UNH · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

No Surprises Act Cost Impact

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC · 2026-08-10 · Importance 46 · Surprise 42

Commercial medical cost trend remains elevated partly because of the independent resolution process under the federal No Surprises Act and more aggressive provider billing practices. UnitedHealth reports that higher provider reimbursement under the Act continues to affect commercial medical costs and increased service and coding intensity. The company has elevated audit, clinical-policy and payment-integrity tools to mitigate unnecessary costs.

Key facts

• UnitedHealth stated that commercial medical cost trend is elevated in part due to the independent resolution process under the No Surprises Act and more aggressive billing practice among providers. source