N@N

How UnitedHealthcare and mega-insurers came to dominate the $4.5 trillion health care industry that Americans both hate and rely upon

The article from MSN discusses the significant influence of major health insurance companies like UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, and Cigna in the U.S. healthcare system, which is valued at $4.5 trillion. These companies have grown through mergers and acquisitions, leading to a highly concentrated market where they not only provide insurance but also manage pharmacy benefits, own pharmacies, and even provide medical care through acquisitions like UnitedHealth's Optum. This vertical integration allows them to control various aspects of healthcare delivery, potentially reducing competition and affecting costs and quality of care. The article highlights how this consolidation has led to a system where Americans are heavily dependent on these insurers for healthcare access, yet there's widespread dissatisfaction due to high costs, administrative complexities, and perceived profit-driven motives over patient care. It also touches on regulatory concerns about market power and the implications for healthcare policy, including debates over Medicare Advantage plans and the role of private insurers in public health programs.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/how-unitedhealthcare-and-mega-insurers-came-to-dominate-the-4-5-trillion-health-care-industry-that-americans-both-hate-and-rely-upon/ar-AA1vRgSA ]