UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the United States and the 19th-largest company globally by market capitalization, is vigorously opposing a non-binding shareholder proposal that seeks increased transparency about the costs of delayed and denied healthcare. This proposal, filed by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), addresses the macroeconomic implications of UnitedHealth's practices. The investors argue that these practices could negatively impact the broader U.S. economy, as more than 5% of the country's gross domestic product flows through UnitedHealth Group each day.
The proposal represents a novel attempt to hold insurance companies accountable for the economic ripple effects of their policies. It requests UnitedHealth Group to prepare detailed reports on how delayed and denied care might affect the economy. This move is seen as part of a broader effort by investors, who are concerned that such practices could undermine the value of their diverse investment portfolios.
UnitedHealth Group has attempted to block this proposal from being included in proxy statements, citing technicalities. Despite these efforts, the filing has gained traction. The proposal was initiated following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and highlights a pressing demand for accountability in the healthcare sector.
"The investors we work with are interested in long-term value creation." – Meg Jones-Monteiro, senior director of health equity at ICCR.
The ICCR, along with collaborating members from the Investor Coalition for Corporate Responsibility, spearheads this initiative. They emphasize the interconnectedness of different sectors within investment portfolios and how actions in one can impact another.
"When you think about the investment portfolios our members have, they are very diverse. What happens in one sector impacts another." – Meg Jones-Monteiro, senior director of health equity at ICCR.
Shirley Westcott, senior vice-president at Alliance Advisors in the corporate governance group, noted the unprecedented nature of this proposal.
"I’ve been tracking shareholder proposals for many years. I have not seen anything like this before." – Shirley Westcott, senior vice-president at Alliance Advisors in the corporate governance group.
The proposal's emphasis on transparency aims to reveal the externalities created by UnitedHealth Group's policies. Investors believe that understanding these impacts is crucial, as overall financial market performance significantly influences portfolio returns.
"Overall performance of financial markets determines 75-94% of portfolio returns." – Investors