UnitedHealth Group has initiated a voluntary resignation separation program, offering buyouts to certain employees as part of efforts to align its workforce with evolving business needs. The company did not disclose the number of targeted buyouts but stated that additional severance would be provided based on employee tenure. If insufficient employees opt for voluntary separation, layoffs may follow. UnitedHealth Group, which employs approximately 400,000 people, has seen a reduction from 440,000 at the end of 2023, partly due to divesting its Brazilian hospital and clinic business. The company continues to hire, with 3,418 job openings currently listed. Challenges include rising medical costs and scrutiny over health insurance coverage denials. Public backlash against the industry intensified following the murder of Brian Thompson, former UnitedHealthcare CEO, in December 2023. — news from Star Tribune
