UnitedHealth(US:UNH) The Motley Foolยท2025-05-21 20:59Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's stock has significantly declined due to allegations of secret payments to nursing homes aimed at reducing hospital stays, raising concerns about the company's practices and overall stability [1][2][5] Group 1: Stock Performance - UnitedHealth Group's stock fell by 5.8% as of market close, contrasting with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, which dropped by 1.6% and 1.4% respectively [1] Group 2: Allegations and Investigations - An investigative report claims that UnitedHealth made undisclosed bonus payments to nursing homes to prevent hospital admissions, with staff allegedly intervening in cases where residents required immediate care [2][3] - The company is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for fraudulent billing practices, adding to a series of troubling reports regarding its operations [5] Group 3: Operational Practices - UnitedHealth has integrated itself into the daily operations of nearly 2,000 nursing homes across the country, with a former executive indicating that profitability is gained by denying care, which can lead to inappropriate actions when shareholder profits are threatened [3]