UNH · News · 20261021N

No Surprises Act Cost Pressure

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC · 2026-10-21 · Importance 45 · Surprise 42

UnitedHealth executives said healthcare and health-insurance costs remain stubbornly high relative to historical trends, despite some stabilization. CEO Tim Noel said the cost environment could impair the company’s long-term objectives in commercial insurance. UnitedHealth plans to increase rates for 2027 commercial plans to offset higher costs. Executives attributed a major portion of the pressure to alleged abuse of the No Surprises Act dispute process by certain clinician groups, which has increased arbitration payments.

Key facts

• UnitedHealth Group identified the "abuse of the No Surprises Act dispute process" by certain clinician groups as a major contributor to high costs, resulting in excessive arbitration payments. source