. We expect COVID-19 related care costs and other economic impacts to be only partially offset by remaining temporary deferrals of care in the second half of the year as health systems return to seasonally adjusted levels of care. As a result of the dynamic situation and broad-reaching impact to the health system, the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our Optum businesses is uncertain.
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UnitedHealthcare. In 2021, we have continued expanded benefit coverage in areas such as COVID-19 related care and testing, telemedicine, and pharmacy; continuing to assist our customers, care providers, members and communities in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. UnitedHealthcare’s results of operations were negatively impacted by COVID-19 related care and testing, rebate requirements and other revenue impacts and broader economic impacts, partially offset by the continued deferral of care. Enrollment in our commercial products declined primarily due to employer actions in response to the pandemic, while the increase in people served through Medicaid was attributable in part to continuing action by states to ease redetermination requirements due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Increased consumer demand for care, potentially even higher acuity care, along with continued COVID-19 related care costs are expected to result in increased future medical costs in the second half of the year. Disrupted care patterns, as a result of the pandemic, have and may continue to temporarily affect the ability to obtain complete member health status information, impacting revenue in businesses utilizing risk adjustment methodologies. The ultimate overall impact is uncertain and dependent on the future pacing and intensity of the pandemic, the duration of policies and initiatives to address COVID-19, and general economic uncertainty.
Business Trends
Our businesses participate in the United States, South American and certain other international health markets. Overall spending on health care is impacted by inflation; utilization; medical technology and pharmaceutical advancement; regulatory requirements; demographic trends in the population; and national interest in health and well-being. The rate of market growth may be affected by a variety of factors, including macro-economic conditions, such as the impacts of COVID-19, and regulatory changes, which could impact our results of operations, including our continued efforts to control health care costs.
Pricing Trends. To price our health care benefit products, we start with our view of expected future costs, including any potential impacts from COVID-19. We frequently evaluate and adjust our approach in each of the local markets we serve, considering all relevant factors, such as product positioning, price competitiveness and environmental, competitive, legislative and regulatory considerations, including minimum medical loss ratio (MLR) thresholds and similar revenue adjustments. We will continue seeking to balance growth and profitability across all these dimensions.
The commercial risk market remains highly competitive in both the small group and large group segments. We expect broad-based competition to continue as the industry adapts to individual and employer needs amid reform changes.
Government programs in the community and senior sector tend to receive lower rates of increase than the commercial market due to governmental budget pressures and lower cost trends.
Medical Cost Trends. Our medical cost trends primarily relate to changes in unit costs, health system utilization and prescription drug costs. COVID-19 related care costs as well as the deferral of care have also impacted medical cost trends in the current year and may continue in future years. Future medical cost trends may be impacted by increased consumer demand for care, potentially even higher acuity care, due to the temporary deferral of care since the onset of the pandemic. We endeavor to mitigate those increases by engaging physicians and consumers with information and helping them make clinically sound choices, with the objective of helping them achieve high quality, affordable care. The continued uncertain impact of COVID-19 may impact our ability to estimate medical costs payable, which has resulted in, and could result in, increased variability to medical cost reserve development.
Regulatory Trends and Uncertainties
Following is a summary of management’s view of regulatory trends and uncertainties. For additional information regarding regulatory trends and uncertainties, see Part I, Item 1 “Business - Government Regulation,” Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2020 10-K.
Medicare Advantage Rates. Final 2022 Medicare Advantage rates resulted in an increase in industry base rates of approximately 4.1%, short of the industry forward medical cost trend. We continue to manage costs through improving and expanding our coordinated care models, value-based care arrangements and various consumer engagement tools.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tax. The Health Insurance Tax was permanently repealed by Congress, effective January 1, 2021. The permanent repeal of the tax impacts year-over-year comparability of our financial statements, including revenues, operating costs, medical care ratio (MCR), operating cost ratio, effective tax rate and cash flows from operations.
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SELECTED OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
The following summarizes select second quarter 2021 year-over-year operating comparisons to second quarter 2020.
Consolidated revenues grew 15%, UnitedHealthcare revenues grew 13% and Optum revenues grew 17%.
UnitedHealthcare served 1.1 million more people domestically, driven by growth in community and senior programs, partially offset a decrease in people served by our commercial business.
Consolidated and UnitedHealthcare earnings from operations decreased due to lower temporary deferrals of care caused by COVID-19, partially offset by an increase at Optum.
Diluted earnings per common share were $4.46.
Cash flows from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were $11.5 billion.
Return on equity was 25.2%.
RESULTS SUMMARY
The following table summarizes our consolidated results of operations and other financial information:
(in millions, except percentages and per share data)Three Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)Six Months Ended
 June 30,
Increase/(Decrease)
202120202021 vs. 2020202120202021 vs. 2020
Revenues:
Premiums$56,233 $49,394 $6,839 14 %$111,719 $100,034 $11,685 12 %
Products8,433 8,247 186 16,773 16,678 95 
Services6,099 4,156 1,943 47 12,017 9,141 2,876 31 
Investment and other income556 341 215 63 1,008 706 302 43 
Total revenues71,321 62,138 9,183 15 141,517 126,559 14,958 12 
Operating costs:
Medical costs46,546 34,678 11,868 34 91,450 75,678 15,772 21 
Operating costs10,359 10,001 358 20,582 20,016 566 
Cost of products sold7,660 7,501 159 15,232 15,188 44 — 
Depreciation and amortization778 717 61 1,536 1,440 96 
Total operating costs65,343 52,897 12,446 24 128,800 112,322 16,478 15 
Earnings from operations5,978 9,241 (3,263)(35)12,717 14,237 (1,520)(11)
Interest expense(410)(430)20 (5)(807)(867)60 (7)
Earnings before income taxes5,568 8,811 (3,243)(37)11,910 13,370 (1,460)(11)
Provision for income taxes(1,196)(2,115)919 (43)(2,560)(3,209)649 (20)
Net earnings4,372 6,696 (2,324)(35)9,350 10,161 (811)(8)
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests(106)(59)(47)80 (222)(142)(80)56 
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders$4,266 $6,637 $(2,371)(36)%$9,128 $10,019 $(891)(9)%
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders $4.46 $6.91 $(2.45)(35)%$9.55 $10.43 $(0.88)(8)%
Medical care ratio (a)82.8 %70.2 %12.6 %81.9 %75.7 %6.2 %
Operating cost ratio14.5 16.1 (1.6)14.5 15.8 (1.3)
Operating margin8.4 14.9 (6.5)9.0 11.2 (2.2)
Tax rate21.5 24.0 (2.5)21.5 24.0 (2.5)
Net earnings margin (b)6.0 10.7 (4.7)6.5 7.9 (1.4)
Return on equity (c)25.2 %44.0 %(18.8)%27.3 %33.7 %(6.4)%
(a)Medical care ratio is calculated as medical costs divided by premium revenue.
(b)Net earnings margin attributable to UnitedHealth Group shareholders.
(c)Return on equity is calculated as annualized net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders divided by average shareholders’ equity. Average shareholders’ equity is calculated using the shareholders’ equity balance at the end of the preceding year and the shareholders’ equity balances at the end of each of the quarters in the year presented.
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2021 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARED TO 2020 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Results
Revenue
The increases in revenue were primarily driven by the increase in the number of individuals served through Medicare Advantage and Medicaid; pricing trends; and organic and acquisition growth across the Optum business, primarily due to expansion in care delivery and managed services. The increases partially offset a decrease in individuals served through our commercial business due to the continued economic impacts of COVID-19.
Medical Costs and MCR
Medical costs increased as a result of increased COVID-19 related care costs, lower temporary care deferrals, growth in people served through Medicare Advantage and Medicaid and medical cost trends, partially offset by decreased people served in our commercial business. The MCR increased due to increased COVID-19 related care costs and the decreased deferral of care over the year ago quarter and the permanent repeal of the Health Insurance Tax. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, medical costs and the MCR were also impacted by increased prior year favorable reserve development.
Operating Cost Ratio
The operating cost ratio decreased primarily due to the permanent repeal of the Health Insurance Tax, COVID-19 impacts on revenue and operating costs in the prior year and operating efficiency gains, partially offset by business mix.
Income Tax Rate
Our effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the permanent repeal of the nondeductible Health Insurance Tax.
Reportable Segments
See Note 8 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report for more information on our segments. We utilize various metrics to evaluate and manage our reportable segments, including individuals served by UnitedHealthcare by major market segment and funding arrangement, people served by OptumHealth and adjusted scripts for OptumRx. These metrics are the main drivers of revenue, earnings and cash flows at each business. The metrics also allow management and investors to evaluate and understand business mix, customer penetration and pricing trends when comparing the metrics to revenue by segment.
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The following table presents a summary of the reportable segment financial information:
 Three Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)Six Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)
(in millions, except percentages)202120202021 vs. 2020202120202021 vs. 2020
Revenues
UnitedHealthcare$55,474 $49,107 $6,367 13 %$110,588 $100,175 $10,413 10 %
OptumHealth13,300 9,139 4,161 46 25,703 18,331 7,372 40 
OptumInsight2,957 2,632 325 12 5,809 5,126 683 13 
OptumRx22,524 21,371 1,153 44,128 42,928 1,200 
Optum eliminations(478)(447)(31)(953)(851)(102)12 
Optum38,303 32,695 5,608 17 74,687 65,534 9,153 14 
Eliminations(22,456)(19,664)(2,792)14 (43,758)(39,150)(4,608)12 
Consolidated revenues$71,321 $62,138 $9,183 15 %$141,517 $126,559 $14,958 12 %
Earnings from operations
UnitedHealthcare$3,095 $7,007 $(3,912)(56)%$7,203 $9,895 $(2,692)(27)%
OptumHealth1,128 841 287 34 2,090 1,553 537 35 
OptumInsight762 561 201 36 1,541 1,097 444 40 
OptumRx993 832 161 19 1,883 1,692 191 11 
Optum2,883 2,234 649 29 5,514 4,342 1,172 27 
Consolidated earnings from operations$5,978 $9,241 $(3,263)(35)%$12,717 $14,237 $(1,520)(11)%
Operating margin
UnitedHealthcare5.6 %14.3 %(8.7)%6.5 %9.9 %(3.4)%
OptumHealth8.5 9.2 (0.7)8.1 8.5 (0.4)
OptumInsight25.8 21.3 4.5 26.5 21.4 5.1 
OptumRx4.4 3.9 0.5 4.3 3.9 0.4 
Optum7.5 6.8 0.7 7.4 6.6 0.8 
Consolidated operating margin8.4 %14.9 %(6.5)%9.0 %11.2 %(2.2)%
UnitedHealthcare
The following table summarizes UnitedHealthcare revenues by business:
 Three Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)Six Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)
(in millions, except percentages)202120202021 vs. 2020202120202021 vs. 2020
UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual$14,942 $12,963 $1,979 15 %$29,574 $27,243 $2,331 %
UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement25,304 22,855 2,449 11 50,778 46,007 4,771 10 
UnitedHealthcare Community & State13,110 11,523 1,587 14 26,083 22,976 3,107 14 
UnitedHealthcare Global2,118 1,766 352 20 4,153 3,949 204 
Total UnitedHealthcare revenues$55,474 $49,107 $6,367 13 %$110,588 $100,175 $10,413 10 %
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The following table summarizes the number of individuals served by our UnitedHealthcare businesses, by major market segment and funding arrangement:
June 30,Increase/(Decrease)
(in thousands, except percentages)202120202021 vs. 2020
Commercial:
Risk-based7,840 8,065 (225)(3)%
Fee-based18,395 18,705 (310)(2)
Total commercial26,235 26,770 (535)(2)
Medicare Advantage6,385 5,605 780 14 
Medicaid7,130 6,210 920 15 
Medicare Supplement (Standardized)4,390 4,450 (60)(1)
Total community and senior17,905 16,265 1,640 10 
Total UnitedHealthcare - domestic medical44,140 43,035 1,105 
Global5,485 5,365 120 
Total UnitedHealthcare - medical49,625 48,400 1,225 %
Supplemental Data:
Medicare Part D stand-alone3,750 4,120 (370)(9)%
Commercial business decreased primarily due to increased unemployment. Medicare Advantage increased due to growth in people served through individual and group Medicare Advantage plans. The increase in people served through Medicaid was primarily driven by states continuing to ease redetermination requirements due to COVID-19, new state-based awards and growth in people served through Dual Special Needs Plans.
UnitedHealthcare’s revenue increased due to growth in the number of individuals served through Medicare Advantage and Medicaid and a greater mix of people with higher acuity needs, partially offset by a decrease in the number of individuals served through commercial benefits, the permanent repeal of the Health Insurance Tax and the impacts of COVID-19 on risk adjusted business. Earnings from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2021 decreased primarily due to the lower temporary deferral of care. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, earnings from operations decreased due to COVID-19 related care costs, reduction in people served through commercial benefits and the impacts of COVID-19 on risk adjusted business, partially offset by growth in people served through Medicare Advantage and Medicaid and the repeal of the Health Insurance Tax.
Optum
Total revenues and earnings from operations increased due to growth across the Optum businesses. The results by segment were as follows:
OptumHealth
Revenue at OptumHealth increased primarily due to organic growth and acquisitions in care delivery and the impact of COVID-19 at our fee-based businesses as consumers resumed elective care. Earnings from operations increased due to organic growth and acquisitions and cost management initiatives. COVID-19 related care costs and temporary care deferrals affected earnings from operations at our risk-based and fee-based businesses in offsetting manners. OptumHealth served approximately 99 million people as of June 30, 2021 compared to 97 million people as of June 30, 2020.
OptumInsight
Revenue at OptumInsight increased primarily due to growth in technology and managed services and increased activity levels in our volume-based services as a result of care activity normalizing for payer and care provider clients. Earnings from operations increased primarily due to productivity gains and cost management initiatives, as well as the factors impacting revenue.
OptumRx
Revenue and earnings from operations at OptumRx increased due to higher script volumes, pricing trends and organic growth in pharmacy care services. Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 also increased due to acquisitions. Earnings from operations also increased as a result of continued supply chain management initiatives. OptumRx fulfilled 342 million and 316 million adjusted scripts in the second quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase was due to the continued recovery of script volumes from the second quarter of 2020 where volumes were negatively impacted by COVID-19, dispensing of COVID-19 vaccines and organic growth.
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LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Summary of our Major Sources and Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
 Six Months Ended June 30,Increase/(Decrease)
(in millions)202120202021 vs. 2020
Sources of cash:
Cash provided by operating activities$11,545 $12,946 $(1,401)
Issuances of short-term borrowings and long-term debt, net of repayments4,858 5,215 (357)
Proceeds from common stock issuances764 870 (106)
Customer funds administered2,395 1,263 1,132 
Sales and maturities of investments, net of purchases— 573 (573)
Total sources of cash19,562 20,867 
Uses of cash:
Common stock repurchases(2,900)(1,691)(1,209)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash assumed(4,642)(3,952)(690)
Purchases of investments, net of sales and maturities (2,789)— (2,789)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software(1,130)(920)(210)
Cash dividends paid(2,548)(2,212)(336)
Purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests(1,338)— (1,338)
Other(1,310)(607)(703)
Total uses of cash(16,657)(9,382)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(143)149 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents$2,911 $11,342 $(8,431)
2021 Cash Flows Compared to 2020 Cash Flows
Decreased cash flows provided by operating activities were primarily driven by decreased net earnings due to the lower temporary deferral of care, the timing of prior year federal income tax payments and changes in working capital accounts. Other significant changes in sources or uses of cash year-over-year included increased net purchases of investments, purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests and increased share repurchases, partially offset by increased customer funds administered.
Financial Condition
As of June 30, 2021, our cash, cash equivalent, available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities balances of $64.7 billion included approximately $19.8 billion of cash and cash equivalents (of which $1.5 billion was available for general corporate use), $42.1 billion of debt securities and $2.8 billion of investments in equity securities. Given the significant portion of our portfolio held in cash and cash equivalents, we do not anticipate fluctuations in the aggregate fair value of our financial assets to have a material impact on our liquidity or capital position. Our available-for-sale debt securities portfolio had a weighted-average duration of 3.8 years and a weighted-average credit rating of “Double A” as of June 30, 2021. When multiple credit ratings are available for an individual security, the average of the available ratings is used to determine the weighted-average credit rating.
Capital Resources and Uses of Liquidity
In addition to cash flows from operations and cash and cash equivalent balances available for general corporate use, our capital resources and uses of liquidity are as follows:
Cash Requirements. A summary of our cash requirements as of December 31, 2020 was disclosed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2020 10-K. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no material changes to this previously disclosed information outside the ordinary course of business. We believe our capital resources are sufficient to meet future, short-term and long-term, liquidity needs. We continually evaluate opportunities to expand our operations, including through internal development of new products, programs and technology applications and acquisitions.

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Short-Term Borrowings. Our revolving bank credit facilities provide liquidity support for our commercial paper borrowing program, which facilitates the private placement of unsecured debt through independent broker-dealers, and are available for general corporate purposes. For more information on our commercial paper and bank credit facilities, see Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in our 2020 10-K.
Our revolving bank credit facilities contain various covenants, including covenants requiring us to maintain a defined debt to debt-plus-shareholders’ equity ratio of not more than 60%. As of June 30, 2021, our debt to debt-plus-shareholders’ equity ratio, as defined and calculated under the credit facilities, was approximately 39%.
Long-Term Debt. Periodically, we access capital markets and issue long-term debt for general corporate purposes, such as, to meet our working capital requirements, to refinance debt, to finance acquisitions or for share repurchases. For more information on our long-term debt, see Note 5 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report and Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in our 2020 10-K.
Credit Ratings. Our credit ratings as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:
  
Moody’sS&P GlobalFitchA.M. Best
 RatingsOutlookRatingsOutlookRatingsOutlookRatingsOutlook
Senior unsecured debtA3StableA+StableAStableA-Positive
Commercial paperP-2n/aA-1n/aF1n/aAMB-1n/a
The availability of financing in the form of debt or equity is influenced by many factors, including our profitability, operating cash flows, debt levels, credit ratings, debt covenants and other contractual restrictions, regulatory requirements and economic and market conditions. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings or adverse conditions in the capital markets may increase the cost of borrowing for us or limit our access to capital.
Share Repurchase Program. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we repurchased approximately 8 million shares at an average price of $365.03 per share. As of June 30, 2021, we had Board authorization to purchase up to 50 million shares of our common stock.
Dividends. In June 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly cash dividend to shareholders to an annual rate of $5.80 compared to $5.00 per share. For more information on our dividend, see Note 6 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Pending Acquisitions. The Company has entered into agreements to purchase companies in the health care sector, most notably Change Healthcare (NASDAQ: CHNG), subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The total anticipated capital required for these acquisitions, excluding the payoff of acquired indebtedness, is approximately $9 billion.
For additional liquidity discussion, see Note 10 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 in our 2020 10-K.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
There are no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
In preparing our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to make judgments, assumptions and estimates, which we believe are reasonable and prudent based on the available facts and circumstances. These judgments, assumptions and estimates affect certain of our revenues and expenses and their related balance sheet accounts and disclosure of our contingent liabilities. We base our assumptions and estimates primarily on historical experience and consider known and projected trends. On an ongoing basis, we re-evaluate our selection of assumptions and the method of calculating our estimates. Actual results, however, may materially differ from our calculated estimates, and this difference would be reported in our current operations.
Our critical accounting estimates include medical costs payable and goodwill. For a detailed description of our critical accounting estimates, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 in our 2020 10-K. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements” in our 2020 10-K.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements, estimates, projections, guidance or outlook contained in this document include “forward-looking” statements which are intended to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities law. The words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those that management expects, depending on the outcome of certain factors including: risks associated with public health crises, large-scale medical emergencies and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to effectively estimate, price for and manage medical costs; new or changes in existing health care laws or regulations, or their enforcement or application; the DOJ’s legal action relating to the risk adjustment submission matter; our ability to maintain and achieve improvement in quality scores impacting revenue; reductions in revenue or delays to cash flows received under government programs; changes in Medicare, the CMS star ratings program or the application of risk adjustment data validation audits; failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems or if our technology products do not operate as intended; cyberattacks, other privacy/data security incidents, or our failure to comply with related regulations; risks and uncertainties associated with the pharmacy benefits management industry; competitive pressures; changes in or challenges to our public sector contract awards; our ability to contract on competitive terms with physicians, hospitals and other service providers; failure to attract, develop, retain, and manage the succession of key employees and executives; the impact of potential changes in tax laws and regulations (including any increase in the U.S. income tax rate applicable to corporations); failure to achieve targeted operating cost productivity improvements; increases in costs and other liabilities associated with litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; failure to manage successfully our strategic alliances or complete or receive anticipated benefits of strategic transactions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; downgrades in our credit ratings; our investment portfolio performance; impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets; and our ability to obtain sufficient funds from our regulated subsidiaries or from external financings to fund our obligations, maintain our debt to total capital ratio at targeted levels, maintain our quarterly dividend payment cycle, or continue repurchasing shares of our common stock. This above list is not exhaustive. We discuss these matters, and certain risks that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations more fully in our filings with the SEC, including our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual results may vary materially from expectations expressed or implied in this document or any of our prior communications. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We manage exposure to market interest rates by diversifying investments across different fixed-income market sectors and debt across maturities, as well as by matching a portion of our floating-rate assets and liabilities, either directly or through the use of interest rate swap contracts. Unrealized gains and losses on investments in available-for-sale debt securities are reported in comprehensive income.
The following table summarizes the impact of hypothetical changes in market interest rates across the entire yield curve by 1% point or 2% points as of June 30, 2021 on our investment income and interest expense per annum, and the fair value of our investments and debt (in millions, except percentages):
June 30, 2021
Increase (Decrease) in Market Interest RateInvestment
Income Per
Annum (a)
Interest
Expense Per
Annum (a)
Fair Value of
Financial Assets (b)
Fair Value of
Financial Liabilities
2 %$472 $204 $(3,200)$(8,864)
1236 102 (1,615)(4,831)
(1)(88)(10)1,222 5,640 
(2)(88)(10)1,555 11,426 
Note: Given the low absolute level of short-term market rates on our floating-rate assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021, the assumed hypothetical change in interest rates does not reflect the full 100 and 200 basis point reduction in interest income or interest expense, as the rates are assumed not to fall below zero. As of June 30, 2021 some of our investments had interest rates below 2% so the assumed hypothetical change in the fair value of investments does not reflect the full 200 basis point reduction.
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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In connection with the filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, management evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2021. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2021.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A description of our legal proceedings is included in and incorporated by reference to Note 7 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our 2020 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our 2020 10-K are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors as disclosed in our 2020 10-K.
ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In November 1997, our Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program, which the Board evaluates periodically. There is no established expiration date for the program. During the second quarter 2021, we repurchased approximately 3 million shares at an average price of $394.60 per share. As of June 30, 2021, we had Board authorization to purchase up to 50 million shares of our common stock.
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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS*
The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference herein in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The Company files Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under Commission File No. 1-10864.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and embedded within Exhibit 101).
 ________________
*Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of instruments defining the rights of certain holders of long-term debt are not filed. The Company will furnish copies thereof to the SEC upon request.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INCORPORATED
 
/s/ ANDREW P. WITTY
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Dated:August 3, 2021
Andrew P. Witty  
/s/ JOHN F. REX
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Dated:August 3, 2021
John F. Rex  
/s/ THOMAS E. ROOS
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Dated:August 3, 2021
Thomas E. Roos  
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