UNH · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Medical Cost Trend / Benefit Ratio

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC · 2026-08-10 · Importance 32 · Surprise 24

UnitedHealth Group observed increased care patterns, health care unit costs and service intensity during 2026, driven by provider pricing and additional services bundled per visit. Commercial medical cost trends were elevated partly because of the independent resolution process under the No Surprises Act and more aggressive provider billing practices. Higher provider reimbursement under the No Surprises Act and increased service and coding intensity continued to affect commercial medical costs in the six months ended June 30, 2026. The Company is responding with enhanced audit, clinical policy and payment-integrity tools and cost-management initiatives.

Key facts

• Medical costs for the three months ended June 30, 2026 were $75,358 million compared to $78,585 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. source
• Medical costs decreased $3,227 million (4%) for the three months ended June 30, 2026 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025 ($75,358 million vs. $78,585 million). source
• 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
• Medical care ratio (MCR) was 86.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2026 compared to 89.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of 2.7 percentage points. source